Week 1 Term 2, 2025

The powhiri leaders showed how far they have come practising their speeches. It was very impressive.

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the Manning Gaw family at the loss of their mum during the term break. The school is thinking of you at this time.

There have been some fantastic results for some of our students:

Harley - Sprocket (unranked until UCI 8 years of age) received a participation medal.

Donovan -

NZ #1 Cruiser mixed 8 - 10 years
NZ #4 10 boys
NS #3 2023 National Series winner 9 boys
Oceania #3 10 boys (this was in February)

Micah -

NZ #1 11 girls
NZ #2 Cruiser girls 11 - 12 yrs
NS #1 2023 National Series winner 10 girls
NZ #1 NZ Might 11 team member and Captain
Oceania #1 11 girls (this was in February)

FYI: Cruiser bikes are 24 inch wheeled bikes and age group bikes are ridden on 20 inch wheel bikes.

Well done to Micah, Donovan and Harley.

Teacher Shortage

With the start of the winter season upon us, I am indicating to the community that there is a teacher shortage, in particular with relievers who cover when the teachers are ill. The school has a contractual obligation to cover the classroom release time for all teachers. We call this CRT. So this makes managing illness and CRT difficult at times. When we are unable to cover the teacher due to illness, the class will be split for the day and a message will be emailed to the families as well as published on the communication tile.

The students will be split into the same classes and will be sent with work to complete. There may be times when a split happens at the last minute and there has not been time to send the email before school.

If there are any teachers out there who thought they might like to come back to a great country school then please get in contact with me.

Missing Sport Uniforms - Outstanding from 2024 seasons

This message is a major for the school.

Missing Sport Uniforms - Outstanding from 2024 seasons

The following items are still outstanding. We require these for our 2025 winter sport teams.

Touch Rugby

Yellow Numbers - 10, 18, 37, 45,

White Numbers - 6, 28, 44, 45,

Hockey Number 74

Netball Number 12 Top and Skirt - Wairakei Stars

Number 23 Top and Skirt - Wairakei Heat

Number 49 Top and Skirt - Wairakei Storm

Please check around your homes (vehicles/bags. . . ) and return to the school office this week.

We currently do not have enough uniforms to give out for the teams for the 2025 season. This is disappointing that some of our students have not looked after their sports uniforms and returned them to the school.

Moving forward, all uniforms will be given out to a specific child and the number coded against them. If these are not returned then the family will be charged for the replacement of the uniform.

We now have more options for lunch online. There are options for every day of the week. Please support the PTA and use this online order system.

Join Our School Community as a Teacher Aide

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children? We’re looking for two friendly, caring, and motivated Teacher Aides to join our supportive school team. No previous experience necessary.

About You:

You enjoy working with children and making a positive impact.
You’re reliable, flexible, and a great team player available five days a week for each term.
You’re ready to jump in and help wherever needed.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to meet you. Please make an appointment to chat with me about how you can be part of our fantastic school community.

What We Offer:

Permanent part-time roles: 10 hours per week, with variable hours to suit the needs of our school.
Variety every day: Support students in their learning and help create a positive, fun environment in the playground.
Extra hours available: Opportunity for additional work when other staff are away.
A welcoming team: Be part of a collaborative and caring staff who value your contributions.
Professional growth: Gain valuable experience and skills working with children in a vibrant school setting.

Staff Update

I have been appointed Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) Lead Principal, which is a group of schools, early childhood services and iwi, working together to improve educational outcomes for all students across the Taupō community. The key responsibilities and functions of the Kāhui Ako Lead Principal role include:

Collaborative Leadership: As lead principal, I will work collaboratively with the principals of all member schools and early childhood providers (and iwi) to set and achieve shared goals, as achievement challenges, aimed at raising student achievement across the Kāhui Ako.
Professional Growth and Support: The aim is to support the professional growth of member principals, fostering a culture of collaboration, sharing expertise, and encouraging best practices.
Strategic Direction: As lead principal, I will help develop and implement the Kāhui Ako’s vision, strategic plans, and action plans, ensuring all member schools are aligned and working towards common outcomes.
Communication and Engagement: My responsibility is to facilitate effective communication among schools, boards, staff, and the wider community, ensuring everyone is informed and engaged in the Kāhui Ako’s work.

I will continue in my role as Principal of Wairakei Primary School, with the Kāhui Ako Lead Principal position being an additional responsibility. The Ministry of Education provides extra support to the employing board, including release time and allowances, to enable me to fulfil these duties. I am immensely proud to take on this role, which is widely recognised as critical to the success of a Kāhui Ako. It requires strong leadership, communication, and collaboration-qualities I am honoured to bring to this position.

Kia noho haumaru, kia ngahau i tō koutou wā whakatā.

Ngā mihi mahana,

Paula