The year is fast coming to an end and we want to have a big turnout to next Wednesday's Tahatai Family Christmas event. To have the school community come together to celebrate with our students will mean the world to children and staff. We should all be very proud of the children and their achievements this year, despite all the constraints caused by the COVID pandemic, and celebrating as a school community is a great way to acknowledge this. So please make sure you make a note to come along next Wednesday from 5pm-7pm. There will be food stalls, plenty of space for catching up with friends, and student performances. For those excited about the food, jolly jars, and dunk the teacher, I encourage you to bring plenty of cash. All money raised will go towards shade sails for the planned outdoor learning space. 

I would like to thank you again for your ongoing patience with all the various building projects. I am aware this has restricted space within and around the school, including parking. Your understanding is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to these projects being completed. 

The new senior playground is scheduled to be completed by Thursday next week. We will have a small ceremony to acknowledge this fantastic new asset as it has been a long time coming. Having students included in its design makes it extra special. I'd like to thank our amazing PTA and Board of Trustees for funding this work and to Playground Creations for all their hard work and expertise.

The remaining weeks will be incredibly busy, so I encourage you to check in with the school Google calendar to keep on top of all the various events.

Staffing for 2021 is now complete and class lists are being finalised. Your child will meet next year's teacher on Monday 14th December. The class compositions for 2021 are as follows:

Pīwakawaka Whānau: (Year 0-1)
Room 6: Miriam Collins (Whānau Leader) 
Room 14: Nicky Scott/Kerry Hardisty
Room 15: Gemma Tebble
Room 16: Rachel Zinyowera
Room 17: Kerry Laugesen
Room 18: Maria Adams

Tūī Whānau: (Year 2) 
Room 19: Shona McKenzie
Room 20: Miriam Hadfield
Room 21: Trudi Farrelly (Whānau Leader)
Room 28: Amy Bidois
Room 29: Kelly Maaka

Kea Whānau: (Year 3)
Room 22: Molly Masters/ Briarley Inglis
Room 25: Natasha Ballantyne
Room 26: Dianne Pellow
Room 27: Judith Collins/Rowan Barton 
Room 30: Keri Hunt (Whānau Leader)

Pūkeko Whānau: (Year 4)
Room 9: Bianca Nielsen
Room 10: Mike Standing
Room 11: Martin Dijkgraaf
Room 23: Holly Read
Room 24: Alison Robilliard (Whānau Leader)

Kererū Whānau: (Year 5/6)
Room 1: Justine Taylor (Whānau Leader)
Room 2: Eliot Hall
Room 3: Pauline Uden
Room 4: Greg Semmens

Ruru Whānau: (Year 5/6)
Room 31: Sarah Nancolas
Room 32: Rebecca Borman
Room 33: Hayden McCormack (Whānau Leader)
Room 34: Hayley Hikairo/Kate Hollard

A group of our Year 5/6 children were involved in a recent Stormwater Education Day at Te Ara ō Wairākei reserve.  They learnt about the history of the area, importance to the region and ways to help restore it.  Please click on the following link to read an article about this day in the Bay of Plenty Times.

You may have noticed a couple of our male staff with unsightly growth on their upper lip!  They are getting ready for our annual 'Movember Shave Off' this Friday, 27th November.  The 'Shave Off' will be held on the school astroturf at 10:45am.  

If you are a parent or part of our school whānau, and have taken the time to grow your moustache this month, we invite you to join us.  Please email Darren if you can join us: darrens@tahatai.school.nz

Students can bring a gold coin donation to purchase a fake stick on moustache that they can wear throughout the day. Proceeds will go to 'The Movember Foundation' whose goal by 2030 is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.  

Kortez finished in 1st place at the recent NZ Grappler/Jiu Jitsu Championships.  Amazing result Kortez!

 

Upcoming Events and Dates to Remember
Visit our website to see all upcoming events and term dates.