Week 9 Term 3, 2026

The last newsletter of any term often has a lot of information in it. Generally made up of thank-yous and celebrations, plus the odd reminder.

Thank you

To all participants in the Board Quiz night. It was a wonderful community engagement and a fun night. There was a goal set to raise $12,000, and looking at the funds in the bank, that goal has been exceeded. The PTA were a great support for the event. Well done to the Board, Andy and Linda and their team of volunteers who supported in many aspects. The teachers' team held their own on the night. A special mention to Hannah, Codie, Kim and Hayley, who held down the floor on the night.
To the PTA for the upcoming Disco Night and the Pet Day raffle they are holding. More examples of community engagement and collaboration.
To the dedicated staff at Wairakei Primary for their work this term, their commitment to the events being held and their approach to each and every student.

Reminders

Taupo Intermediate School is hosting a parent evening for the Year 6 families on Thursday, September 24, in the school staff room starting at 6 p.m.

For the Taiopenga occurring this week: Parents wishing to pick up their children from the AC Baths after the performances must wait outside the venue. This is to ease congestion in the foyer and changing rooms. Leanne Jackson will be waiting to sign students out on the grassed area to the right of the front door.

All information on the Taiopenga performance dates and times has been sent to the families in newsletters and via emails.

Ballot for 2027

Families living outside the school zone can apply for a place for the 2027 school year.

Places likely to be available are:

20 places for Years 0 and 1

5 places for Years 2, 3, 4 and 5

3 places for Year 6

Applications close at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The ballot, if one is required, will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The application form and the full priority order are on the enrolment scheme page of the school website. If a younger sibling of a current student will start school during 2027 and the family lives out of zone, an application still has to be made — siblings hold priority in the ballot, not an automatic place.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

School Photo orders for free delivery have now closed. The photos are being checked and printed this week and should be at school early next week.

Celebration of Learning is being held next week. The students are all looking forward to seeing you there to see what they have been learning over the term.

Kindo Lunch Online

From the start of term four, there will be a price increase for all orders. This price increase goes to the PTA to support their work with the school.

Basic Facts-a-thon

Testing will be held next week with the aim for every student to get into the 100% Club. A great concept, this club. How cool will it be for every student to get 100% on their knowledge and understanding? That is the aim. Yes, it is a fundraiser for new maths equipment. It is also about getting this basic knowledge secure and easily recalled.

I have been watching the AIMS games information coming from TIS during the last week. It was very rewarding to see the number of ex-students taking home gold medals and teams finishing at the top of their pools or on the medal table. They exemplify the values that Wairakei has instilled in them. They work hard at their chosen sport. They commit to participating and being a participant. They understand the need to be a part of a team and work together as one. It made me very proud to see their photos and to celebrate their achievements.

Pet Day booklets are all out to students and on the website if you lose them in a school bag. There are two booklets this year. One for Flower Day and one for Pet Day.

Something to be aware of is the Precious Pet Portraits that can only be submitted online. The final photos will be printed at school and displayed for judging. This is a new event to the programme. If there are any issues submitting the photo, please contact the office. There is also a parent/ex student and staff competition as well.

No Uniform Day and the collecting of the items for the Pet Day raffles is coming up next week. Time to get the item to bring along on the day to the school office or classroom.

Ngā mihi,

Paula

No uniform Day

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

Room 1

Movie Night

Popcorn, chocolate, chips, lollies, soft drink

Room 2

Taco Tuesday

Taco kits, salsa, seasoning, corn chips, rice

Room 3

Sunday Breakie

Pancake mix, syrup, jam, honey, cereal, Milo

Room 4

Lunch Legends

Muesli bars, popcorn, crackers, fruit snacks, chips

Room 5

Baking Together

Cake mix, icing, sprinkles, chocolate chips, flour, sugar

Room 7

BBQ Time

BBQ sauce, relishes, seasonings, chips, drinks

Room 8

Coffee Catch-Up

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits

Room 9

Winter Warmers

Soup, crackers, hot chocolate, marshmallows

Room 10

Pantry Refill

Rice, pasta, canned goods, flour, sugar

Room 11

Spring Clean

Dishwashing liquid, sprays, sponges, cloths

Room 13

Pamper Night

Soap, face masks, body wash, hand cream, eye masks

Room 14

Treat Yourself

Speciality crackers, nuts, premium snacks, candles, socks

Room 15

Kiwi Picnic

Crackers, dips, chips, sparkling drinks

Room 16

Games Night

Cards, Uno, puzzles, popcorn, chocolates

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 2p.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.

Celebration of Learning

Karapiti (Rooms 4, 7 and 8)

Come and celebrate an exciting term of learning with the Year 5 and 6 students in Rooms 4, 7 & 8. This term, students explored Global Change, investigating climate change and its impacts, as well as human rights, civil rights and inspiring game changers who made a difference in the world.

Visit classrooms from 2p.m. to play the climate change board games students have designed, view their artwork, read their persuasive speeches about a changemaker of their choice, and talk with them about their learning. Students have also created climate change dances, with each group using movement and music to share their interpretation of climate change. These dances will be playing on the TV for you to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

We look forward to sharing and celebrating their learning with you.

Raparapa team (Room 5, 14, 15 and 16)

Come and hear the stories of Aotearoa.

Throughout the term, tamariki have been discovering the exciting world of pūrākau - myths and legends of Aotearoa. Classes have been learning how stories have been passed down through generations and what they teach us about our people, places, values and history.

Students will take to the stage to act out and retell important pūrākau of Aotearoa, using drama, movement, storytelling and their own creative ideas. Students would love for whānau to join and enjoy these special stories brought to life in the school hall from 2p.m. Each class will perform in the order as follows: Room 15, Room 14, Room 16, and Room 5.

Tuhuatahi (Room 1, 2 and 3)

Come and discover the fascinating worlds of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome in Rooms 1, 2 and 3.

Students have been exploring the question: Which civilisation had the biggest impact on society today, Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome? Through persuasive posters and detailed dioramas, students will showcase their learning, share their ideas and make a case for the civilisation they believe has had the greatest influence on life today.

Parents and whānau are warmly invited to come along, celebrate the learning and see the incredible creations on display.

Pirorirori (Room 9, 10, 11 and 13).

Come and experience the epic journey of Kupe and the ecology of Aotearoa.

This term, tamariki have been diving into the rich history and environment of New Zealand. Through a blend of music and drama, the story of Kupe’s voyage will be brought to life. Students will present performances based on their creative writing, stepping into the shoes of early Polynesian navigators to explore tough historical questions: Why would someone leave a homeland behind? And what essential items would they choose to take across the Pacific Ocean?

Students will showcase critical thinking skills with a mini-debate skit. Some performances explore the environmental impact introduced animals have on native and endemic species.

Parents and whānau are warmly invited to come along and celebrate the fantastic writing, acting, musical, and research skills on display in the hall between 2 and 2.30 pm.