Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children.

At the risk of speaking to soon, it has been great to have our first 'on site' full term this year. Simply, schools are a better places with children in them.

Last week we hosted the EWCS and WFPSA Speech Finals. Speeches are very much a long standing institutional part of our schooling programme. My belief, that while it is not for everyone, it does provide a platform for children to stretch themselves, reach outside their comfort zone and gain experience with communicating in an environment that can be quite confronting, while still being very supportive and safe. As a team we were very proud of all our children who presented their speeches. 

Currently, the school is a buzz of activity with our Year 5 - 8 Production. The very special thing about Puketaha Schools productions is that they are made from the ground up by all the children. It is such an inclusive and engaging context for children to thrive in. As we are moving into Alert Level 1 next Monday it will be great to see as many of you there as possible. 

Finally, we are starting to see the children wilt a little. In reflection, I do feel we must not under estimate the potential toll that the events of this year has and may still have on our children. They are very much in tune with the varying impacts of Covid19. We as a school take comfort that you as parents are aware of that and continue to support the children as well as us as we continue to carve our pathway together. 

Finally, I would like to leave you with a blog post below. I feel it separates the difference in meanings of 'lessons' and 'learning' well. It reinforces the notion that our school is a place of learning rather than a place where lessons are taught.

“Taking” lessons

What an accurate and horrible term.

It’s hard to imagine that most people would look forward to taking lessons. In the piano or arithmetic or anything else.

You take medicine. You take your punishment. It’s unwanted but grudgingly accepted.

The term gives away the intent behind it.

Learning is different. Learning is something we get to do, it’s a dance, an embrace, a chance to turn on some lights.

You don’t take a workshop. You are part of one (Seth Godin)

Warm Regards

Geoff