Property News: 

The holidays are an ideal time to catch up on property projects that need doing. Unfortunately, a few delays meant one big one couldn't start, and another big one started but couldn't finish.

We will do all we can to ensure safe completion as soon as possible.

We have received more than our fair share of water already this year. It's good for the dams our town water supplies depend upon, but in this case, we have had a bit too much of a good thing with two floods and many rainy days.

Managing this water is a constant challenge. Unfortunately, some work done many years ago was not up to standard - but because it is below ground, it is only later down the track that the problems appear. Soft fill was placed underneath drains, leading to subsidence and an incorrect fall on pipes, leading to pooling, backfilling and ponding of surface water. 

A gutter and downpipe system was installed that couldn't hope to cope with heavy rainfall - leading to a wall of water for children to navigate during heavy downpours.

Muddy runoff onto our main court flows onto (and under) our astroturf, which will lead to eventual rotting - and creates a slippery surface and makes it unsuitable to sit on (as it's waterlogged after every rain).

All of these issues are being addressed as I write, and having them addressed will make a major difference in many ways.

One persistent problem this year is the path that leads to our four temporary classrooms - rooms 31 to 34.

There is a constant run-off from under our senior playground, down and across this path.

Shane water-blasts it regularly, but it is soon slippery and unsafe again.

I have raised the issue with the Ministry of Education as part of the problem stems from the placement site for these classrooms.

I await a quote to address the flooding under and around this classroom block.

In the meantime, I had a bit of a brainwave, and we have ordered some large rubber mats that can be pinned on either side of the path and serve as stepping stones over the slippery spots until a permanent fix can be implemented.

Roof cleaning was another big project we had hoped to get done over the holidays but had to be delayed as we could not get the crew booked in in time. They will complete it as a weekend project in early August to avoid interruptions for staff and children.

The need for this can be seen in the images below.

Another challenge we would love to find a solution to is the mud area in front of our dance stage and sandpit. Photos below, and hopefully, a solution to come.

And finally, if you read down this far, a beautiful rainbow over Western Heights.