Week 1 Term 1, 2026
Welcome back to the 2026 school year to the new and returning families and the staff.
The Powhiri held yesterday was one of the biggest the school has had for a while. I had to send down to the office to put out more biscuits.
It was lovely to see so many parents attending powhiri and being welcomed into the school community. My next goal is to have more parents stay for a coffee and chat. It is a nice way to get to know them and to answer questions about the school.
2026 Staff
Principal
Paula Farquhar
Deputy Principal
Hannah Simpson
Tracey Venter
Specialist Teachers
Karen Stockwell
Sara Sprague
Release
Amy McLaughlin
Karapiti Team Year 5 and 6
Room 4, Rachael Barr - Team Leader
Room 7, Abby Garland
Room 8, Jessica Mcleod
Tuhuatahi Team Year 4 and 5
Room 3, Angel Chauval -Team Leader
Room 1, Chelsie Rowbotham
Room 2, Emily Penhearow
Pirorirori Team Year 2 and 3
Tracey Venter - Team Leader
Room 9, Jana Van Zyl
Room 10, Divya Singh
Room 11, Codie Robinson
Room 13, Leanne Jackson
Raparapa Team Year 1
Room 16, Caitlin Bone - Team Leader
Room 14, Janette Haakma
Room 5, Victoria Matthews
Office
Val Mansfield
Rhonda Ellington
Classroom Teacher Support
Abbey Mansfield
Cindy Clunie
Michelle Binnie
Diana Fitzsimmons
Tracy Bouma
Christine Ryrie
Caretaker
Jeni Tarrant
Learning Support Coordinator
Kim Stevens
All contact details can be found in 'Our Team' on the website. Each staff member has a page with their photo and email address. On the bottom of all staff email is a personal signature with links to the class blog and other quick links, including their preference the students will call them on a daily basis.
General
To start the year there are a selection of photos from each staff member showing learning. It is a nice way to get the academic year started. As parents you can update your preferences for showing your child’s image at the office at any time.
An old favourite is returning - ‘The Meet the Teacher’ meeting. This is an opportunity for all teachers to meet families and for you to hear about the class, how it will operate and what you can do to help at home. At this meeting there will be a form to update your contact details including emails. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 10, 2026 starting at 4.30p.m in each classroom.
Karen Stockwell and Sara Spargue are specialist teachers for 2026. If your child is going to be in a withdrawal or support programme you will receive a letter to inform you. Times for these programmes move during the week so that participants do not miss out on the class programme at the same time every day. Attendance at school is a requirement to be a part of these specialist programs.
The Education Review Office is visiting the school on March 25 & 26, 2026. At this stage there is a parent meeting for parents to give feedback about the school. Once this meeting is confirmed I will post the date and time in the school calendar.
Vacancy - Event Manager
The school is looking for an Event Manager to assist us to run school events including the winter sports and school sport events.
This role is 10 hours a week with flexible days.
There is a requirement to attend the school sport events and interschool events along with staff. Supporting the school PTA to run events like Pet Day and prepare the run sheets for these events.
Knowledge of preparing RAMS forms is important.
If you are interested in applying for this role please send a letter wishing to apply, application form and CV to info@wairakeitaupo.school.nz.
Position closes on Monday, February 16, 2026.
This position starts after a police check has been completed and returned to school.
Application form upload
Celebration of Students
The first inquiry for the year is called ‘Minute to Win it’. All about setting goals and achieving them. Based on the last time we did this inquiry the ‘Celebration of Learning’ was an absolute blast. I had a ball trying the games. My very best photo was taken at that event. So much fun.
First whole school assembly is on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9.15a.m. Another school goal is to have as many parents as possible at the assemblies. Let’s fill up all the chairs in the back of the hall
Ngā mihi nui
Paula
