4th February 2013 Dear Parents/Caregivers Welcome, Kia Ora, Fakaalofa Iahiptu, Malo e lelei, Talofa Lava, taloha, Kia Orana, Ni Hao, Buenos Kias, Chao, Malo ni, habari, Dobor ban, Namaste Welcome back to the 2013 school year at Gladstone Primary or if you are just joining us, welcome to our school. I hope everyone has had a relaxing and fun filled break with your families and are looking forward to the excitement and learning that will happen here over the year. Over the next fortnight outdoor activities (with the exception of Yr 6 who will have their camp in May) and the senior swimming carnivals will be taking place. Also, in Week 4 we have our Meet the Teacher evening. Details for this have come home with this letter. In 2013 Thursday will again be my road patrol day, a time when I am looking forward meeting many more of you informally. Gladstone Primary has an “Open Door Policy”. This means that should you have any questions or concerns about anything please do not hesitate to contact us. If at any time you wish to see your child’s teacher about something specific please see them or telephone the school to organise an appointment. If you are wanting information on your child’s progress, it is advisable to book a time to see their teacher. This will enable the teacher to have the time to have a proper conversation with you, as classrooms are busy places in the mornings before school and immediately after, and it is not always possible for the teacher to give full attention to your queries. The School Leaders are also available if you need to see them. Jodene de Andrad (Associate Principal), Amanda Goodwin (Associate Principal – Year 1 and 2); Claire Alger (Associate Principal – Year 3 and 4) and Stephanie Oates (Associate Principal - Year 5 and 6) have offices in these areas of the school or are able to be contacted by phone. They have groups and one-to-one teaching and support roles, so it would pay to contact the office first and a time can be arranged to see them. I am also available should you have ideas, concerns or questions that the teachers or Associate Principals are not able to answer. However the Open Door is more than just the above. Please be as involved as you would like to be in our school. If you have some spare time don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher if you can assist in class. Your child’s education is a partnership and by working together we can give them the best opportunities available. Over the next week or so there will be a lot of information coming home (especially with the Outdoor Pursuits week over the next fortnight) so please check your youngest or only child’s bag each night. If you are looking for other information on the school remember our website is www.gladstone.school.nz On the reverse side of this letter is an invitation to our Meet the Teacher Evening on Thursday 28th February. Once again, welcome to the 2013 Gladstone School year. Dave Shadbolt PRINCIPAL