Welcome Message

Another year of exciting and stimulating learning opportunities has come to an end. We are once again surrounded by the evidence of God’s immense faithfulness to us as we reflect on a happy 6th year in the life of JCS.

Tiwai has been involved in so many great initiatives this year as part of their specialised learning programme which prepares them so well for college. The year started with team building and leadership training at Tree Adventures in Woodhill and a trip to MERC, where they overcame their fears and learnt to work together to solve problems. Leadership roles were awarded, and positions of responsibility given to our intermediate students. They went rock climbing and represented JCS at a number of sporting events in various disciplines. The highlight of the year was the trip to the capital city where they sat in Parliament and debated current affairs, taking on political roles in the chambers. Sports camp gave those with a particular talent in this area the opportunity to compete in a wide variety of sports over several days. Those who stayed at school enjoyed a WoW (Week of Workshops) where they did some specialised activities in the area of the arts and science.

On the sporting front students and sports teams have been coached and competed in athletics, cricket, soccer, cross-country, table tennis, netball, basketball, swimming and t-ball. Manu had a special treat when Junky Monkey came with all sorts of interesting equipment to help stimulate creative play. Ika and Wai enjoyed trampolining, Wai went to Jump and Manu enjoyed a series of dance lessons. Tiwai took part in a bike skills course.

Inquiries took us from the historical buildings and streets of Avondale and the Whau area to the Chelsea Sugar Factory, as we learnt the science behind the different states of matter and what causes them to change. Learning about space involved rocket making and launching them on the field and visits to Stardome. Our budding inventors enthralled us with their inventions at expo day, showcasing some incredibly creative ideas. They also visited MOTAT to view how inventions have improved over time as technology gets better and better. New beginnings and the bountiful blessings God provides through the fruit of the soil was celebrated at Matariki. The Year 6 students were involved in a leadership programme run by Growth Culture to prepare them to be the leaders of the school next year. The announcing of the house points is a hot favourite at assemblies on Friday mornings and the winning houses enjoyed yummy pizza lunches each term.

The extra curricula activities have included chess at lunch times, itinerant music and drama lessons, which a number of our students have taken part in. The music lessons are showcased in several concerts at the end of the year where our talented musicians perform what they have learnt. The school band leads the school in worship on Friday mornings as a number of young people play a variety of instruments.

In the missional arena the Year 5 students learnt about being a Christian in persecuted lands through Asian Outreach. We continue to support Benimana from Rwanda, through TEAR FUND, by holding Mufti Days. Tiwai students made soup for Feed the Streets, Avondale. The Manu team brightened the hearts of many elderly rest home residents through carolling and bringing Christmas cheer. The JCS community gave so generously to support the ‘I Love Avondale’ Christmas drive. Funky hair, Fancy Feet and Sneaker days raised money for those who suffer from diabetes and in support of the Year 7 and 8 trip to Wellington. We had our very first nativity scene float at the Avondale Christmas Parade, declaring Jesus, the reason for the season.

The teachers have been part of a number of professional learning programmes to equip and support them in the areas of literacy, te reo Māori and teaching with a Biblical world view at the forefront, to help create an authentic Christian community of learning. Next year we are rolling out the JCS wellbeing framework. This has been a piece of work the staff have been involved in for quite some

time, as part of our kāhui ako, (community of learning) focus. The Daily Discipleship, Health & PE and Drama curriculum will intentionally have the wellbeing framework woven into them.

We held a fono in Term 1 where we presented the JCS Pasifika Education Action Plan which has been developed from parent and staff voices and the national Pasifika Education Action Plan. Māori whānau met to korero and do the very important mahi of writing our own school pepeha and haka, both of which will be used next year to welcome manuhiri onto our kura as part of the pōwhiri each term.

One of the most special things about JCS is our tapestry of beautiful and diverse cultures. These all enrich our lives and help us see the world through a much more interesting and colourful lens. Cultural week is one of the most wonderful experiences our students have. It opens their eyes to the world and takes them to places they have not been before. Language weeks are another way we learnt about each other and how we express our cultures.

The PA have been very busy organising fabulous community events for all to enjoy. A Movie Night, Walkathon, Family Fun BBQs, a Quiz Night and, of course Grandparents Day which is always a huge blessing, highlighting the important place both children and our elderly hold in the Kingdom of God.

We welcomed 78 new students and 58 new families this year and are now at our maximum roll of 300 with a waiting list. Early in the new year we are expecting a new relocatable with 2 learning spaces to be ready to use.

The Year 8 students were farewelled at a formal and very moving graduation dinner. The year ended with two Awards Ceremonies to celebrate hard work, diligence, Christian character, and excellence in areas of the curriculum.

Our hearts are grateful for the support we enjoy from our parent body, without which we could not do what we do. This has been another year full of blessing, community, and growth.

Yours in His service Sandra Bosman Principal