How did that happen.... it's Term 4

 How did that happen.... it's Term 4

Week One of Term 4 is done and dusted - how did that happen?  

As I write, Tamaki Makaurau is still in Lockdown - Alert Level 3 and I'm not convinced we will be returning to school this term.   Chris Hipkins (Minister of Education) provided the nation with an update on schooling on Tuesday and I have to confess to being a little underwhelmed... it felt like the Primary Schools had been forgotten.   We wait another week for further certainty on what the road ahead looks like, but realistically, maybe they can't provide this as 'Delta' seems to be a beast that is hard to contain and predict.  Yesterday, we hit triple digits in the new cases of infection so it seems entirely possible that they won't lift the alert level anytime soon.  I've decided to look at this cautionary approach as a glass half full situation, as I am also concerned about student and staff welfare and so I am happy to admit my reluctance to return to face-to-face teaching until the vaccination rates are higher!  I guess we are in a wait and see situation.  

The wins of the week in review

Kahui Ako Leader:  This week I started as the Co-Leader of the Lynfield Kahui Ako and Michael Malins (Blockhouse Bay Intermediate) and I have hit the ground running.  I am very thankful for the outgoing Leaders continued support (Neil Robinson) as he continues to transition/support us with systems and processes.  I can see that this mahi will be everything I was hoping it would be... challenging, building relationships, supporting the ongoing development of the New Windsor School strategic plan.  It's exciting and I am looking forward to working with the team.  

Distance Learning Review Tool development:  At our weekly Team Leader and Senior Leader Team Meeting we discussed the development of bespoke review tool to track and measure our progress with our Distance Learning programmes.  Maria has made a cracking start with this tool, combining our school pedagogy with support materials from the Ministry of Education.  I looked at this rubric last night and was delighted with how much progress we have made in this space over the past twelve months and the support we have received from Ako Hiko.  

On the home front:  I am really grateful that with the slower pace of life we have been able to take the time to engage in activities together as a family that we would ordinarily not do/have time for.  These are included Sean (my partner) teaching the girls how to play the guitar, a crazy family fitness event each night - press ups, sit ups, lunges.  Challenging but I am pleased to report progress.  Sunshine (our puppy) is also loving the time we have for two walks a day!

A great first week back at school, and whatever the term brings - we have this!