Thanks and Appreciation From Lesley

It is with some trepidation that I publish this list of people I would like to thank publicly because it is inevitable that I will miss some people who have contributed in wonderful ways. The question is....do you not acknowledge what people have done in case you miss one or two or do you plunge in and take the risk?

I am a "plunge in" kind of person and if I have missed you off the list....please be assured that I have appreciated every contribution made. It's just my memory that will let me down - not that your contribution was not noticed or appreciated at the time.

If you notice that we have missed someone off the list who has made significant contributions to the school, please let me know, because we can always add to the list!

*Our school community - you have walked this journey with us with all its ups and downs. You have entrusted your children to us, even though you didn't know us. Thank you for your faith and grace.

*Our students - Everyday you bring us joy....very occasionally consternation..... but always delight and joy!

*Our staff: You are legends! You took the plunge and joined me on this journey. It's been a bit of a lonely journey at times because nobody but you know how much energy it takes to begin every single thing from scratch. But here we are and next year we begin building on the foundations we have developed. I am so looking forward to continuing this journey with you. Thanks for your passion and your commitment to always growing and developing and providing the best education for children.

*Board of Trustees: Over the last 20 months or so, I have been privileged to work with two wonderful Boards of Trustees. I am very grateful for your commitment to the vision of 21st century learning, but even more, for your commitment to building great relationships. I am increasingly convinced that positive relationships are the foundation for everything good and great.

*To my family/Murrihy whanau - you are always willing to help out and assist in making my plans a reality. This job would be so much more difficult without you. Arohanui ki a koutou.

*Colin Prentice: I am so fortunate to have had you as a mentor and coach for all these years but most particularly this year. You have provided both support and challenge in just the right proportions. You are deeply trustworthy and care very much about the success of Amesbury School. Thank you so much and I look forward to continuing this work together next year

*Novotel and Ibis - Thanks for adopting us. We have appreciated your generosity, support and we have been the richer for this relationship.

*Churton Park New World - Thanks for your generosity, kindness and support. We wish you a blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year.

*International Festival Committee - Crisanna Nel, Fiona White, Sandrine Pelligrin, Mary Jane Robiony-Rogers, Echo Schwinn. It was wonderful to celebrate the diversity of cultures in our community. I know it was hard work, but I also know this event will go from strength to strength as a result of the foundations you have built. This festival was characterised by calmness, positivity and openness. This is a reflection of your approach. Thank you.

*PPT - It took a while to get up and running but eventually we did. Thanks to Debbie Dunbar, Rachel Watson, Jo Lockery, Rebecca Laracy and Lorraine Walmsley who put themselves forward for co-ordinating a range of activities parents can be involved in. You are a group of extremely capable, committed women and I really enjoy working with you. Next year we will begin to see the fruits of this labour and no doubt further expand the work of PPT.

*Towards Community: Thanks Simon Laws, Debbie Dunbar and Melinda Jones for working with me to develop the first draft of our School Community Partnering Agreement. We will continue this work next year - end of year busyness got a bit in the way! I have really enjoyed your perspectives, your commitment to positive relationships and I have felt affirmed by your support.

*Mike Forrest (of Cashmere Avenue School): Thanks so much your willingness to provide an outside perspective this year. It has been both affirming and very helpful for our ongoing growth and development. I am looking forward to continuing this reciprocal relationship into the future.

*Elizabeth Barr: You have worked willingly and in a volunteer capacity throughout the year to get our library up and running and to keep it ticking over. Thank you so much for your commitment to this work and to the success of our school. We looking forward to seeing you back next year.

*To our parent helpers: Life for everyone in the  Amesbury School community is full and busy. Yet many of you made a huge commitment to support the school this year with your time. Thank you so much. Your commitment has been noticed and very much appreciated. You are awesome!

*Building Consortium: Thanks so much for being gracious about my continual emails and being very prompt in fixing up any building related issues. It has been a pleasure and a privilege working with you this year.

*Jenny Wilson: We have so appreciated your determination that Amesbury School would be a success. You have given us everything at your disposal to ensure success. Thanks for doing your job so well and going above and beyond.

*Wellington City Council: You gave us a bigger and better Community Hall. Thank you so much for seeing the possibilities in this opportunity and for working positively to ensure the possibility was realised.

Stonefields School: We love you! Thanks for being such a bright shiny star in the education sector. We know you are always there, leading the way in terms of 21st Century learning, but also in terms of hospitality, positivity and integrity. We have learned so much from you and we know you are only a phone call away.