Message from Virginia Montague - Principal|Tumuaki
Tēnā koutou Parents, Caregivers and Sunnynook Whānau,
We were fortunate that the rain stayed away for most of the day for our Senior Athletics. It was certainly a great day which was enjoyed by everyone. It was exciting to watch the final relay which included students, parents and staff - a very thrilling and close event and a good way to finish the day! Congratulations to the parents who came away with the win. I would like to thank Ashley Harding and her team of helpers who made this day possible. Please see the photos later in the newsletter. Congratulations to those children who went on to represent us at the Super Cluster Athletics event yesterday too.
We now have a new date for our Junior Athletics - Thursday, 12th December from 9.00am - 10.30am. I know our young tamariki are very excited about this and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Sadly we will be saying goodbye to three of our valued staff members at the end of the year and I have asked each of them to write a message to our community:
Joe Miller
I have really enjoyed my year at Sunnynook Primary in 2024. I have especially enjoyed getting to know all the students, staff and whānau of the Sunnynook School community. Next year my family and I will be returning to Wānaka where we have many friends we want to spend more time with. Also, I will be a lot closer to my mum. I want to thank all of the teachers, especially those in Ngā Totara, for all of their support this year. I want to thank Virginia for the opportunity to teach at this awesome school.
Sylvia Stirling
After a long and varied career at Sunnynook school, from parent to PTA, learning support to classroom teacher, I have decided it is time for my next change. Next year I will be taking a break from full time classroom teaching and stepping into the great unknown. In this next season I will be prioritising time with my family, but I am sure you will still see me around in a relief teacher role. Sunnynook school is still the school that I am proud to call home, and I am grateful to each and every person who has been part of my journey thus far.
Jessica Fifield
After five incredible years at Sunnynook, I will be heading overseas to teach in Melbourne. This move marks an exciting new chapter as I join my partner and explore all that Melbourne has to offer. I have loved my time at Sunnynook and I thank you for all of the support you have shown me over the years. A special thanks to the leadership team and the Board of Trustees for providing amazing opportunities and fostering such a wonderful school environment. Thank you all for the memories. I will always treasure my time here.
Although they will be missed, I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the very best for their exciting new experiences ahead!
I was fortunate to attend the Onepoto School Kapa Haka event held recently. There were a large number of schools participating, and once again our Kapa Haka performers excelled on the day. Thank you once again to everyone who came along to help.
Tomorrow our Year 2 students have their Kite Day event from 12pm. Parents are welcome to attend and it is always a colourful and enjoyable day for our tamariki.
Please make sure to keep Thursday, 5th December free on your calendar to attend our whole school Music Extravaganza. Our students have been practising hard and are excited to show their caregivers what they have learnt. The Extravaganza will start at 1.30pm under the covered courts. I am sure I will see you hum along to some of the catchy tunes our children have been practising.
Please also mark in your calendars our Final Assembly on Friday, 13th December at 9.15am and the Graduation for our Year 6 students on Monday, 16th December, in the evening.
Ngā mihi
Virginia Montague
Principal|Tumuaki
Principal|Tumuaki