Term 4 Week 9 2024
Farewell Message from the Principal
Kia ora koutou,
This is the final newsletter for 2024. It is also my final newsletter as Principal of Welbourn School. It is a moment of reflection as I look back on 24 wonderful years here at Welbourn.
I first joined the school in February 2001, returning from three years of teaching in Brunei, with our daughter Alex, just four months old. I started as a classroom teacher and Associate Principal under the excellent leadership of Principal Kay Crofskey.
During my time I had the pleasure of having both of my children, Alex and Jake, attend Welbourn School. Watching them participate in school events and activities and get a great start on their education journey is a memory I will always cherish.
In May 2018, I was privileged to step into the role of Principal. Leading the school through the challenges of COVID-19 in the early years of my tenure was a significant task, but it was also a time that demonstrated the strength and resilience of our staff, tamariki and school community.
The thing I’m most proud of is the school culture that we have created. The way the children and staff interact with each other and with visitors to the school, is so nice to be part of. We do really live by our school motto.
On the property front some standout highlights of my time as Principal include:
- The construction of the bike track and pump track
- Upgrades to the Junior and Middle school playgrounds
- Renovations of Rooms 9 & 10
- Resurfacing the basketball and netball courts
These projects have transformed our school grounds, making them some of the best in New Plymouth.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parent community for their unwavering support, our wonderful staff for their dedication to creating enjoyable learning experiences, and our support staff for their hard work behind the scenes. To the Board of Trustees, thank you for your commitment to making Welbourn School the best it can be. The many parents who have been part of the Home & School over the years and fundraised for many of the above school improvements, your time & effort is greatly appreciated. And a special thanks to Deputy Principal Patricia Gibson, whose support over the past seven years has been invaluable.
It has been an absolute privilege to serve as the Principal of Welbourn School. I know there has been much speculation about my plans for 2025, but the simple answer is that I have no fixed plans yet. I look forward to some time to relax before exploring new opportunities, whether in education or beyond.
Thank you all for making Welbourn such a special place to be.
Ngā mihi nui,
John Carr
Tumuaki / Principal, Welbourn School
Caught Being Good
Charlotte Rm1, Peyton Rm 3,Lupita Rm 3,Libby Rm 3, Travis Rm 9, Katie Rm 10 and Aria Rm 14.
Caught in a Book
Thea Smith Rm 6, Abel Rm 6 and Elise Rm 10.
2025 Class organisation
You would have received the email on Tuesday outlining the class organisation and teachers for 2025. Below is a link to this if you missed it.
As our 2025 Y1 & 2 cohorts are larger than previous years, the Te Hēnui Team is now needing to be an extra class, which will be Room 9 (year 3). Current teachers, Tracy Rudman & Kelly Clement will have a change in her roles next year and cover CRT (classroom release time) for teachers. Tracy will teach across all levels on Monday - Thursday with a focus on The Arts (music, dance & drama). Kelly Clement will be working Tuesday - Thursday and also working across all levels with the "Garden to Table' learning focus.
The two new teachers joing us are Sarah Thomas, currently at Frankley School and Paris Philips-Hall who is currently at Merrilands School. We are looking forward to both teachers joining the Welbourn team.
A lot of time and effort has gone into the placement of children into their 2025 classroom. We carefully look at a number of factors like student friendships, gender, academic needs and recommendations from their current teacher. There are always children that are disappointed they are not with all their friends, but a new class is a great opportunity to make new friends while still maintaining old friendships.
Children will be introduced to their new teacher on Monday afternoon where they will be given an introduction letter from the teacher and the 2025 stationery list. Their 2024 end of year report will also be coming home on Monday - Please look out for these being delivered by your child.
Staff Farewells
At the end of this school year we say goodbye to Kez Nicholls and Tracey Arbuckle, who are long standing members of our staff. We wish them well as they all look forward to new adventures. They have contributed to our school in such important ways. Staff, students and the parent community no doubt have fond memories of them.
We also say farewell to Elg Anderson and Elijah Webby , who have made valuable contributions to Welbourn in 2024. Best wishes to you both and many thanks for your mahi this year.
River Celebration
Looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it tomorrow for our river celebration. We shall get underway at 12 o`clock. Remember to bring your picnic lunch
A taste of our River art
Important Dates
End of year date is Tuesday 17th December 2024 at 12 o`clock.
Meet the Teacher Monday 3rd February 2025 - This is an excellent opportunity to bring your stationery along for your new year of learning.
Day 1 for all students Tuesday 4th February 2025
Thursday 6th February 2025 - Waitangi Day holiday
Sports News
Summer Sports
Term 4 Summer sports have all come to an end. Thank you to those who managed and coached the teams over the years, without you sports wouldn’t go ahead.
Can we please have all tops washed and returned by Monday at the latest, this is so we can have a smooth transition into next year.
Term 1 Summer Sports 2025:
Term 1, 2025 sports registrations are now closed.Payments (or payment plans discussed with the office) are due back to the school office by Friday 7th February 2025.
If circumstances change and you won’t end up playing the sport you registered for, please contact me and let me know.
We need 3 more girls to join our Yr 5-6 touch team for term 1, 2025. If you wish to play, please fill out the registration link below.
We are looking for more players to join our Summer Soccer Teams. If you wish to play, please fill out the registration link below.
3x players who are Yr 4 next year
4x players who are Yr 5 next year
Any queries to: Sam Cresswell Sport Administrator, Welbourn School Phone: 757 5810
email: sport@welbourn.school.nz