"Kia ora team,

I am writing to express my appreciation for the experience my son Aiden and my family have had a Baverstock Oaks Primary thus far.

Enrolling Aiden into primary school, as you can imagine, was a significant milestone for him and us as parents, and I will be honest, we really didn't know what to expect.

On the very onset of enrolling, the communication has been great. The office staff were helpful and responsive making the navigation of the admin very smooth. Being able to attend the orientation day last year provided insights into the school's goals, educational approach and helped my husband and I establish a connection with the school community, even before Aiden's first day.

Aiden's initial days in Ms Simpsons class were met with warmth and enthusiasm. Ms Simpson's welcoming demeanor made Aiden's transition into a new environment an easy one. As a parent, observing Aidens comfort and ease in the classroom spoke volumes about the nurturing and supportive atmosphere in the room.

Three days in, there was a prompt recommendation for Aiden to move into Room 17 with Ms Nolan, which to me showed the attention put on new entrants and focus on student needs. I was thrilled with the swift action of the move and ensuring that Aiden's educational journey aligned with his growth and development needs. Aiden's seamless transition showcases his eagerness to learn and again, that comfort factor.

Ms Nolan's dedication to learning was showcased at the parent teacher meeting last night and I was particularly interested in the literacy side of things. I had no idea how important things like rhyming were and the link this has into reading and understanding words - so there were some really great take aways. Aiden's enthusiasm for sharing his day with me, reaffirms the positive impact Room 17 and Ms Nolan have had on him, in such a short time.

Lastly, I really want to call out and acknowledge the Leadership Team. Their active engagement with parents, students, crossing duties and time at the drop off and pick up zone is amazing. I know there would be a lot of work happening behind the scenes, so for the Leadership Team to make the effort to be seen and be known is greatly appreciated and really just brings in that sense of school community.

I wanted to share my feedback with you, as I am very appreciative and grateful for our journey with Baverstock Oaks so far and I feel it's important to share that and celebrate wins!"

"I wanted to reach out and thank you and Baverstock Oaks School for sending such wonderful and talented Tamariki to our office last Thursday. Whaea Julie, as were we all, was really impressed with how talented the children were, how respectful they were, and how confident they were, not just with their performance but interacting with the staff afterward.

Whaea Julie said she could not have thought of a better way for her to be sent off, not just from work but for leaving Aotearoa. The staff who attended are still and will be talking about the experience for a long time. I got the impression from the children that it was a great experience for them as well, for coming into the city, seeing the outside and inside of office buildings and meeting new people.

Thanks to you, whaea Lisa, Mrs. Simpson, and Mrs. Thompson for bringing the children. They are an asset to your school."

"Good Morning

I just happened to be at Sandspit this morning when the ferry arrived with all your children. I was so impressed by the behaviour of the kids, their obvious willingness to help with all the unpacking, all done with a smile despite the pouring rain, and a friendly “hello” from so many of them. Even the parent/teacher helpers were amazing and quickly formed a human chain to get the ferry unloaded in record time.

It is obviously a very well run and happy school.

Kind regards
Anita Logie"

"Baverstock Oaks School is extremely lucky to have CrestClean to keep our school clean. They have introduced a “Cleanest Classroom” competition. This year Room 12 have won this competition every week. Check out the link below to see what happened when Room 12 received their prize for the term."

http://crestclean.co.nz/2017/06/kids-sing-heart-crestclean/

"Dear Ms Crowley, Ms Shabbot and Ms Lee

CHAN, Ho Yan (Crystal)

Year 3 Room 5

It is Crystal’s last day in your school today! Thank you for all your support and guidance extended to our daughter.

Crystal is loving your school/class and is learning so much every day. She is fully embracing life in New Zealand through the school. On her first day of school in Baverstock Oaks, she told us that she made some “best friends”. I related it to Ms Crowley’s statement on the school website that “We value inclusivity and warmly welcome all new families to our school”. We truly felt that from all the staff and students in the school, especially from our direct interactions with yourself, Ms Shabbot and Leanne. We hope that other members of her class are also enjoying learning a different culture. We never know, one day we may be fortunate enough to meet them in Hong Kong because of a friendship established in Year 3!

