Kia ora

Thank you to the entire VAS community for making me feel so welcome this week!

It has been a whirlwind of a week, beginning with the very moving powhiri on Monday morning. I feel honoured to be with you and humbled with the welcome and support I have received this week. My family, friends and colleagues have all commented on the amazing feel of our school, the quality of the performances and the impeccable behaviour of our students.  They left me on Monday assured that I am going to love being with you and already I have commented to staff that I feel very much at home.

I have been busy visiting classes and getting to know what your children love about their school and their learning – as well as answering a few questions they have about me! I have been impressed with the friendliness of our students, the quality of learning visible in each room and the relationships teachers and students enjoy. Next week I will be meeting with teachers to ask them the same questions and to get to know their goals and aspirations. In the following few weeks I will be connecting with parents to ensure that I have a broad understanding of what matters to the students, staff and community of Victoria Avenue School before the end of the school year. This information will help me and the board plan for 2021 and beyond.

I had the pleasure of attending my first Friends meeting last night and it was wonderful to hear about the successes they have had this year, despite the pandemic, in bringing events to the community and joy to the children. This group of passionate and hard working parents are a real asset to our community and their enthusiasm for what is to come in 2021 is invigorating. I look forward to working alongside the Friends group as their plans evolve.

Thank you to the parents who have said hello, popped in to see me or sent an email. I am very much looking forward to getting to know your community and learning how I can give my best always to enable your children to continue to learn and grow.

Ngā mihi nui