Week 5 Term 4, 2025

Final Assembly Details

Monday, December 15, 2025, at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, starting at 10 a.m. 

The whole school will travel by bus to the venue, leaving at 9.15 a.m. The students will be sorted into their seated areas at the front of the hall, leaving plenty of room for parents and supporters. Year 6 students will enter the hall at 10 a.m. and will be seated on the stage with the hosts.

All year groups will receive their POWER certificates at this assembly. The end-of-year sports awards, as well as the Year 6 school trophies, will be given out. There will be some speeches and school singing. I anticipate the assembly to be completed by 11.15 a.m. At this time, parents can collect their children after notifying the teacher that they are leaving; otherwise, students will return to school on the buses.

There will be a photo opportunity for the trophy winners at the end of the assembly outside the main entrance to the hall.

Olivia Graham

The school is saying farewell to Olivia Graham, who has taken a position at Ko Taku Reo, Deaf Education New Zealand, working across Taupō schools. Olivia has been at the school since 2014 and is a highly valued member of the school staff. She will be very missed. Hopefully, she will come and work with students from Wairakei in the future.

Classes for 2026

It is time to start thinking about 2026. I am accepting written submissions for friends being placed together. Please send these to info@wairakeitaupo.school.nz so they can be collated by the senior leadership team. The school does not accept requests for class teachers as they may change before school starts on February 2, 2026. 

A planned visit to the new class is set for midday Friday, December 12, 2025. This gives students a chance to meet the new teacher before school starts. In individual cases, students will have additional visits before this date to assist with the transition into a new class.

Believe It or Not Quiz Night

Tickets are on sale at the office. Get a team together and join us for this evening. Funds raised go to the PTA towards the new school playgrounds.

The Believe it or Not Quiz is set to go. The sponsorship support has been outstanding, and there are some amazing prizes for the silent auction. I am intending to use the quick-fire raffle sheets that were purchased for Pet Day. Come along and secure your table for this evening of fun and laughter.

No Uniform Day

After Pet Day, there were sausages and bread left, so on Friday, November 7, 2025, there will be a No Uniform Day (coin donation) to raise funds for Kids Can and a Sausage Sizzle with bread for $2 per sausage. Orders can be given to the school office up until 4 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, or emailed to info@wairakeitaupo.school.nz

Celebration of Learning

The final celebration for 2025 is happening on Thursday, December 4, 12.30 - 2.45 p.m.

There will be a range of activities across all teams showcasing the learning from the concept Making a Mark. I will put the full timetable into the next newsletter.

Dental Van

The last day for the dental van is Friday, November 14, 2025. Any outstanding forms can be sent to the office for final treatment. Preschoolers who are not registered can also take this opportunity to be seen at the van as well. Come and talk to the school office or knock on the door of the van. 

SunSmart

As a SunSmart school, the wearing of a navy blue bucket or brimmed hat is essential for all students. New sunblock containers have been purchased and are available for students to access.

Mā te wā

Paula

Term Dates for 2026

Term One: February 2 – April 2

Term Two: April 20 – July 3

Term Three: July 20 – September 25

Term Four: October 12 – December 15