December 15th

Naumai e te whanau o te kura Muritai
Tena koutou katoa
Dear Parents / Caregivers
The first day for next year is Tuesday 7th February.

Term dates for 2012
Term 1 – Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 5 April
Term 2 – Monday 23 April  to Friday 29 June
Term 3 – Monday 16 July to Friday 28 September
Term 4 – Monday 15 October to Thursday 20 December

FAREWELL TO OUR YEAR 8 STUDENTS
On Wednesday evening we had a special celebration for our year 8 students and their parents. It was a lovely occasion and I am sure the children and parents will remember this event for years to come. We wish our year 8 students every success as they go onto their respective high schools next year. Many families have their last child leaving Muritai School and we thank them for their many years of support for our school. 

At our leaver’s assembly we  farewell those students who have contributed immensely to our culture at Muritai School. Our leavers have many diverse qualities and strengths but above all, they should feel that they have tried their very best and leave with an appreciation of their peers, their teachers, and themselves. We congratulate them and thank them, and their families, for the contribution they have made to Muritai School. We wish them all the best for the road ahead.

At prize giving the following cups and certificates were awarded -
  • Abel Tasman Cup – Daisy Hemmingson-White/ Clara Lafont
  • Improvement in year 8 award – Mia Harrey and Taylor Snow
  • Board of Trustees Cups for 'Endeavour' – Lucy Bird and Charlie Heath
  • Board of Trustees Cups for 'Academic Excellence' – Meg Sykes and Finn Jannsens
  • Jacobson Cups for ‘Mathematics’ – Hazel Sisson and Casper Tilley
  • Debbie Bertaud-Gandar Memorial Cup for ‘Commitment to Science and Technology’ – Hazel Sisson
  • Fortescue-Willis Environmental Leadership - Earthcare Award - Molly Hancock
  • Broadbent/O'Brien Literacy Prize -Excellence in literacy Eva Poland
  •  Swain Cup for ‘Leadership and contribution in sport’ – Liam Brandwood
  • Beck Family Cup for ‘Best all round sportsperson’ –Tess and Molly McFarlane and McLeod Harrison
  • Mills Family Cup for ‘Contribution to the Arts’ – Abby Barclay
  • Eastbourne Community Trust Cup for ‘Leadership’ –Hazel Sisson and Liam Brandwood
  • Principal’s Prize – ‘Character’ - Taylor Snow
  • Teachers Cup for ‘Being a joy to teach’ – McKenzie Gordon
  • Clarke Cup for “Positive contribution to Muritai School” – Molly and Tess McFarlane
  • Newton Family Cup for ‘Service to Muritai School’ – Lily Andrew 
  • Stotter Cup for ‘Dedication, commitment and all round achievement’ – Clara Lafont 
  • Class of 61Cup - “Outstanding Contribution to Muritai School” – Hazel Sisson
  • Booth Family Cup ~ “The Student’s Student” – Troy Kokich
CONGRATULATIONS 
Jaiwei and Caitlyn Leong who passed  their  ABRSM Associated Board of the Royal School of Music practical piano exam with high distinction and their theory exam with distinction. A tremendous achievement.

CONCLUSION
This is the final newsletter for 2011 and I take this opportunity to thank the children, staff and the Muritai community for what has been another very successful year.

The children have been showing signs of excitement as they share their anticipation of what Christmas will mean to them. The Christmas season is indeed one of excitement and joy for them as they begin to dream about everything that sparkles and of course the gifts the opportunity for time spent with families and friends!

Through the newsletters, celebration assemblies, performances, and the school’s website the school has celebrated and recognized the many successes of our children who have achieved in a variety of academic, sporting and cultural activities. The positive celebration of our successes throughout 2011 reflects the school’s vision statement “to be the best that we can be”. It is certainly a pleasure to say “thank you” to the large group of parents who regularly support the school and who have been actively involved throughout the year.
Many families are leaving the school as they move on to different schools. Thank you for your support and commitment to Muritai and best wishes for the future.

We farewell Stephen Eames from our staff today. Stephen has been at Muritai in 2 phases, his most recent stint of 8 years has seen him lead the senior school for the last 7 years and done a wonderful job. The senior  area has flourished under his direction and innovative teaching. Pukerua Bay is very lucky to have him on their team.

We also farewell Darren Scott (Eastern Hutt), Hayden Wyllie (Tawhai) and Pippa Grant (Khandallah) and we wish Sally Ingram all the very best for her next step - parenthood. We thank Clare Leniston for her support teaching in year 7-8 this year.


Muritai runs on people and we are very lucky with the team we have here. I would like to personally thank –
Our leadership team of  Maureen Buckley, Stephen Eames, Stu Devenport and Richard Dobson for their tireless organization of the teaching and learning for staff and students.

Our teaching staff and specialist teachers, who every day, do their very best for our children with skill, passion and enthusiasm.

To our teacher aides and support staff, often confronted with difficult and complex tasks, and do so with enthusiasm and compassion. 

To our after school team, in particular Mel and Chrissy, who put in many hours to care for our children before and after school– we say thank you. Not an easy job but one that is always done with a smile.

Finally a special thanks  to Carole and Sue at the front office who do such a great job and for accommodating, always with a smile, the numerous extra requests we get on a daily basis.

To our Home and School and Board of Trustees who work tirelessly  to do their very best to help make Muritai grow, develop and be better equipped to meet the challenges of school life. You have put in many, many hours and carry a huge responsibility. We are very grateful for your service. 

Our children are very lucky to have such a great team working with them and we really appreciate the nice thoughts, comments and gestures from parents received recently in appreciation of the contribution that we make in your children’s lives.


All the team joins with me in wishing you all a very happy and safe Christmas with family and friends. Enjoy spending time with your children.

Kindest regards and Mere Kihirimete
Andrew Bird
Principal/ Tumuaki

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