By Simon Clarke | Posted: Monday June 10, 2019
What a busy three weeks it has been with Kaikville and Book Week!
Kaikville was another huge effort from everyone and a special thanks to the teachers, teacher aides and all of the parents who supported their children in their learning. I know that many rich conversations happened during the week, and you can learn more about the week via the syndicate articles in this newsletter.
I do want to also thank Ron Clink for coming down from Wellington as our "critical friend". Ron now works for the Ministry of Business and Innovation, but he was the original creator of the Kaikville concept. He was able to provide us with some interesting insights on how to create more interdependence between the companies and suggested allowing the programme to run longer so students can act upon their learning among many other things. I am sure this feedback will make Kaikville even better next time.
The building plans are on track still as we head into the next stage. The project has been QSed this week and is close enough to budget to continue with the current design. In the building update article, we have a survey that parents who are interested in sending their child to school on a scooter and bike need to fill out.
I can announce that Mark Pickering has been employed to take over from Ryan Inglis at the start of Term 3. Mark is a Year 5/6 teacher at St Clair School, and I am sure will be a valuable addition to the staff.
Congratulations to the new Board of Trustees consisting of incumbent members; Felicia Ward, Dougal McGowan, Ros Allison, Malcolm Couling and Katie Devereux and a warm welcome to David Cooper who will be joining the Board for the first time. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with the new Board and continuing the work of the last Board.
Finally, it appears that the teacher and principal contract negotiations are drawing to a close. An electronic vote will be taken on Wednesday, and if positive, it will be ratified soon after bringing an end to industrial action. Thank you to the many parents who have expressed solidarity with the teachers throughout this challenging time. Your support as always is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Simon Clarke