Pink Shirt Mufti
Tomorrow (Friday) is Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness around bullying. As part of this, students are able to wear preferably pink or bright colours to school, in recognition of this. We ask students who wear mufti to bring a gold coin donation to go towards this cause, and help support organisations who are working to help prevent bullying and promote diversity.

40 Hour Famine
The 40 hour Famine is fast approaching – the official event will take place on the 5th-7th of June. It is now time for students to come up with a challenge they would like to do to raise money for this, and start collecting sponsors and donations. The money raised this year is going to Malawi, who are currently suffering from extreme weather events which are costing them dearly. For those who want to participate, we will be giving out packs to sign up on Tuesday at 12:30 (lunchtime) in room 10.

Teacher Only Day:
We would like to remind parents that planned Teacher Only Day on Tuesday 2 June (the day after Queen’s Birthday public holiday) will go ahead as planned.

Head lice:
Head lice are not happy with lockdown and social distancing because all their devious plans to jump heads are foiled. They may still be lurking, waiting for their next opportunity to find a friend. We think that the return to school is a good opportunity to check your child’s head regularly and make sure to stay clear of infestation.

School Reopening
Following today’s Government announcement, we plan to reopen on Monday, 18 May. Thanks to everyone for the part you are playing to keep students occupied and learning. Hang in there! We are looking forward to having our students back on site next week. If you have any questions or concerns about the transition back to school please let us know.

Skool loop App
We would like to extend a huge thanks to the following businesses who have confirmed advertising on the Skool Loop app:
· Armstrong Electrical
· RW Craw Contracting
· John Moyle Harcourts
· Akaroa Motor Garage
· Richie O’Malley Building Contractors
· Wayne Wrights Construction
· Black Cat Cruises
· Akaroa Four Square
· McLenaghan Contracting
· Special Branch Tree Care NZ
· Peninsula Excavations
· Akaroa Village Inn

To download the app search for “Skool Loop” in Google Play/ App store and choose Akaroa Area School once installed.

Free Webinar for Parents
Jenny Tebbutt from Raising Achievement is holding a free Webinar for parents on Thursday May 14 at 7:30. The topic is “Understanding children’s learning differences and supporting children with home learning.” If you are interested in joining this Webinar, please email Jenny at

Jenny Tebbutt
Raising Achievement
www.raisingachievement.co.nz
Phone:   07 322-2480  
Mobile:  027 297 5164

Online learning
We continue to receive good feedback on the online delivery of learning during closure. We would like to thank parents again for the role they play in supporting their children and our students for how adaptable they have been. Keep the good work up everyone!

Support
We would like to remind any students who are finding things tough at the moment that our counsellor, Mr Wood is available. Just email frank.wood@xtra.co.nz.

Echo Photos
We have been receiving lots of great Lockdown stories for the school paper The Echo but would love some more photos. Deadline is this Friday. Please email gbrittenden@akaroa.school.nz