You will have seen or heard in the media that all primary school teachers and principals are taking strike action later this month. 

This action has not been taken lightly, however there are real concerns about the small numbers training to become teachers (or choosing to remain in the profession after training), and also the levels of staffing and resourcing for children with additional learning needs. We need high quality teachers in front of an increasing school age population. 

This means that Hokowhitu School will be closed on Wednesday 15 August. We ask that parents/caregivers DO NOT send your children to school that day - there will be no teachers on site. 

Welcome to Term 3 everyone! A special welcome to the four new pupils who have started at our school this week, and of course, Mrs Redley (Office Manager) and Miss Tayler (teacher in TKT). We are confident that you will each enjoy your time at our friendly, respectful and collaborative school. 

This term's inquiry focus across the school is 'He Waka Eke Noa' - this loosely translates into 'teamwork' and 'we are all in this together'. How apt this is when you consider that we have your Major Production performance to prepare for the 6th September 2018.

Today is Mrs Ryder’s last day working at Hokowhitu School. We thank Robyn sincerely for everything she has done in her time here. On a personal note - it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside you Robyn. You are so efficient, super patient and fun to be around - we will miss you. All the very best for your new challenges!

We also wish Miss Bisset a fabulous ‘bon voyage’ for her overseas adventure next term. We expect regular updates Michelle and will be looking forward to your return in Term 4.

As stated in previous newsletters, Mrs Amanda Redley will be commencing as our Office Manager from next term, and Miss Stacey Tayler will be teaching in TKT for Term 3.

Last but not least, farewell and best wishes to the 4 children leaving our school today too. Thank you to your whānau for your input and contribution to our school.

Our school is a member of the Palmerston North East Community of Learning (Kahui Ako). We have been working towards a collaborative model that will enhance outcomes for ALL learners - from early childhood right through to tertiary education. While we have been finding our way and 'flying the plane while still building it' over the last two years, we have recently undergone a re-vision and adapted the leadership model. 

We look forward to strengthening the collaboration with each of our member schools - currently this consists of our school, Ashhurst, Whakarongo, Roslyn, Freyberg High, Ross Intermediate, Milson, Russell Street, Terrrace End and Parkland Schools. We also have early childhood representation.  The purpose of this collaboration is to collectively use resourcing and develop new learning to make things better for ALL the members of our community. 

Our first challenge is to develop ways to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of our learners, as we believe this will impact positively on their ability to learn and participate as a valued member of society - this has been agreed to by all of us as an area of increasing complexity in children, regardless of whether they are 3 years old or 17 years old!