Spring has arrived...

I attended a conference last week where I listened to the Hon Jan Tenetti speak of coming changes to education and the forthcoming election.  The political scene is certainly heating up, the season changes from winter to spring, daylight savings kicks in etc the constant is indeed change.  But we need not fear the future, not with a sovereign heavenly Father.  He is already in tomorrow, as well as today. We can trust in Him.

The conference I was at was that of the AIS schools.  We are a part of many organisations and enjoy the benefit of these varied and important partnerships.  Here are some of these partnerships:

Elim School Network
AIS - Association of Integrated Schools
APIS - Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools
NZACS - NZ Association of Christian Schools (NZ and South Island Chapter)
Piritahi Community of Learning Marlborough
MPA - Marlborough Principal's Association
NZSTA - NZ Schools Trustees Association (Board training and contractual/legal matters)
NZASA - NZ Area Schools Association
CSN - Christchurch School's Network
SIEBA - International School Collective (New Member)

Congratulations to the RVS Basketball team who recently played in a tournament in Timaru.  They made us proud with their playing, their attitude, their sportsmanship and their behaviour.  We received complements regarding the way they conducted themselves and played the game.  Well done team, staff and Anariea who was the team ref.

 Staffing
I would like to thank Rebecca Silva for her time and expertise here at RVS.  Rebecca finished up earlier in the year as a full time teacher/reliever and has now moved to a position outside of teaching.  Rebecca has a beautiful way with young people and we will miss her here.  Thank you Mrs Silva for the two+ years you spent with us and may God bless you richly.

Mrs Francesca Crossley successfully applied for refreshment leave earlier in the year for Term 4.  She will be on a well earned break and Mrs Cindy Russell will be taking over in Rm 6 during Term 4.

We are expecting Mr Ash Rambhai to relocate to Blenheim from Auckland in early November when he will take up office as the Middle School Assistant Principal and maths teacher.  His office will be opposite the Library entrance on the path towards C Block.  It will be great having Mr Rambhai onsite and a part of the team!

There is a Principal's Assembly this Thursday at 2:15pm in the auditorium.  We have many awards to give out, all welcome.

International Day is next Wednesday!  Staff and students will be spending the day celebrating the cultural diversity in our school. We have over 25 ethnicities represented at RVS and it is a great thing to celebrate.  The shared lunch is a class-based activity and food can be brought to classes in the morning.

I pray God's blessing for you as we near the end of a busy term.  I can see the wariness that this time of year can bring.  I also know the author of hope and life, Jesus.  It is a pleasure to work in a place where we can make that known.

Ngā mihi nui & God bless,

Dave Pauling
Principal