Welcome back to 2017!  

The learning spaces at Korakonui are taking shape with an air of excitement and we look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Tuesday the 31st of January, and seeing you at our ‘Meet the Teacher’ event on Wednesday the 15th of February.

 

The purpose of this email is to let you know that over the holidays there have been a few staff changes:

 

Farewell - Our Wonderful Mrs. Murray!

Mrs Murray has made the decision to retire from full time work.  Lynley felt the time was right at the end of 2016 and as is very characteristic of her (she didn't want a fuss made), she chose to let the staff and board know on the final day of school (Friday).  Lynley was very clear that she did not want a formal assembly, or any kind of public farewell.  While we are sad to not have her with us, we have respected her wishes to finish her time at Korakonui School the way she wanted to.  We do however want to acknowledge the wonderful work that Lynley has done in the 14 years that she has been part of our school, and the many, many students that she has started on their school journey.   This includes the lives of not the children, but the families too who have gained so much through Lynley’s knowledge, wisdom and wonderful sense of humour.  Mrs Murray will be missed at Korakonui - however she felt the time was right, and believed that the junior team was in a very positive position to move forward in 2017.  We wish Lynley all the very best for her retirement, and we look forward to catching up with her by having a celebration dinner, where the board and staff will present her with a gift on behalf of Korakonui School.  

 

We have been lucky enough to employ Alana Phillips to teach in the Maungatutu Hub (Junior team) for Term 1, while we go through the appointments process.  We are exceptionally grateful for her stepping in, she has much to offer Korakonui School, and the junior team are humming with enthusiasm and excitement.  Joining the junior team will be Melissa McLaughlin who has had previous junior experience prior to coming to Korakonui School and spent a lot of time in 2016 relieving in the Junior block, so is familiar with routines and the learners.  We have employed Sara Aymes as a full time learning assistant for Term 1 to support teachers and students. We look forward to welcoming Sara to our staff. At the Meet the Teacher Evening, the Junior team will share their vision for 2017.

 

 

Last Friday I received an email from Gerard to say that he has decided to return to his previous career as an engineer and subsequently is resigning from his position, and leaving the education sector.  It is obvious that this has been a big decision for Gerard and his family and as such, has required much time and thought. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Gerard for his contribution to Korakonui School and we look forward to seeing him in his parent role within our school community.  As our Korakonui kids are our paramount concern, the decision was made by the Board and Management Team, that while Gerard could have been asked to work out the 8 weeks of his contract, it was not in the best interests of all concerned.  Therefore, Ange Mark will teach in Hingaia and will be working with Natalie Dodd in the Year 3/4 team.  This is an area that she is experienced in, and it provides continuity for the children who have moved up through the school.   I would like to thank Ange for her flexibility, and the preparation and planning that her and Natalie have undertaken to ensure their classes will be humming for the 2017 school year.

 

The senior classes will remain unchanged, with Serita and Felicity excited to be working collaboratively at Years 5 & 6, and then both of those classes along with Melinda in Bayley making up our senior team.  

 

While we acknowledge that some of these changes may be unexpected, please know and understand that we have done the absolute best we can for our students and they have been at the heart of all of our decisions.  We need to acknowledge the amazing flexibility, and professionalism of our staff who are excited, well prepared and enthusiastic about making 2017 a positive, and successful year.  

 

If you have any queries about how these changes may affect your child, please do not hesitate to contact school and make an appointment to see me.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Rochelle Inwood

Principal