Week 7 Term 3, 2026

Learning

Learning happens in a variety of ways in a school. There are traditional types of learning that involve pen and paper, and now Chromebooks or iPads. Then there are the other forms that occur naturally.

If by chance you were at assembly in the past six weeks, you would have seen the learning I am talking about. Each class that hosted assembly presented their learning in a way that reflected the personalities of the class, the concept being studied, adding in the style and approach of the teacher,

On Friday, the Year 1s in Room 5 presented their version of Movers and Shakers. A dress-up occasion for the fireman, police and ambulance officers and my personal favourite, the farmers. Working with the senior classes to make and paint the props for the play was a highlight for both groups.

The personality of the students was very strong. Each group dressed to the nines were creative in their message sharing. Smiling and enjoying what they were doing. If anyone has a video of the play, can you please share it with us? Learning gold.

From my point of view, this kind of assembly highlights that learning is happening in the classrooms. I see it at Celebrations of Learning and with the stream of students in and out of the office showing off their work. That last Celebration of Learning was out of the gate with parents. So good to see you there. It matters to your children.

I know that students have to feel confident in themselves to be able to retell what they understand. They must have multiple exposures to the learning for it to resonate. Learning must be age-appropriate, planned for and then taught. It doesn’t just happen by accident. Teachers have to understand their curriculum to plan for and teach the learning that is required.

Recently, the Years 3 to 6 students have been re-sitting their Progress and Achievement Tests. You may remember them as PAT’s: Listening, Maths and Reading. In the staffroom is a WOW wall showing the progress the students have made since Term One. Box-and-whisker graphs plot the progress made. Yes, it is against the old curriculum and not refreshed. It is a measure of progress, and it is great to see. Come in and check it out. The teachers and I have certainly enjoyed seeing the growth.

Crossing at the Crossing - Mrs Simpson

A reminder to all families: please model appropriate road safety by using the crossing. In the last few weeks, I have unfortunately witnessed three near misses. These all occurred when a parent crossed independently, and a younger student copied the adult, almost getting skittled. The difference in distance and time between jaywalking and using the crossing is not far enough to risk your child's and other children’s safety.

Pet Day Raffles

Kids Can No Uniform Day

Friday, September 25, 2026

Wear no uniform — bring an item to school

Every koha collected goes straight into the Pet Day raffles.

As part of the preparation for Pet Day, Kids Can No Uniform Day is being held to collect the items needed for Pet Day raffles. Tamariki come to school out of uniform and bring one item for their class contribution.

This year, each class has its own theme, so the finished raffles offer a variety of prizes to win. The suggested items below are based on what previous raffle winners have enjoyed most — they are ideas, not a shopping list, so anything that fits the theme is welcome.

Kiwi Family Favourites Raffle

Class themes and donation ideas

Items can be handed in to the class teacher on the day. Please check the theme for your child's room before shopping so each basket stays balanced.

Ngā mihi nui for supporting Pet Day.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa Taiopenga

Performance Dates and Times

Karapiti Group - Tuakana (Rooms 4, 7, 8)  Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 2.40p.m.

Pirorirori - Teina (Rooms 9, 10, 11, 13)  Friday, September 18, 2026 at 9.40a.m. 

Tuhuatahi - Waenganui (Rooms 1, 2, 3) Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11.40a.m.

Intermediate transitions for 2027

The Intermediate staff and students will visit the school on Thursday, September 24, at 10 a.m. to speak with the Year 6 students. There will be a parent meeting held in the staff room at 6 p.m. on the same day.

Ngā mihi,

Paula

Dates for 2027

• Term 1: Tuesday, February 2 – Friday,  April  9

• Term 2: Tuesday, April  27– Friday,  July 2 

• Term 3: Monday, July 19 – Friday,  September 24

• Term 4: Monday, October 11 -  Wednesday, December 15

PTA Raffle 2026

• Thermomix worth $2,849
• BBQ & Meat Pack worth $1,300
• Family Photoshoot worth $800