Message from the Principal

By Andrew Hunter | Posted: Wednesday October 25, 2017

Term Four promises to be a fun and action packed end to the year!

We have had a great start to the term with an exciting build up to our Wearable Arts Show. Those of you lucky enough to see the show were no doubt amazed at the creativity and talent of our students.

It is a great example of the integration of visual and performing arts with creative writing and creative design. The variety of creations on display was very impressive as was the sound, lighting and dance that made the show thoroughly entertaining. Congratulations to all students who took part and also a massive thank you to all staff for their time and energy. 

Recently, Balmacewen, along with Kaikorai, Maori Hill, Wakari and Halfway Bush Primary Schools' received some very exciting news. We have clustered together to secure $310 000 funding from the Otago Community Trust. The funding is to support teachers and provide equipment to develop programmes in Project Based Learning.  These resources include many technology based tools such as virtual reality equipment, 3d design and printing, electronics and control, coding as well as providing opportunities for "low tech" making and prototyping.

It is an exciting "next step" for our school, building on the good work of our CAMLAB this year and I'm very much looking forward to this focus area next year.

In other news, we have begun a new classroom build adjoining Room 23 and 24. This will ease our space issues and mean that next year our dance room will be able to return to it's stated purpose! We look forward to creating a flexible 3 classroom area and all the benefits new building standards offer.

There are many events and activities to keep us engaged and motivated through to the end of the term.  I'm looking forward to watching as our students continue to work together to make our school a fun place to be. The end of year will soon be upon us therefore I encourage all students to make the most of their opportunities throughout the term.

As always, please contact me if I can help in any way.

Kind Regards

Andrew Hunter