New Staff and Other Good Things

I am certainly seeing evidence of spring's arrival, always good.  I am also pleased to welcome the pending arrival of two new permanent teachers to RVS.

Mrs Deborah Klenner will be teaching in our Junior School beginning early Term 4 this year. She is an experienced teacher who also has experience teaching in a Christian School.  We welcome her to RVS and look forward to her starting soon in Rm4.

Mr Ashish Rambhai has been employed as the new Middle School Assistant Principal beginning in 2024 (possibly sooner).  Mr Rambhai is an experienced maths teacher and has been working with us online for the last few terms.  He will be moving with his young family to Blenheim and joining the team, we look forward to it.  Mr Rambhai has also had leadership experience in different schools in Auckland.  Welcome Mr Rambhai.

Camp Feedback
Thank you for filling in the questionnaire regarding camp cost and frequency.  We are finding the cost of camp has increased considerably over the last five years and has become untenable for many, due to other rising costs also.  We also know of the immense value of camps and trips.
​The results were split three ways with 25% wanting camps more often, 30% keen for things to stay the same and 45% wanting less while we are in difficult financial times.  Some of the requests in both the 25% and 30% areas were to consider day trips.  The chart below is the future plan and takes into account the best of remaining the same and lessening the number of camps.  
You will notice there may well be a Y9 camp in 2025 as we have the Y9/10 camp booked for early next year but wish to realign Y9&10 to odd years and don't want that group of Y9's to miss out entirely.

Daniel
I am looking forward to seeing the amazing upcoming Jnr School Production Daniel.  So much work and talent, so much teamwork and growth.
​Thank you to all of those involved, from those like Rob Elwood, Malanie, Julian and the teaching/support team, to those just as important, but sometimes harder to spot.  Parents who have helped with sets, Marian Millar and Alison Ham with the costumes, Alison Dight with vocals and so many more, thank you!  Well done Jnr students who I hear are doing an amazing job in the crucible.

Board Chair
​Mike Ponder has been our elected BoT Chairman for many years now.  He was elected to the BoT as a parent rep in 2013 and then as Chairman in 2016.
He has signalled to the BoT that he will not be standing again as God has different work for him ahead.  He certainly finishes on excellent terms after a long tenure and will continue to be involved in RVS as he continues to have his children here.
Mr. Ponder has seen the school through a huge time of growth and his steady hand has been a huge blessing to us all.  We will no doubt celebrate this tenure next term but wanted you to know now Mr.Ponder's intentions. Our Board of Trustees and the new Chair-to-be are great things to pray for when you get the chance.  Good time past, present and ahead.

Our college basketball team are currently in Timaru competing against other secondary schools in NZ with Coach Newton, Manager (Mrs Silva) and team ref Anareia Cameron (not pictured). An amazing pool of talent who I'm certain will do well. 

Until next time, Ngā mihi nui.

Dave Pauling
​Principal