Kia ora koutou
We have finally reached the end of what has been a very long term. I am sure that everyone - children, teachers, support staff and parents have earned a break and a rest. I hope that you have the opportunity to have one.
The last couple of weeks have been very positive at Freeville School.
School Roll - Our roll continues to rise and we now have 304 students at school. We are opening another Year 1 class next term in one of the relocatables by the field. Helena Ballard will be teaching the class. She has been relieving for Anne Westwood while she has been away so the children know her very well. We should have around 320 students by the end of the year, and expect to start 2012 with about 300.
Van Fundraising - We have recently had confirmed that Pub Charity via the Wave Bar in New Brighton have donated just over $45 000 so that we can purchase the second of our new vans. We are just waiting on our LTSA number to arrive then we will be able to take possession of our two new vans, organise the sign writing and get them on the road. Exciting stuff!
Learning Celebrations - I have enjoyed getting to some of the Learning Celebrations that have been held over the past few days. I particularly enjoyed our senior students"$5 Gourmet" where they prepared and served staff with a fantastic meal for $5 (see photo above). Should be a weekly occurrence!
Property - Rooms 3 & 4 are finally out of the school hall and have moved into their relocatable classrooms. I know that there was great excitement this week as they took over their rooms. We will be setting up the library at the back of the hall so that our children will at last be able to have class library times again. We are also looking forward to having assemblies again next term as we have really missed being able to gather together as a whole school.
Farewell - Yesterday we farewelled Isabel Nisbet who has retired from her role as Teacher Aide Librarian after 23 years at Freeville School. We wish Isabel and Peter all the best for a long and enjoyable retirement. Jude Bell will be taking over Isabel's role until the end of the year.
Zumba - Please remember that next term there will be Zumba in the hall every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. There will be a session for students from 1pm to 1.45pm and then a session for parents from 2 pm to 3pm. This is FREE thanks to the Salvation Army. Please come along and get those endorphins going.
Looking ahead - Next term is very short, will go very fast and will have lots of events. Please ask if you are not sure about anything. Good communication between home and school is really important and is a two way street. Fingers crossed for a smooth and steady term 4.
Ngā mihi
John
