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Each year, when reflecting on the ‘year that was’ I feel really privileged to be part of Ardgowan School. In my 22 years as a teacher, I have never been in a school where the children are so caring of each other and engaged, the community so supportive and friendly and the staff so highly skilled and dedicated. We have had another great year achieving high academic standards, whilst still offering the best in extra curricular and cultural experiences for our students. I am proud to be part of such a special place, creating happy memories for our children. I look forward to the successes and challenges of 2011. Enrolment packs available via the office 03 433 1366
 * PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE**

This is always high on the agenda at Ardgowan School and has once again been achieved this year. With 87% of our students achieving at or above the expected levels for reading and 85% in maths we are looking forward to the challenge of maintaining this high standard next year.
 * __ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE__**

Our NEW ENTRANT programme continues to flourish, providing a variety of opportunities for our youngest children to grow and learn in a safe and stimulating environment. Learning is fun and our new entrants have lots of fun every day. The structured PRE SCHOOL programme involves regular visits to meet the teacher and make new friends and ensures that those early days are happy and enjoyable for all.

Our GIFTED AND TALENTED Group has focussed on writing this year, leading to 4 students winning a local writing competition. Students with a flair for art were also given the opportunity to experiment with oil paints to create original works. The final project of the year is centred on media studies. Here the students are creating a television programme for 45 South involving interviewing, editing and filming skills. Perhaps we have the next Peter Jackson in our midst!

Our Year 7/8 students have been lucky enough to experience our UNIQUE once a week, SENIOR PROGRAMME, noted by ERO as a particular strength of our school. The programme ensures that __every__ senior student is provided with an area of responsibility, to develop those important organisational and leadership skills. The students were also given the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and skills under the headings of life skills, cultural awareness, giving back to the community and careers. These have included a first aid course, organising a class trip and camp and planning fundraising events. What great role models for the future.

Our Inquiry this year looked at geographical knowledge and extending awareness of other cultures. This led to a spectacular CULTURAL FESTIVAL of music, art and dance. The ARTS were also developed in our end of year production ‘Snow White and the 7 adventurous elves' where children were challenged to extend their acting, dancing, singing and artistic talents. Our annual Talent Quest provided another chance for students to shine and even the staff could not resist performing a little Spanish Flamenco!

The scientific skills and knowledge of our students has continued to improve. Our SCIENCE PROGRAMME includes a two term block exploring the practical elements of science, such as fair testing, recording, experimenting and drawing conclusions. This is followed by the ever popular science fair where the students plan, conduct and record science experiments to share with the community. I am always impressed by the high standard of the work produced and the level of engagement from all children from the wee 5 year olds right through to our 13 year olds.

With such skilled teachers providing exciting, differentiated activities to support and challenge all students, it is easy to understand why Ardgowan children are so motivated and high achieving. Our supportive community also contribute to the special character of our school, where children are encouraged to have fun and to challenge themselves to be the best that they can be. We are certainly proud of our children and look forward to seeing their positive contributions to the community in the future.

Sport has always been valued and promoted at Ardgowan School and this year has been no different. As part of the AVRACS country schools group our students have challenged themselves in athletics, gymnastics, cross country and swimming to name just a few. Our year 8 students have also experienced rock climbing and team sports.
 * __SPORTING HEROES__**

Our mini ball teams competed well, with our younger team not losing a match all season! They were runners up in the final play off and were really proud of their achievements. Way to go team!

Soccer was another favourite at Ardgowan, with 4 teams being put forward to play. The children developed some amazing skills, showed great drive and determination, but also played fairly. What great competitors!

During bike week the children were taught about road safety, bike maintenance and joined a bike bus. They also joined the ‘Feet First’ campaign to get New Zealand kids walking. With visiting tennis, rugby, athletics and basketball coaches the year has been exhausting!!!


 * __EVENTS, CLUBS AND EOTC__**

There is always something happening at Ardgowan School. The Pumpkin Festival started the year off well with food, Jack-o-lanterns, dunking the teacher and fancy dress. The dedication of our Home and School group never ceases to amaze. The money raised will buy a brand new fort and slide to add to our playground. There have been many trips this year, making full use of the outside classroom. The warm weather at the start of the year was perfect for our surf lifesaving day at Kakanui and encouraged everyone to have a swim or a splash. Our senior class had a trip to Herbert Forest which was organised and planned by the kids. What a valuable learning experience! Mid year the seniors travelled on camp to Wellington and back, by plane, train, ferry and car. Te Papa and the Beehive were just 2 of the highlights of the trip. The middle class had their camp in Dunedin. This included making artworks at the gallery, dressing up at the Settlers Museum, spending the night at the Museum and riding the hydro slide at Moana pools. Not much time for sleeping! In Term 4 our North Otago Chess Champions travelled to Auckland to compete in the New Zealand finals. This was an amazing achievement and something that they will remember forever! Clubs are plentiful at our school. This year we have enjoyed a guitar group, choir and gardening group. With school disco, music performances and theatre groups, the year has been full of fun. **__LOOKING FORWARD__** Ardgowan School offers the best of both worlds - the convenience of being 5 minutes from the centre of town, whilst having the advantage of space, small class sizes and the family feel that only a country school can offer. It is a place where children have many opportunities to develop new skills, become leaders, build new friendships and prepare for their futures. They are offered the best that education has to offer in a safe, supportive environment, that is fun. I am proud of our school and look forward to another year of successes in 2011. Come and be part of the journey with us.