Sadly at the end of the year we will be saying goodbye to a couple of staff members. Miss Nikki Oldridge is moving to her home in Whangamata where she can be closer to her fiance. Nikki has won a position at Tairua Primary School. In addition Miss Shae Warren will also be leaving us. Shae is moving to Melbourne to also be with her partner. Shae has won a position as an educator for Dream City. While both Nikki and Shae are significant losses to both their syndicate teams and our wider school team, they have our full support and we wish them well. 

As a result over the past few weeks we have been going through the process with making new appointments. I am delighted to let you know that Mrs Kim MacPherson will be remaining with us on a more permanent basis. Kim has been our new entrant teacher since Term 3 and has developed wonderful relationships with both the children and parents. She has proven experience and skills. As well, Kim is a mother of two children, one we are lucky to have attend our school. In addition, Miss Hannah Richardson will be joining us for 2020. Hannah is Puketaha through and through. Having lived here for 15+ years now and being an ex pupil of our school, Hannah brings with her some genuine knowledge of our school and our community. Having worked as YMCA Team Leader this year while finishing her studies in our before and after school care we have seen first hand the care, kindness and time she gives to our children. We are delighted with these appointments and look forward to the skills and knowledge they will bring to our team. 

Another exciting addition to our team for 2020 is the appointment of Raewyn Forsyth. Raewyn takes on a new Ministry of Education Role of Learning Support Coordinator (LSC). This initiative is designed to ensure we are able to facilitate and coordinator as much specific support as possible to children who need it and ensure that the support is accessible and close to the child. This role will be shared with Rototuna Junior High in a 60/40 ratio. Raewyn is early childhood trained and for the last 3 years has worked for a private tutoring company specialising in supporting children with Dyslexia and Disgraphia. In addition Raewyn has worked for both the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki (previously known as CYFS). She has done a large amount of professional learning under the 'Speld' umbrella. We feel very fortunate having Raewyn join our team in this capacity and know she will add much value to our learners, in particular our learners who are needing that extra support.