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Principal's Blog: Term 1 Week 5
Friday, 24 February 2023
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Kia ora whānau Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to suggest ways that Marsden could support the Cyclone Gabrielle relief efforts. Given the information that has come out of disaster-hit areas currently, we have decided that the best way to proceed at the moment is to support families in making cash donations should they wish, directly to funds that are managed by those most well-equipped to do so. I am certain that many families may have already made decisions about how they might choose to contribute. Some key emergency experts responding include Red Cross. Others responding who are accepting donations are listed in this news article. Marsden has an established association with our sisters at Hukarere Girls’ College, the Anglican boarding school that was heavily affected by the cyclone, given their location in Eskdale. Thankfully, a decision was made to evacuate the school prior to it being engulfed by floodwaters with students taking immediate refuge at St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College in Napier, from where arrangements were made to return them to whānau. Our Chaplain is in close contact with Hukarere, and we commit to providing help and support in a way that best works for them, when the time is right. We will keep you up to date with plans as they are developed. The road to recovery will be a long one. We’re excited to be advertising upcoming Open Mornings, for families and prospective students who are interested in what a Marsden education has to offer. We know that once folk visit our welcoming environment, nestled in nature, and observe the high quality teaching and learning authentically taking place that they are left feeling optimistic about education. We look forward to showcasing our unapologetic inspiring educational offering in an environment where girls flourish and thrive. Existing families are reminded of our referral scheme, which demonstrates our loyalty to our greatest ambassadors, families who share their Marsden good-news stories with others, who ultimately make the decision to join us. Our Years 7-13 Open Morning is on 10 March, and Marsden Primary open their doors on the morning of 14 March. Independent Schools New Zealand (ISNZ) is the organisation that represents and advocates for the independent sector nationally. The position of independent schools, and the positive impacts the net worth sector ultimately brings to both the economy and society, is widely unappreciated. To assist ISNZ with gaining broader insight from stakeholders, I encourage completion of their recent parent survey, linked to this newsletter for your convenience. Thank you. We look forward, with great anticipation, to Athletics Sports next Tuesday. It is another example of events and activities coming back online after three pandemic-affected years. The joyfulness of House parochialism will be high on the agenda, as will supporting our competitive athletes alongside high levels of participation and fun for all. For those adults in our community looking for a little Marsden parochialism and community connectedness, I encourage you to check out our plans for the Foundation Golf Day, which is firmly back on the agenda for 31 March. There is plenty on offer, and you certainly don’t need to be a golfer to be able to join us at all or part of what promises to be a wonderful event. Allcomers welcome. Ngā mihi nui Paula Wells |