Principal’s Update
Kia ora Waitetuna Whaanau, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all families as we start the 2025 school year. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to school for a fantastic new term! We hope you all had a refreshing and enjoyable break. A special welcome goes to all the new students, families and our new teacher aide—Whaea Lou, starting their time with us here!
Our staff have been eager to start the school year. We enjoyed a day with Te Mata School at Matakotako Marae last week working together looking at the Tiriti and Environmental programmes in the rohe. We have our annual goals, school programmes, new curriculum and planning ready to go. Needless to say, our school is definitely ready and prepared for another awesome year ahead. As always, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team for the effort they have put into getting ready for the new school year. The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement and endless possibilities - a chance for our students to build new friendships and achieve new goals! This first few weeks are all about settling back into the school routines. Students are exploring their classrooms, getting to know their teachers and class-mates, and learning about the exciting things planned for this term. The event dates we have for the term are listed below.
New students—we welcome Logan and Isak in the Junior Room, Tilly in Middle Room and Kain and Madyson in the Senior Room.
Structured Literacy - the Ministry of Education gave the school a small amount of additional funding to support Structured Literacy. This will be used to release Robyn from the classroom so she can support students literacy in small groups and one-to-one. Cate Meikle will release Robyn on a Tuesday and Brenda Wollen will cover Kura Ngaahere and release Robyn on a Friday. We also have Liz Amore completing some releases too. We farewelled Yvonne at the end of last year and we are still looking for her replacement. With the teacher shortage, we are fortunate to have a full set of full-time and part time staff and are still hopeful we can fill Yvonne's role.
Prime Maths—we are working closely with Scholastic who provide the Prime resources to get their online component up and running. This is called Maths Pro. You will be notified of login details as soon as possible. This replaces Mathletics.
Please note we have had the teacher only days confirmed for 10th March and 9th June for teacher professional learning on the new maths curriculum confirmed. 2025 term dates are on page 3 of the newsletter.
I hope you have a lovely weekend and continue to make the most of warm weather! And hopefully some rain is thrown in too.
Vinaka Amanda
All the Happenings
Dates for Term 1
Get-Set-Go Day—Thursday 20th Feb
Kura Awa starts –Thurs 27th Feb
Hot Dogs—Friday lunch—28th Feb
Whaanau Picnic and Teacher catch up—Wed 26th Feb—5-6pm
Senior Room Narrows day camp—Wed 5th March
TOD—Mon 10th March
School swimming sports starting at 1pm –Wed 12th March
Assembly—Fri 14th March-2.15pm
Inter School Swimming—Fri 21st March
Bike Week –17th March onwards for two weeks
Tryathlon—26th March
Life Ed—27th, 28th 31st March
Waikato Full Primary Swimming 28th March Year 7 & 8
Junior Room Sleepover –3 and 4th April
Science Roadshow—Senior Room—4th April
Last day for Term 1—11th April
Keeping Informed
At school we keep in contact with you in the following ways—email, email through edge and our school closed Facebook page and we currently have Skool Loop.
Email is an important means of communication for the office, myself and your childs’ teacher. We use our school closed Facebook page for sharing learning, events and notices. Skool Loop can be downloaded. The instructions are below.
We are also working on a trial using Edge for other reporting and sharing systems, so watch this space!
Skool loop is simple and free. In Google Play & App Store search Skool loop and choose your school once installed.
Waitetuna Way
Well done to
Axel and Levi for
Respect (Whakaute)
Celebrate your own and others success
Show respect for myself and others (courtesy)
Respect for our school equipment
Show respect by actively listening to others
Show respect for our environment
PTA News
We have a great PTA that supports school funding with activities through-out the school year. The first PTA meeting for the year is scheduled for 3rd of March 2025. Join in either at school or via zoom.
Community Code of conduct
Code of Conduct—I have summarised below our community code of conduct for you. This covers Respectful Communication—Engage with teachers, staff, and other parents in a courteous and respectful manner. No offensive language, threats, or aggressive behaviour. Positive Role Modelling – Demonstrate appropriate behaviour, both on school premises and at school-related events, setting a good example for students. Support for Learning – Encourage and support your child’s education by ensuring regular attendance, and adherence to school rules. Constructive Conflict Resolution – Address concerns through appropriate channels, such as meetings with teachers or the Principal, rather than public criticism or social media disputes. Parents are not able to speak to other children about their behaviour. Confidentiality & Privacy – Respect the privacy of students, teachers, and other families. Safety & Security – Follow school safety protocols, including visitor check-in procedures, parking rules, and emergency guidelines. Participation & Involvement – Engage in school activities, attend meetings, and contribute positively to the school community. If you have a question, please get in contact with your child’s teacher in the first instance. Teachers are available before and after school to touch base or available via email.
Nits are back at school, please check your childs’ head and for long hair to be tied up. Thank you
Term dates for 2025
Term 1 - Fri 7th Feb - Friday 11th April
Term 1 holidays - Saturday 12 April to Sunday 27 April
Includes: Good Friday 18 April, Easter Monday 21 April, Easter Tuesday 22 April (a school holiday), Anzac Day – Friday 25 April
Term 2 - Monday 28 April to Friday 27 June
Public holidays– Term 2 —King’s Birthday – Monday 2 June Matariki Friday – 20 June
Term 3 - Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September
Term 4 - Monday 6 October to Friday 19th December
Public holidays - Term 4 - Labour Day – Monday 27 October
Teacher only days—Mon 10th March and Mon 9th June
You would have heard on the news the big focus on Attendance. We understand that unexpected things can happen, but regular school attendance is crucial for your child's success. Every day in school provides valuable learning opportunities. If your child will be absent, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
Together we are growing the seeds of success
Na too manaaki, na tooku manaaki, ka puawai mai nga kaakano
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