Good afternoon,
It takes a village…
As we come to the end of the term, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of Alister, the Senior Leadership team and all staff for their support of our students throughout what has been an extraordinary year. Our staff have worked hard to not only teach our children on-site but to create a distance learning programme that supported the diverse needs of our students when they were unable to come into the classroom. We are grateful for their efforts.
We would also like to acknowledge the strain that Covid has placed on our community. Financial pressures resulting from Covid, the juggle between work commitments and home schooling, and looking after our whanau’s wellbeing has been tough. Thank you to everyone for their efforts to implement the distance learning programme in your homes and for the feedback provided to the school and board regarding the programme.
We are also thankful to the PTFA for their efforts throughout the year to support our school through their fundraising and community engagement initiatives. We are especially grateful for the PTFA’s efforts over lockdown to bring everyone together through the fantastic quiz night and online Olympics, along with the care packages the committee facilitated that were sent to members of our community.
As this year has reminded us, it really does take a village to raise a child and we are thankful for the way our community has come together this year in extremely challenges circumstances.
Planning ahead…
As we look ahead to 2022 and beyond, we also wanted to provide an update on the development of our new Strategic Plan and Charter. Having started gathering feedback in term two, we were on-track to complete these documents over the last two terms. Unfortunately, Covid has delayed aspects of this process and we will now complete these plans during term one.
In the interim, we have been consolidating the feedback received from our community over terms two and three, and via the Ask My Team survey. We are appreciative of the time everyone took to share their vision for our school and students. In addition to helping us develop our Strategic Plan and Charter, your feedback has helped to inform the school’s annual planning process.
It is our intention to provide another opportunity for our community to provide input into the strategic planning process when school opens again next year. Once complete, the draft plans will be shared and feedback sought prior to these being finalised.
New board member…
Following a seat becoming available on the Board, we are pleased to update the community that Tinaka McCoid has been appointed to this position and has been formally welcomed to the role at the last Board meeting.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and blessed Christmas and New Year…
With Christmas almost upon us, we hope that the easing of restrictions will allow you and your whanau to come together and celebrate the advent season. For those of you who are travelling, please stay safe on the roads and enjoy your time together as a family. Thank you again to every member of our community for their efforts to support our students and school this year.
On behalf of the St. Joseph’s School Takapuna Board of Trustees, I wish you a blessed, healthy, and safe Christmas and holiday period.
Eric Esnouf, Chair
On behalf of the St. Joseph’s School Board of Trustees
