Gratitude and Appreciation!

As we celebrate the conclusion of a school year, I am most mindful of these two words — gratitude and appreciation! I begin with lei of gratitude to you, our parents, whose support of your children ensures their success and likewise, the work we do as a school. When we talk about the connection between home and school, the image I hold is the relationship between the child, parent, and teacher. From the moment the child enters the classroom, the shared hope between parent and teacher is that the school provides a learning environment supporting the child’s skill development in areas of collaboration, creativity, communication, problem solving, and growth mindset. Possible with nurturing, compassionate teachers committed to childrenʻs learning. So we are grateful for taking this learning journey together — parent, child, and teacher.

 

 

 

Lei of appreciation to Nā ʻOhana Pueo (Mid-Pacific parent group), especially the grade-level representatives and classroom parents who are the wind beneath our wings. Community events such as Nā Hikina Pueo (Welcome event), Spookivity, Grandparents’ day, Heart Challenge, and Field Day are planned, organized, and supported by parent volunteers. They understand that sustaining the sense of community and a sense of belonging takes work, and NOP takes on these events with incredible spirit.

And while I understand that parents have the desire to volunteer their time but are constrained because of work obligations, the faculty and I know that you are there beside your child every day to guide, model, encourage, listen, and comfort. You provide the means for a quality learning program and environment, your child’s safety and well being. You understand the past and present for your child and do everything possible to ensure their best future. We are grateful and deeply appreciate you.

We will be celebrating the Fifth Graders, Class of 2031, this Thursday morning. Leavetaking is an honored tradition acknowledging the transition from the elementary to middle years of school life. Fifth Graders’ families and all the students in the preschool and elementary will gather in Bakken Auditorium to celebrate Leavetaking with the Fifth Graders. Leavetaking is full of symbolic tradition, one of which is the blessing of their self-portrait tiles. Completed in art class, the clay tiles are affixed to the walls by the ʻApapane fifth-grade classrooms. At our last school chapel, Chaplain Jenny Sung called each student to their tile where she blessed the tile with holy oil, and she and the student placed their hands on the tile while saying a prayer. Students and soon-to-become alumni in 2031 are invited to view their self-portrait tiles any time they’re on campus.

 

 

As we come upon the last days of school year 2023-2024, Iʻm sure you can just imagine the excitement about summer adventures ahead and the sadness and trepidation of leaving the daily experience of being with friends at Mid-Pacific. For children, transitions to different environments, communities, and routines take time, so be aware of how transitions affect them (and yourselves, parents!). Allow for time to decompress and adjust. And in no time, Field Day (the BEST way to end a school year!) and the waves of summer will be upon us with a five-week summer program and summer “camps.” Opportunities for taking up new interests, sports, and meeting new friends from other schools.

Parents and Friends, on behalf of my faculty and staff, one more encore of our deepest gratitude and appreciation for you and the 20th year of the preschool and elementary.

We celebrate You! A hui hou!

E Kūlia Kākou! Let’s strive and aspire together!

For our children,

Edna L. Hussey, Ed.D.
Principal