In Brief:

• Term 3 commences on Tuesday 23 July at the normal time;
• Calendar (Term Fixtures) in StACNet;
• Lost Property – please check the items in the foyer;
• Parent Interviews will be held in Week 2, Monday 29 July – Thursday 1 August. All Year 4–8 children are required to attend the interviews. If there is no suitable time available for you, please contact your child’s class teacher directly (via email).
  • Site link: www.schoolinterviews.co.nz
  • School code: yeatp

Starting Back

I do appreciate the July holiday break as it gives me a chance to reflect on the year-to-date position for the school, and to give considered thought to the rest of the year and beyond.

I started with a mid-year review of the 2024 Preparatory School Annual Plan (60 pages). It was a positive and pleasing read as we are mostly on track to meet the hundreds of actions and goals identified for this year.

But I also had time to give thought to:

• the quality of our learning programmes;
• the quality of the staff and the support programmes offered;
• the current high-level interest in the school and enrolment demand, and ensuring there is no complacency;
• our commitment to the development of active and competent learners;
• our commitment to all children working at their potential for reading, writing and mathematics;
• our commitment to the development and growth of happy, positive, supportive, and caring children;
• the specialist opportunities we provide to ensure a full and varied learning experience.

Post review, I have no doubt the children in the Preparatory School are given the opportunity to learn and develop their skills and abilities within a supportive and caring environment.

However, it is also important we develop the children’s resilience and ability to cope under pressure. Furthermore, we need to use opportunities as they arise, to discuss and learn from situations that do not work or develop as expected. No-one learns from being ‘right’ all the time. We need to embrace challenging times when they occur, as there is usually valuable learning and development on offer.

From my thinking given to the comments above, I consider we are all fortunate to be part of this special place. Of course, there are always things to work on and opportunities to embrace but our enthusiasm and openness to new learning and development is refreshing and encouraging.

I wish everyone the very best for starting back at school next week, Tuesday 23 July, and every success for the term ahead.

Regards

Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector