Sonrise Christian School

Day 2 with The Gisborne Principal's Association in Wellington. On Wednesday 17 Gisborne principals headed to Wellington to take our regions voice to those who make the big decisions. We spoke with Pauline Cleaver (Deputy Secretary Curriculum) and then with Erica Stanford (Education Minister) and Dana Kirkpatrick (local MP) in the beehive. The afternoon was hearing the Q&A session in parliament with Chris Luxton. Today we all went back for a tour through the parliament buildings and then talked with Katie Nimon (Napier MP) about how government works. Moving straight on to a meeting with Ginny Anderson (Labour party education spokesperson) to discuss the big topics in education, but to especially let them know what is going on in Gisborne and what is important for our tamariki. How much they listened... we will see, but we did make our voices heard. Gisborne has a strong supportive group of principals that I am proud to be associated with.

The details are being finalized and we are looking forward to seeing Jordan next Monday. If you want to be inspired about what God is doing in Christian Education and through Laidlaw College, come and hear Jordan on Monday evening at 7pm.

Our very talented Nenna Jairam and Zebrina Cowley shown at the Gisborne dance competitions last weekend. It is so good seeing our young girls shine! Credit to Hannah Jairam photography for the amazing photos here.

An Important Evening for Parents of Year 8–12 Students:
We invite you to join us on Tuesday, 1st September, for an informative presentation on what 2027 holds for your child. Learn about the exciting opportunities and expanded pathways available as Sonrise Christian School continues to grow its secondary program.

Kia ora e te whānau,
1) Aspiration Hui:
POSTPONED until Wednesday 1 September.
2) Senior Kapa Haka Noho: "DAY ONLY"
Saturday 15 August - 9am to 8pm (parents can pick up their children after dinner)
3) Community evening with Jordan Smith:
Monday 24 August, watch this space for venue and time.
4) School Photos:
Monday 1 September.
5) Staff vs Students:
Friday 4 September - it is on! Can the staff take back the trophy???
6) Cross Country:
Friday 11 September - PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE!!!!

Educating for Eternity!
Have you seen our new sign? It is there to remind us that we want to become known as a school for what we stand for, not what we stand against; that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, that there is right and wrong, that we were created to have a relationship with the Living God and that we have a future with Him because of what His son Jesus has done for us. Success in life is therefore measured in our relationship with the God of eternity and not by the measures of this temporary world. Sonrise chooses to live in this reality.

Kia ora e te whānau ō Sonrise,
Below is the email from Denise Latu updating the school on Ruby Martin's achievements at the NZ Secondary Schools Swimming Competition she competed in.

Ruby represented Sonrise Christian School with pride and competed against the best secondary school swimmers in the country. Despite recently recovering from an arm injury, she showed amazing resilience and determination to perform at a national level.
Ruby achieved some outstanding results, including an incredible 4th lace in NZ in the 50 m freestyle (28.30), along with multiple other top finishes 8th in the 200m individual medley and 9th in the 100m individual medley.
To achieve these results while returning from injury is a fantastic accomplishment and a credit to Ruby's hard work, commitment and mindset.
She was also a wonderful ambassador for Sonrise, showing great sportsmanship and maturity throughout the event. A huge congratulations to Ruby, her family and coaches, Sonrise should be very proud of her achievements.

Kind regards,
Denise Latu

Kia ora e te whanau,
This newsletter is coming home!! Please sign and return on Monday.

On Tuesday 4th of August the Year 9-13 students finish at 1pm so the Secondary staff can plan for the 2027 curriculum. This extra time for the teachers is important for us to ensure the best plan can be developed for moving our school into the future with confidence.

Principal Appreciation Day!

Today is all about celebrating Mr Russell. Thank you Mr Russell for being a fantastic principal and for everything that you do for the Sonrise community. We appreciate the love and care you bring to our kura and pray the Lord's favour over you and your whānau.

Thank you Mr Russell.