Earthquakes, Fundays and Resilience

It has been a busy term to say the least!

Following the devastating earthquake the children have had a fantastic time as they returned to school. The staff have been organising wonderful learning opportunities for the children and we have had a variety of exciting "Funday" activities to re ignite the joy about school and to help with the transition back to the "new normal"

We were fortunate to have a school that is still in very good condition while all around us homes have been significantly damaged.

As you can see from the photo we now have a new wee lake on site

following the earthquake! We have also been working hard on the Windsor Alps in the background. The Alps will be a play/ exercise area with hills, bridges, tunnels and native plants. Thanks Murray and the Team from NZ Build for this awesome space.

As much as possible it has been learning as usual with the children. While we have been experiencing a number of aftershocks the vast majority have gone un noticed by the children. We have had wonderful community support since the quake and the school is moving in a positive direction with all showing amazing resilience.

We have been focusing on "Making is safe and Making it fun!" since we returned and we really seemed to be achieving our goal. Next Term is a wizz bang term of science- "Making it Amazing!". We have a term of science that will really challenge the children and in particular we are planning to develop the children's key competency of "Thinking" through exploring quality questioning in science.

Remember we have a Facebook page for regular updates

Earthquakes, Skis and Resilience!

Dear Families
This is undoubtedly a term we will never forget. Your children will have the badge of "I survived the Christchurch Quake!" and will have survived an event unequaled in the history of Christchurch and also in New Zealand in the last 50 years. What the Earthquake has shown us is the resilience of our people, the support, love and care of not only our community but the whole of New Zealand and the determination to overcome adversity. I am so thankful to the staff for their courage at a time of real challenge and fear as we returned to school while the aftershocks continued around us. To me an indication of your courage and determination to help your children to return to normal life was evidenced in two ways. the first was seeing 99% of our children back on the first day and also being the only school to continue with a ski trip to Porters after the earthquake. What a fantastic attitude when nerves were frayed, not having your children at your side created anxiety for many.
The timing of this holiday is fantastic. I know the staff need a good break from school as some have houses that are still unsafe and others like you just need some decent sleep. Our thoughts continue to be with the many families who are displaced and those who have homes that have either been condemned or are still in limbo.
We have a very exciting term 4 planned for your children. it starts with a hiss and a roar with the music festival in the first week and then athletics in the second. Our Integrated learning module (PAI Module) starts in the first week with a focus on "It's all about me!" This theme is the culmination of our studies of "Our World and beyond" and "Cultures of the World". I know the staff are excited about the term ahead.
Have a great holiday, take care, enjoy your children and I look forward to seeing you in the new term

Earthquake Update

Well we are still experiencing a significant number of aftershocks. These are causing a lot of stress for families especially given the size of the shocks and the advice that we may still have aftershocks of up to 6.2 coming!

Our school is structurally sound so at this stage we are waiting for information from the authorities about water purity and sewage systems. There will be a meeting at 4:00 pm with Ministry, Council and Health agencies. After this we will have some idea of what is happening tomorrow. In the meantime stay safe!

Neill

Earthquake Impact

I know that all of you in Canterbury will have been affected by the Earthquake. At the School we appear to have got of lightly with just superficial damage. The Ministry representatives are telling us that they will have assessed all schools by the end of Tuesday. We have two classrooms that may have structural damage so we are required to remain off site until our buildings have been cleared. Our staff have been affected with a number having homes that are seriously damaged and that are likely to be uninhabitable. They have been receiving much welcomed support from friends and family.

Our thoughts go out to all of those who have had property damaged and to our children, many of whom are quite traumatized. We are thankful that as a community we have had no loss of life.

We hope to be back in action on Wednesday.