I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful break, after avoiding the shocking stretch of weather, and you are relaxed, recharged and excited to start a new school year. We are all feeling extremely positive and look forward to working with you and your child/ren in order to make 2023 another successful school year.

I too, face new learning as I assume the role of Acting Principal for Term 1. It has been an aspirational goal since coming to Stanley Bay and I am excited and grateful to be able to serve our school, students and the community. I intend to continue leading our school in striving for excellence and to ensure we provide a safe, inclusive culture where all students have many opportunities to develop and grow.

This week I have been working alongside our very skilled and devoted teachers as they plan learning activities and prepare their classrooms for your children. In addition, our enthusiastic office team have enrolled new families, and our caretaker has spent much of the summer mowing lawns, tidying, cleaning and making the school look fresh and clean for the new year. Finally, our much-appreciated Friends of Stanley Bay (FOSB) is gearing up to welcome families, provide volunteer opportunities and offer exciting events for the upcoming year. If you want to join this fantastic team, don’t hesitate to contact the school office for details.

Stanley Bay School remains focused on improving student achievement and student-led learning is a crucial factor when engaging and motivating students.

In 2023, our work with the Education Review Office is centred on developing greater student voice and agency in their learning.

There is extensive research to show that by developing students’ ability to talk about their learning, their achievement is accelerated… it really does make a difference!

‘If the focus is to be kept on learning, and the ownership of the learning with the child, then the best person to talk about the learning is the learner’… ‘Not only is the student the best person to tell their parents what they have learned but if we believe that students build their knowledge by communicating what they know, then providing an opportunity for the students to tell their family what they know can significantly assist with that learning.’ Absolum, (2006)

When students lead their learning, they are developing skills that will equip them for life; they will:

• learn reflective and evaluative skills
• engage in open and honest dialogue with themselves, their parents and teacher/s
• develop organisational and communication skills
• develop a belief in themselves as an independent learner
• take responsibility for their learning

“The process of students reflecting on their learning, through effective questioning that promotes the articulation of student thinking, is integral to classroom assessment practices that enhance student learning.” Black and William (2009)

By providing regular opportunities for you to understand ‘how we do things and why’, we aim to develop strong learning partnerships that will ultimately raise student achievement.

Term 1 Events

This term, we have many events to look forward to, including; Year 5/6 Camp, Year 3/4 EOTC, FOSB Bowls Night, Waterwise, Life Education, Principal’s Morning Tea and Swimming Sports – the list goes on!

Keep an eye on the website calendar, emails, and app notifications (if you haven’t already, please download the School App, it’s a great way to stay in touch).

Assembly

A reminder that on Fridays at 9.15am we have our school assembly. The children really enjoy having an audience, so please come along and celebrate our successes!

Our first assembly will be on Friday, 10th February, when we will have a mihi whakatau to welcome new students to Stanley Bay School.

…and finally

Thank you to all who have helped prepare for the new school year. Your commitment to ensuring Stanley Bay remains a celebrated and successful school is inspiring. Please stop by and say hello, I will surely see you out and about on the school crossing at some point.

Together, we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for all our tamariki.

Nga mihi

Scott Boniface

Acting Principal