1. Principal News - Week 2, Term 2

Bee Presentation
Last Friday I attended a well researched and professional presentation in our Year 5 Pohutukawa class. The children had written to the mayor (who joined us) about their concerns for the plight of bees across the world, in particular in North Otago. You can learn more about their bee inquiry by going to their class blog. Well done and thank you to Mr Cartlidge and all of the Year 5's for sharing your deep bee learning with us all on Friday.

Pasifika Fono
Last night we held our termly Pasifika meeting and had excellent attendance from our families. Tua Misiloi led the meeting and thanked everyone for their support and contribution to the performances of the cultural group and to learning for their children.
During the school holidays, Tua, Mrs Plieger and I were interviewed by a researcher from Canterbury University about the way we work together at St Joseph's and said that we need to share our model of working with other schools.
Tua and I have been invited to give a presentation at Canterbury University and we are looking forward to sharing our learning with others.
Mrs Plieger is the hardworking secretary of our Pasifika cluster group across North Otago. We meet once a term with representatives from a range of schools across North Otago including: Fenwick, Pembroke, Oamaru Intermediate, Waitaki Boys, Waitaki Girls, St Kevin's, Oamaru North School and St Joseph's. Thanks Mrs Plieger for all of your hard work.

Camp Meetings
This is the time of the year when our senior students are preparing for camps and outdoor activities. I am joining the Year 8 camp this year and have been tramping around Oamaru with Mr Moore and the Year 8's. We are fortunate to have the support of experienced trampers like Dennis Brown and Paul Macaulay who help and support these camps. Paul was at a parent helper meeting last night and Dennis was at a parent meeting last week. I am looking forward to this camp as much as the Year 8's and thank Mr Moore for the time and preparation he is putting in to prepare for this camp.

Myross Bush School and Catholic Principal's meeting
I am travelling to visit Myross Bush school down south today to meet with the Principal Tim Lovelock. Myross Bush school is recognised for their innovative, engaging learning ways that take place in a traditional school building. As we begin to make plans for deeper learning across our school for 2015, I will be seeing what I can take back to St Joseph's from my visit to Myross Bush school.
On Friday, I will be meeting with all of the Catholic Principals from the Dunedin Diocese to learn and share more about education as leaders of Catholic schools.

Family Learning Hui
Mrs Frances-Rees and our team have got an excellent evening of deep learning planned for later today. Come with your family, bring your food and your devices or just yourselves and learn how we can support our children to be confident, connected learners.

Learning is Fun
The best part of a Principal's job is listening to the excitement and enthusiasm that children have when they share their learning with me and with others. All children want their learning to be fun and I thank our dedicated staff for the time you invest in actioning and engaging exciting learning opportunities for our children. You are all showing us how to 'Reach for the Stars as Lifelong Learners in the Catholic Faith'.