Principal's message

Thank you to everyone who attended our students' Learning Conversations yesterday. What a wonderful day it was, with conversations centred on students’ learning. There was such a positive buzz talking to people as they left.

Tēnā koutou katoa, Malo e lelei, Talofa lava, Bula vinaka

By making time to meet with your child's classroom teacher, you are sending a clear message that you are invested in their learning and success at O.I.S. These conversations are crucial for building positive home and school connections, which are essential for successful outcomes for your children.

We understand that some whānau were unable to attend due to illness or other commitments. When you are feeling better or have some time, please connect with your child’s teacher and make the time to participate. It is an expectation that every student is to have a Learning Conversation with their whānau and teacher.

We appreciate you allowing us to dedicate the day to these conversations. We believe that having one full day, rather than spreading them over three nights, is much better for both teacher well-being and student outcomes.

Rooms 5 and 9 will have their Learning Conversations rescheduled. We’ll be in touch as to when this will happen.

This week we have had a number of our staff and pupils, yet again, hit with the flu along with other illnesses. As I mentioned last week in the newsletter, if your child is unwell, they must recover at home until they are well enough to return to school.

Next week, we welcome our first round of partnership tech groups for the term. I know that they will enjoy our technology areas.

This week, our Year 8 team has been out and about learning about the war memorials in town and their significance. They walked part of the cape to visit the gun emplacement. There also used to be some other buildings on the cape, including a lighthouse, a mess hall, a kitchen and latrine and an additional magazine. 

The classes also visited the Junction and looked at the plaque on the large granite boulder, as well as discussing the oak and cross for Donald Forrester-Brown.

With a cold snap approaching, it is a timely reminder that students who have a blue polar fleece are welcome to wear a jacket over top outside on the way to school or at break times.

Thank you for your support with your child regarding bike safety. It is important that we continue to work together to ensure our students are safe on our roads.