Wow! It is hard to believe that this will be the last newsletter for 2011. I am not exactly sure where this year has gone, but once again it has provided many challenges and successes for the staff and students at Belmont Intermediate School.
 
It is often at this time that I reflect on the year that has come and gone.  I know that as a school we have continued to provide quality teaching and learning programmes, which challenge our students to be the best that they can be.
 
I would like to thank the talented staff at Belmont Intermediate School for providing a range of academic, cultural and sporting opportunities, which meet the specific needs of the emerging adolescent and the students here can consider themselves very lucky in this respect.
 
To the students, thank you all for your enthusiasm and love of learning. As a school we are fortunate to have individuals who constantly demonstrate our core values of respect, responsibility, commitment and aroha. As a group you are confident, receptive and keen to make the most of your opportunities and for this you must be commended.
 
The BOT have continued to provide quality governance of the school and they have again been focused on monitoring achievement of our strategic goals.  I would like to thank Mrs Rosemary Barraclough for her contribution to the school and community as the Board Chair for the last three years and congratulate Mrs Shelley Ireland (Chairperson) and Justin Hamilton and as newly appointed board members. Joe Martin has also been co-opted on to the board to help with
property.
 
The PTA has also done a wonderful job this year supporting school events and taking every opportunity to raise funds for our landscaping project. They are a dedicated group of people who have the best interests of our students and staff at heart.
 
Our school prizegiving will be held on Thursday 15th December at the Harbourside Church, Esmonde Road, Takapuna – we have become too big for the TGS Hall! This is an opportunity to celebrate our successes in 2011 and farewell our year 8 students as they head off to high school. Prizegiving is a fantastic occasion with a range of cultural performances and presentations and if you haven’t attended before you might want to come along next week.
 
Finally I wish to inform you that Mr Zane Cooper has been appointed to a homeroom teaching position at BIS. We look forward to Zane joining our staff in 2012. I would also like to wish Mrs Penelope Lamb all the very best as she will be leaving us at the end of this year.
 
As this is my last newsletter for the year I would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday with your family. As a school we have certainly appreciated your support this year.

Justin Somerville, Principal