Kia ora e te whānau,

We have really settled into the term with a lot of great learning happening throughout the school. 

I hope you have managed to reconnect with your child’s classroom teacher this week — this follows on from the Student Learning Conferences at the beginning of the year. 

Our intention is to make sure your child has settled well into school, they are happy and making friends. Please don't hesitate to contact your child's class teacher if you have any questions.

As a staff, we are always looking for ways to improve our practice and ensure our teaching is meeting the needs of our learners. Last week we had Carol Butel from Learning Solutions continue her work with us around our mathematics teaching.

Carol is great at supporting us and encouraging us to think deeply about what we are doing and why.

Walk Wheel Week is Friday 31 March to Thursday 6 April.

It's full of fun activities supporting healthy, active choices that are good for the environment. 

On Thursday 6 April we will have a 'Wheels and Non-uniform Day'. So, dress up your wheels and make yourself look colourful.

There will be donated prizes and we will be collecting a gold coin for Cyclone Gabrielle flood relief. Our donations will go to the Red Cross Appeal. 

Proudly brought to you by the School Council.

You will have received your order forms for the school photos last week. 

The last date to place orders with the school office is Friday 17 March. 

Please note that payments are to be made online directly to Heritage Photos, as per the order form.

At last month's Board meeting we reluctantly accepted Catherine Komen’s resignation from her permanent teaching position.

Catherine worked at Ilam School for 9 years and taught in every area of the school. She was an amazing, passionate teacher who really got to know her learners and what they needed to thrive.

Catherine has decided to stay at home longer with her gorgeous daughter Emme. We wish her and Geoff all the very best.

We invite you and your whanau to stay on after our whole school assembly on Wednesday 29 March for afternoon tea.

When — Wednesday 29 March from the end of the assembly

Where — Room 9 and Junior school playground and surrounds (or the School Hall, if wet)

What — it's an informal chance to connect with our Ilam School community over a cuppa and a snack, while our children play together.

Hosted by the Ilam School Board Community Group

Our school is involved in a government well-being initiative called Healthy Active Learning. Part of the Child Youth and Wellbeing Strategy, it is now in its third year and in over 900 schools across the motu (country).

To help understand its impact, the Massey University evaluation team is keen to hear about how your tamariki participate in physical activity and healthy eating and drinking at our school and community.

They have put together a survey that takes 5-10 minutes and, on completion, puts you in the draw to win a $100 supermarket voucher.

Complete the survey here.

A reminder to all parents that the staff car park is for staff — please don't use this area as a drop off or pick up point for your children.

Bookings are now open for the Ilam OSCAR April School Holiday programme. 

Places are limited (and very popular!) so head to AimyPlus to secure your spot.

A school can’t run without established policies and procedures, and Ilam School follows the Ministry of Education’s Administration Guidelines in doing so.

During Term 1, the following policies and procedures are up for review, and you are invited to provide feedback:

• Legislation and Administration Policy
• Student Attendance
• Enrolment
• Privacy
• Official Information Requests
• Uniform / Dress Code

Who reviews our policies and procedures?

• All reviews are open to board, staff, students, and the school community (parents/caregivers/whānau).
• Anyone can review any policy/procedure that has a review button.

One of our students, Thaaranie Konewaran, will be performing at Natyam 2023 on the evening of Saturday 1 April, at Christchurch Girls’ High School Theatre. 

All the best, Thaaranie!

This Ilam News email will land in your inbox three times over the term (always on a Thursday). 

The information you need regarding day-to-day school events and activities can be found in your child’s class newsletter.

But, as always, please contact me if you have any questions about our school.