Again, we really appreciate your efforts in accepting Crystal into your school/class on a short notice and for a short period of time. We attach a photo that was taken with Ms Crowley last week. Goodbye from Crystal and her little sister Amber!

Take care and best regards

Jennie & Rocky"

"When we left a decile 10 school 4 years ago to move to our first home in Flatbush and enrolled him at Baverstock we didn't know what was in store. Now when we reflect back, we are so glad. He has had so many opportunities and lasting memories at the school. It has been a family away from home. We can feel the warmth every time we come to school. The little things like Senior Leaders standing at the drop-off zone to welcome the little learners speak so much about the loving environment at school. I am emotional as our son leaves this amazing school, but with learning for life."

"I just wanted to send a quick email out to say how grateful I felt yesterday when I was picking my daughter up from the drop off zone area. The weather had suddenly changed and it started pouring rapidly during school pick-up time which got me quite worried.

It was so nice to see teachers ushering the kids into the cars under your umbrellas making sure they got onto the cars safely and were sheltered as much as possible from the rain.

This means a lot to me as a parent. I feel a sense of security and that my child along with the others are well cared for.

It’s nice that the school has a dedicated drop off/pick up zone for families who arent able to come early enough to park on the roads for pick-up.

You should be proud of yourselves as the staff that I regularly meet are so caring, approachable and generally supportive. I feel proud to be part of this school."

"Hi Mrs Crowley

Just wanted to convey my sincerest gratitude to all who arranged and organised the Babes at Baverstock! It was my first one and I was really deeply touched by the thoughtfulness that went into it making it a special day for us moms and daughters. I could see how exhausting it was for staff and yet you all just went about it with such gusto and cheer!

Just want to convey my deepest gratitude to you and your amazing team! I’m sure I speak for all moms and whanau who attended! It was such a special and beautiful day!

Thank you 😊

Kalpana (Keeras Mom)"

"I just want you to know how fortunate we are to be part of the wonderful Baverstock family. I have no words to express my gratitude for all the support provided for our son. The efforts and time spent on ensuring that he is happy and enjoys learning at school is commendable. Every time I talk about BOS my eyes get moist (happy tears) and the heart bursts with pride for all the love, kindness, support and compassion the school has shown towards my family since our daughter started school. The experience has always been positive. I am already worrying about what will happen when our son finishes school in two years’ time. Praying and hoping that Baverstock expands to Intermediate classes as well. It’s because the school cares, my children have been directed to trust themselves in all they can do to become anyone they dream of."

“From all our whanau … we just want to say how amazingly proud of our son we are!!

The Baverstock Oaks kapa haka group were phenomenal today … you have all worked so hard with them and it sure showed today when they were on stage!

We are so proud to see our son up there, special thanks to you Robert for encouraging him to join!

Our daughter can’t wait to be part of the group next year!

Was a fantastic day all round seeing our older two, perform with MHJC and also seeing some other schools … they were all fantastic!

Your hard work certainly doesn’t go unnoticed … thank you again from us all!”

"Last week we had the Dental Caravan visiting. This is the feedback form one of the dental nurses. Well done team…….

“Just wanted to pass on our thanks to you & your staff for making the Dental team so welcome.

Please also thank on our behalf the marvellous ladies in the office for all the arrangements with runners

It was so appreciated.

The children at Baverstock Oaks are just delightful, they are polite & very caring toward each other, it was such a pleasure to be onsite, we all commented on what fine citizens of the world will graduate from Baverstock Oaks.”

Best regards

Lyn Henry I Team Leader South 4"

"Rainbow’s End staff were absolutely delighted with our children who went there last week for the photo shoot for their new attraction – AA Drivers Town. They said they love having Baverstock Oaks students there as they are always so polite, listen well and despite having to wait around during the filming their behaviour was amazing. They said they have adult groups who can’t behave as well as these 7 year olds did. Well done to our staff and children who represented our school so well – this is wonderful feedback!"

