2nd August 2024

Kia ora e te whānau,
Despite the turn of weather at the beginning of the week it was great that the 3 Peaks cross country event could go ahead on Thursday and that our school was so well represented. Not only did the children run well but I have had great feedback on the fantastic behaviour and teamwork shown on the day.

Attendance

Building great home and school relationships with the support of teachers and the Wellbeing Room is resulting in more positive attendance results.

The Ministry of Education summary of attendance below shows the improvement in Term 2, 2024 compared to Term 2, 2023. The improvement in regular attendance is great particularly when you consider that last term we had, covid, influenza, slap cheek and a tummy bug in the school. Regular attendance at school is just as important for developing social and emotional wellbeing as improving academic results.

The Ministry of Education attendance goals are for 80% of children in New Zealand to have regular attendance at school. Regular means less than 5 absences in a term and moderate to chronic absence equates to 2-3 weeks a term absent or 1 or more days every week. You can see your child’s attendance data for each term in the Hero app

Let’s keep working together to ensure our children get the best start in their learning journey.

Reports and Meetings Next Week

We look forward to seeing whānau next week to share the mid year reports on Hero. If you have not had a chance to make an appointment you can use the app or contact the office. An explanation sheet of what to expect in the reports will come home this week so whānau is prepared. The purpose of these meetings is to talk through the new reports and your child/ren’s current learning.

Principal Appreciation Week

I was very lucky this week to be surprised by morning tea, a song and cheer made up about me and a beautiful card for principal appreciation week! On the 20th of August it will be my one year anniversary at Palmerston School. I have really enjoyed the year and I am looking forward to all the great things we can do together for our tamariki.

Genius Games

I really enjoy having the opportunity to spend time in the classroom with children. Yesterday we learned about problem solving and perseverance playing Genius Games.