Introduction, 2026

We look forward to welcoming you in February and embarking on this exciting journey together.

The teaching and support staff look forward to welcoming all whānau on February 2, 2026 and embarking on this exciting journey together.  

A special welcome to all new staff and families to Wairakei Primary School. I hope you had a relaxing holiday and managed to get time in or on the lake with friends and family.

Important: There is a practice for our Powhiri Leaders on Thursday, January 30, 2025 starting at 8.30a.m. in the school hall.

Key Dates

School opens 9a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026. 

School office hours:

• Thursday, January 29, 2026, 9a.m. - 3p.m.

• Friday, January 30, 2026,  9a.m. - 3p.m.

Meet the Teacher Meetings:

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 4.30p.m.

Year 6 Camp Meeting for parents

• Tuesday, February 10, 5.15p.m.

Parent Teacher Association, (PTA) Annual General Meeting  (new members welcome):

• Thursday, March 19, 5.30p.m

Summer Picnic

• Thursday, March 5, 4.30 - 7p.m.

Pet Day

• Saturday, October 19, 2026

Term Dates

Term One:   Monday, February 2 to Thursday, April 2

Term Two: Monday, April 30 to Friday, July 3

Term Three: Monday, July 20 to Friday, September 25

Term Four: Monday, October 12 to Tuesday, December 15

View the Calendar 

Check the calendar for updates regularly. The calendar has a direct link located in the eTap @school app. New families will be logged into the eTap @school app after enrolment has taken place. The school website also has a link to the calendar available on every page in the navigation bar.

Important information

• Each child needs to have a school hat for the start of school as part of our Sun Smart policy. School uniforms can be purchased from Brandfuel on Oruanui Street.

• Water bottles are filled at the drinking fountains housed around the school. Lunch and morning tea rubbish is to be taken home by each child. Please provide enough food for your child to last the whole day.

• All student property should be named so it can be returned. Lost property can be located outside the staff room. 

• The school hoodie can only be ordered through the school office. The names on the back need to be full first names or surnames, not shortened names or nicknames.

• The school uses School Docs to host the school policies. The school docs can be accessed in the website ‘About Us’ dropdown menu.

• To access all school policies, please use the link provided on the school website.  This site contains the Complaints policy and the Community Conduct Expectations policy. These are important policies to read and be aware of.

Stationery Packs

Stationery packs can be purchased from the school office when open. Payment is made with eftpos or internet banking only, if you are purchasing from the school. If you wish to pay through internet banking, a stationery pack can be given to your child/ren when school starts. Please include student name/s as a reference.

Packs can also be purchased from Taupo Office Products, Oruanui Street, Taupo. Stationary lists can be found here.

Bank Account Details

Wairakei School BOT 03 0430 0145370 00

How to contact your classroom teacher

All teachers have a personalised email address and can be contacted during working hours. These emails are found in the staff contact list on the website and the ‘Our Team’ link on the school app home screen. 

You are welcome to make an appointment to meet with the classroom teacher before or after school. These meetings need to take place before 8:30 a.m. and after 3.10 p.m. Please be aware that teachers are in class from 8.30 a.m for the students in their rooms.

If there are any issues that you wish to discuss, please contact the classroom teacher in the first instance, and then the Team Leader for each team.

Karapiti Team –- 2026 – Rooms 4, 7 and 8 – Rachael Barr

Tuhuatahi Team –- 2026 – Rooms 1, 2, 3 – Angel Chauval

Pirorirori Team – 2026 - Rooms 9, 10, 11, 13 – Tracey Venter

Raparapa Team –2026 - Rooms 5, 14, 16 – Caitlin Bone

Bus students and their families Information

1. Route Changes:
Tranzit endeavours to run all scheduled routes; however, unexpected changes may occur due to emergencies. To stay informed about any last-minute changes, you are encouraged to follow the official Facebook page, Taupo School Bus Transport, where updates are posted as needed.

2. Carrying Ineligible Students:

While the service aims to provide transport for all students, this can only be sustained if there is available capacity. Please note that if passenger numbers exceed capacity, buses will no longer be able to carry ineligible students. In such cases, families will be notified, and a refund will be provided for any unused bus services.

The cost for ineligible students to travel on the bus is $50 per term.

Conclusion

Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our students safe and informed.

Enjoy the remainder of your holiday break.

Ngā mihi nui

Paula