“ I just want to pass on my compliments to the whole team that is supporting _______ at your school. It is really great for us to come to a school that is so holistic in their approach to managing children with difficulties and to work with teaching staff that are very willing to implement our suggestions and also display real talent at thinking outside the box on how best to tap into a child’s individual talents. We are aware that this approach needs to be guided and encouraged by the Senior Leadership Team and this certainly happens at Baverstock Oaks. It is rewarding to work with a Solution Focussed school. You may not even be aware of it but your school really does follow the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Guidelines

Keep up the great work!”

“I would like to commend you on your fabulous organisation of the scooter training day held at Baverstock Oaks today. Not only were the children prepared to participate but the Student Travelwise Leaders took an active, engaged approach to helping those participating in the training which made everything run like clockwork. No doubt this is all due to your input into the students and the efforts you have put into the Travelwise programme throughout the year.”

Andrew Barrett | Community Transport Coordinator

"Dear Ms Crowley

I hope you don’t mind me writing to you but I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the children and staff from Baverstock Oaks who were on the Kawau Island ferry yesterday. The children were so well organised, happy and obviously having a fabulous week!

I would like, in particular, to single out a group of four lovely boys who sat with my husband and I for their short ferry trip. They were polite, engaging and very mindful of the instructions given to be well-behaved! After we’d a quick chat with them they settled down to a game of cards and then said ‘bye’ when we left. I told them how impressed I was with their behaviour but I also wanted you to know.

Furthermore, when we were leaving the island, we saw one of the boys again who recognised us, said ‘hi’ again then waved us goodbye-brilliant!

I have just retired from teaching after 50 years service, both in NZ and the UK, and am very aware of the enormous challenges faced in teaching and learning. This is why I believe it is important to acknowledge a good job done by both staff and children. We never get a second chance to make a first impression and my impression of your school will forever be an excellent one!

I hope the staff who led the trip have a good rest over the weekend and enjoy the rest of your term.

Warmest wishes

Anthea Nash"

"Good afternoon Mrs Crowley,

Today I attended the Koanga festival held at Cockle bay school to watch my children perform for their school – Our lady star of the Sea. My children have attended every Koanga festival for the last 5 years and we have seen many groups in this time.

Prior to my children preforming I had the pleasure and such a great privilege to watch your amazing students perform today. Their voices were strong, proud and at times Angelic. Your students moved me emotionally so much I was compelled to write to you. So, thank you for sharing your beautiful Taonga with us today they made us very very Proud."

"I wanted to say thanks to you and the staff for the way you are dealing with things since the start of school. I know its not easy and changes all the time. Everything is very well planned out with good processes in place. I feel really safe and assured when I send my daughter to school. Good job to you all also with the communication using the different methods – Facebook/Seesaw/Email/App etc its great so we can ensure the message is received. I always say this and really mean it, you have a lovely bunch of staff working at Baverstock. You should all be very proud of yourselves!"

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful three-week experience my son, Eric, had in your class, Room 5.

Eric has been sharing with me all the amazing things he did during his time there. He was constantly excited about the classes, which he found extremely interesting. You have a unique way of making the lessons engaging and full of fun, sparking his curiosity and passion for learning. It's truly a remarkable achievement.

The classmates also left a deep impression on him. They were so friendly and inclusive that Eric felt like he was part of a big, warm family from the very beginning. Their interactions have not only made his days at school enjoyable but also helped him develop important social skills.

And you, Ms. Buchanan, are the highlight of his experience. Eric described you as the kindest and most lovely teacher he has ever met. Your patience and gentle guidance have made a significant impact on him. He has become more confident and eager to explore new knowledge under your care.

Words fail me when I try to convey how grateful I am. Your dedication and hard work have not only made these three weeks unforgettable for Eric but also given me great peace of mind.

I sincerely hope that one day you will have the opportunity to visit China. It is a country with a rich history and vibrant culture. There are countless beautiful places to see, such as the majestic Great Wall, the mysterious Forbidden City, and the charming water towns in the south. I would be more than happy to show you around and let you experience the unique hospitality of China.

Thank you again for everything you've done for Eric.