Newsletter 4...Newsletter No. 4 | April 2020 Follow us on Facebook… Phone: +64 9 4075236 | So Long, Farewell… We had to say a virtual goodbye to two wonderful ladies. They have

Newsletter 4

Phone: +64 9 4075236 | www.springbank.school.nz

Follow us on Facebook…

Dear ParentsI trust that your children have managed to make the most of their school holidays whilst in Level 4 lockdown. I hope that you have enjoyed the last two weeks, but I’m sure you’re looking forward to your children resuming their schoolwork routine. We are also looking forward to getting stuck into this term.

I would like to reiterate how impressed I have been with our teachers and students throughout our distance learning programme at the end of Term One. Now that we have the benefit of perspective, comparing our programme to that of many other schools across New Zealand, this just reinforces that we really are doing great things. Hats off to you all! Even so, our teachers have continued to refine their programmes for Level Three and I am looking forward to seeing what we are able to further accomplish over this time.

We have had a few goodbyes, and we also welcome 1 new staff member and 10 new students. I can appreciate how challenging it will be for these people to begin their time Springbank during Level 3 distance learning, but I know that they will be well supported by peers, teachers, colleagues and Springbank families. Out of the 10 “new” students, we are thrilled to welcome 5 who are actually returning students. A warm welcome back to Springbank to the Malcolm-Solly family, the Houghton family, and Mark Michaux. I look forward to catching up with you all in person very soon. Also, we welcome Yuki Hirayama, who is our international student from Japan. She begins distance learning from Japan today, while she waits for an opportunity to join us in person. With Japan’s time zone 3 hours behind New Zealand’s, Yuki will be joining her first class at 6:00am!

Isn’t technology just amazing?!

Regards,

Newsletter No.4 | April 2020

Mike Warren, Principal

http://www.springbank.school.nz/

http://www.facebook.com/springbankschool


Newsletter No. 4 | April 2020



Recognition in the Media



I am extremely proud of the way our staff and students (and parents!) adapted to distance learning. The Capability, Character and Confidence that every student has shown

through this lockdown and the superb work from our teachers, has not gone unnoticed. Springbank School has featured twice in the media during the lockdown, highlighting

our fantastic distance programme and the care that Jill and our homestay families have been able to provide for our international students.

Please click each image to be taken to their respective article:






https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northland-age/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503402&objectid=12323034&fbclid=IwAR2zkX3XwMIA5txLBAINk4O8pCN0XltdD66Q5h0KEdhhfBwc_BEjpx8Ypy0

https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121085067/coronavirus-in-lockdown-on-private-beach-with-nice-family-not-bad-student-says




So Long, Farewell…

We had to say a virtual goodbye to two wonderful ladies. They have been a huge force of energy, kindness and friendship for two decades.

Mrs Collings and Ms Alexander, thank you for all you have given to Springbank School. We shall miss your beautiful smiles, but it is never goodbye. All the best for your next

adventures.

Springbank School will be hosting a formal farewell for both Mrs Collings and Ms Alexander, once we are all back at school. We'll keep everyone posted on details.

If there are any messages and memories you would like to share, you can forward these to [email protected]





mailto:[email protected]







Home Learning at its Best!At the end of Term One, and now the beginning of Term Two, we are experiencing a very different way in how we learn together at Springbank School. We have taken on the

challenge of home learning and you are all excelling at it. A big thank you to our teachers, students and parents for stepping up so strongly. Keep up the amazing work, and

we’ll see each other back at school soon.











Welcome to Springbank School We would like to welcome Leanne Filer to the Springbank School teaching team. Ms Filer will be

our new Year 5 & 6 teacher. Obviously, our students have not been able to meet with Ms Filer

just yet, due to the lockdown. But Zoom sessions are proving to be a great way to say hi and we

know Ms Filer is looking forward to getting into the classroom as soon as possible.



CongratulationsCongratulations to our very own Jacqui Larkan, who has been

appointed as the Junior School Deputy Principal. Jacqui will take over

the reins from Ms. Alexander and head our Junior School successfully

into the future. Jacqui will also continue as Year 3 & 4 teacher.

A huge congratulations to Anna Wilson (Headstart Teacher) who

received the most beautiful Easter gift, with the arrival of her

daughter. Fern Manaia was born on Saturday 11th April, weighing in

at a very healthy 4.47kg.

Baby Fern, Mum, Dad (TJ) and her adoptive big brothers Youssef and

Jannes are all doing very well. Youssef and Jannes, two of our

international students who live with Anna, are smitten already, with

Anna reporting they are doing paper, scissors, rock to see who gets

the next cuddle.









Why is Your Principal Amazing?During distance learning at the end of Term One, the Spanish class had to be

postponed. But Mr Warren stepped in and gave the class a very important

learning task to complete: “List 100 ways your principal is amazing.” Mr

Warren received some funny responses. However, the gold star goes to Lila

for her speedy and humorous reply.



House Dress Up DayAt the end of Term One, all the students were encouraged to dress up in their house

colours for the last day of term. Mr Warren was dressed up in blue at home and Zoom-

bombed a few classes to check out who had joined in on the fun.

It was fantastic to see so many students dress up in their house colours. A big thumbs

up to the Spice family who even got their dog involved to become a shark for the day!









Student Photos & VideosThank you to everyone who has been sending in photos and links to videos while on holiday.

There has been some delicious baking going on and not just for humans. Ollie’s dogs are getting

some very special treatment with homemade dog biscuits. It’s great to see some of you exploring

your local walks and getting out of your ‘house bubble’ when you can. Plus, we have noticed some

awesome Lego challenges happening as well. Keep sending the photos and videos in

([email protected]), as we are loving seeing what you’re doing.



Friends of SpringbankHello everyone, from the Friends of Springbank Committee.

We hope you are all doing well in your bubbles.

It is a very interesting time we find ourselves in and we

hope you are all finding different jobs to do around home,

explore local walks and connecting as families.

Of course Friends can’t meet at the moment to discuss any

pending requests, but we will discuss these once school is

back in, and we thank you for your patience on this.

Keep well everyone, and we look forward to catching up

with you all again soon.

- Friends of Springbank



mailto:[email protected]







Preschool UpdateThe lockdown hasn’t stopped Preschool from having a lot of fun at home. Our friends have been sharing lots of wonderful photos with us, from their favourite toy, pets, their

backyard, to delicious baking and more.

We are very lucky that we can touch base with our families online but are missing all their beautiful faces. Here are just a few snapshots of what our little friends have been

getting up to. See you soon. ☺










Phone: +64 9 4075236 | www.springbank.school.nzPhone: +64 9 4075236 | www.springbank.school.nz







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Newsletter 4...Newsletter No. 4 | April 2020 Follow us on Facebook… Phone: +64 9 4075236 | So Long, Farewell… We had to say a virtual goodbye to two wonderful ladies. They have