Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

This is my third to last newsletter and in it today:

- Vaccination status register

- Final two weeks of the term

- Thank you to our local parishes

We have tried to keep as many events happening as we can. Doing so has not come without additonal work and occasional angst, but for the most part there has been acceptance that the unusual circumstances have necessitated adaptations.

Today’s Leavers’ Service, Brunch, and the school’s Prizegiving have all represented adapted events, but the care given to making them happen ensured respect was paid to the class of 2021, to those whose achievements during the year were recognised, and to acknowledge our departing staff.

Thank you parents for indulging our request for you to be absent. We know that is not how we normally “roll” but in this Covid climate it was good to have your support.

Adie Long and her SMOGA team ( well masked and well-distanced), once again gave a lovely send off to the year 13s with a stunning brunch. In years to come this year’s leavers will replicate a similar moment for the Leavers of the future.

Vaccination status register

All registered schools that have students over the age of 12 need to maintain a register of students’ COVID-19 vaccination status from 1 November. This is a direction issued by the Secretary for Education under the Education Training Act 2020. It is not mandatory for students to be vaccinated.

To assist, you will find that when you go to the St Matthew’s Portal, a dialogue box will appear for you to register if able, the vaccination status of your eligible young ones.

The privacy statements (including an updated privacy statement for eligible students), sample registers and some FAQs are sitting on the Education Counts website . (https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/data-services/collection-forms/vaccination-register)

Final Two weeks of school

Years 7-10 may be feeling like the school year is over- it is not. We have made adaptations to the end of year programmes, but it is school as normal- albeit slightly altered.

Thank you

Reverend Pete Watson and Cara Brown from St Matthew’s Church have ably run our school services since the departure of Reverend Lesley.

Every service has given us time to Pause, Reflect, Ask, and say Yes- or PRAY. Their commitment to our spiritual growth has seen us fulfilled as we have left the chapel and we thank them for the selfless time they have both given to our school.

As always, have a safe weekend, follow the protocols and be your best selves.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

SMS Prizegiving

This was held this morning at school. The video of this event will be available on Monday and a list of prize winners published in next week's newsletter.

Parent Survey

I would like to thank all parents and caregivers who have taken time to complete the recent survey. The responses have been great and provided us with a lot to consider and will certainly assist us to shape the way forward for the students of St Matthew’s. We are going to leave the link (below) live for one more week to try and capture as much feedback as possible, so if you haven’t already provided feedback I encourage you to do this now.

At our BoT Meeting on Thursday I provided the Board with an interim Results Summary Report and when the link is closed off I will provide a summary of the overall results to you all.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Sarah Harris

Board Chair

Motor Cross

The Martinbourgh Motor Cross Club hosted a Two day event for the Wairarapa Motor Cross Championships this weekend Two St Matthew's girls featured, over 260 bikes attended this event.

Annie Lowes (Year 12) who hasn’t raced in a year or so was back on her bike and showing some great speed and skill, finishing 3rd overall for the championship in the women’s division.

Charlize Baron (Year 12) who hasn’t raced in five years thought it was about time to get back on a bike and have a go. Charlize and Annie raced in the same class, Charlize finishing 2nd overall in the women’s class.

Great effort form both girls to put themselves out there and have a go after not being on their bikes for so long.

Charlize number 66, Annie 994