Principal’s Message – April 2023

You will see elsewhere in this Newsletter that Ngā Puna o Waiōrea has again taken out first place in both Division 1 (the Premier division) and Division 2, and second place in Division 3 of the Maori stage at Polyfest 2023.  Another awesome achievement that reflects the dedication of the ākonga, kaiako, tutors and whānau for this rōopu.

The current and planned industrial action in support of better pay and conditions for teachers is certainly impacting on school operations, which of course is the point of the actions being taken.  Messages of support to MPs, ministry officials and the like I know would be gratefully acknowledged by colleagues as they struggle to address shortcomings in the sector – pay to attract people into the profession (staffing schools is becoming increasingly difficult) as well as  the support and employment conditions needed and required to manage the increasingly complex needs of many students in our schools.  I know our teachers deserve far more than what is being offered at present!

We are currently ‘gearing up’ for the winter sports season and it is pleasing to see the numbers of our students signing up for teams.  The big codes are becoming huge – basketball and netball fielding over 12 teams in each code, then we have football, hockey, volleyball, rugby, badminton, waterpolo, table tennis and squash fielding multiple teams.  Sign up – it’s not too late!

Lost property end of term stocktake reveals a number of valuable items (watches and jewellery) that have never been claimed.  If you son or daughter has lost something please ask them to check in with our front office.  They may just have it.

Finally to our students, enjoy this holiday break – a little longer than usual and be prepared for a busy term 2.  My Community Update sent out on Thursday indicated how disruptive the industrial action is likely to be so it is important that you are at school every day that you can be.

Ngā mihi,

Ivan Davis
Principal