The 2013 school year is coming to an end, and I believe we can look back on it with considerable satisfaction. Having a positive ERO report endorses the work that is currently going on, and also what has been happening in our school over the last 4 years (since ERO's last visit).
The last couple of weeks are always "full-on" as we get everything completed & tidied up.
During the final week I had the privilege of going with our school choir to perform Christmas carols at Lister Home - they sang and behaved beautifully (what more could a principal want?)

I would like to wish all those people associated with our school a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

 

Life in the Fast Lane

Back to school for Term 3 and it's all go! I thought we may have been "resting on our laurels" after a positive ERO experience at the end of last term, but it doesn't seem to be working out that way.
Our kapa haka group is working towards performing at the FLAVA Festival in Timaru next week, a recorder group carries on from last term and we have a busy Health Team & Physical Activity Leaders (PALS).
Staff are involved in Professional Development contracts in Maths & Positive Behaviour for Learning while some teachers are participating in Te Reo sessions every Thursday after school. We are working with parents of Junior children, giving them some guidance in helping with Reading at home via the "Reading Together" programme, and two staff members are involved in the "Incredible Years" training for teachers.
This year for the first time we have entered art works in "Artarama" at the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru. Mrs Murray has been working with our 3 Senior classes and produced three pieces of art that we are very proud of - we look forward to the judging results with great interest!
The early stages of a totem pole (pictured below) could well be our highlight!

End of Term 1 2013

And so we come to the end of Term 1. There have been so many highlights, but for me, the wonderful successes of our swimmers at the South Canterbury Swimming Sports has to rank right up there. For many years now we have sent small teams to South Canterbury events, but significant successes have always been just beyond us. This year, our team of 5 Year 4 & 5 boys and girls returned with four firsts, a second, and three thirds, including a very close third in the relay. Our whole school community are very proud of the efforts of our team of: Angus Jensen, Jade Dungey, Ben Dyson, Brodie Wilson and Hannah Soper.

 

 

 

A New Year - 2013

It is great to have the children back at school! A school has a very empty feeling without them.
We have "hit the ground running" for the new school year. Many of the children have the same teacher as in 2012, and so routines and expectations are already known. The hot January weather has meant that the children have been looking forward to their daily swimming session. Caretaker Tim has the pool warm and well looked after - in fact our whole grounds are looking a picture!
Term 1 (as usual) will be full on - have a look at our website to see what is on & when so you don't miss anything. The fortnightly newsletters are available there too, so you should be well up-to-date.

Remember that the education of Centennial School children is a partnership between home and school and so we look forward to our contacts with you during 2013.