Newsletter 

Friday 17 November

He mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa
Bonjour à toutes nos familles

A message from Kathryn

I have been offered a position as Tumuaki at Te Kura o Wilford, starting at the beginning of the 2024 school year. 

I've been at Tawatawa-Ridgway for over 10 years and while I still find this role hugely fulfilling and I love coming to kura, I've been lured away by an opportunity that is close to home and close to my heart.  Wilford is a school that has experienced difficulties over the last 10 years, some of which have played out in the media resulting in statutory intervention. (Not so dissimilar to the situation at Ridgway in 2013.)  Wilford has had a Level 1 Māori immersion unit since the 1980's but this is now critically in need of support.  So I will have plenty to do there.

I know that I will miss Te Kura o Tawatawa - Ridgway School, the tamariki, the kaimahi and our wonderfully supportive community.  It's just time to move on.  I know that the school is in good heart and good hands with a strong Board and experienced leadership in Sarah.  Sarah has been appointed as Acting Principal for Term 1 and the Board will advertise the position next year. 

Goodbye Dani! 

Not only are we saying farewell to Kathryn, but Dani Neale is also leaving us to go to Tawa School.  She has been here since she was a student teacher (which was aaaaaages ago and now she’s really old) and we will miss her! We have the lovely Katie Morrow starting in Kōtare (she has been working here for a couple of terms on Mondays and Tuesdays so you might have seen her around). 

Details of the farewells for these two will be forthcoming and you will all be invited to join us.

New teachers in Ruru

While Julie Llorca will still be a part of Ruru, she is also moving into other roles in the school and we have appointed two new teachers, Felicity and Djena who will start with us next year.  

Ridgway’s Got Talent

Auditions for this are happening next week so encourage your child to get practising.  In case you need some inspo, in the past we have had joke telling, dancing, gymnastics, little skits, magic tricks, break dancing and musical items. 

Fundraising committee

We have a small committee of two people currently! We are looking to pull off a car boot sale at the beginning of Term 2 next year and are wondering if there is anyone else who would be interested in being involved.  Before we commit to it we need to be sure we have enough people to help organise it. Please flick sarah@ridgway.school.nz an email if you might be able to help. 

Upcoming Events

• 21 November - Year 7 & 8 visit to Tawatawa Reserve

• 22 November - Year 5 & 6 visit to Tawatawa Reserve

• 21-22 November - Ridgway’s Got Talent! - Auditions

• 24 November - Year 7 & 8 Immunisations

• 4 - 8 December - STEM week

• 8 December - End of Year Summaries

• 12 December at 2pm - Ridgway’s Got Talent! 

• 12 & 14 December - Kōtare Zealandia visits

• 14 December - Year 8 leavers’ celebration 5.30 - 6.30pm

• 14 December - Final Assembly Juniors 2pm

• 15 December -  Final Assembly Seniors 2pm

• 18 December - water fight and sausage sizzle (postponement day 19 December)

• 19 December-  last day of learning activities school

• 20 December -  clean up day

• 1 Feb 2024 - first day of school

• 2024 camps - Year 5 & 6 Forest Lakes 3-5 April, Year 7 & 8 Camp Makahika 17 -20 September