Newsletter - Week 2, Term 3 2025

Amanda
Jul 25
3 min read

Principal’s Update

Kia ora Waitetuna Whaanau, it has been a busy week with students working on their argument writing/speech planning and writing this week. Our school's arts focus is really taking shape and will be a vibrant part of our learning! It's going to encompass many forms, including dedicated sessions for Kapa Haka. We're excited to see the creativity and cultural expression from our students shine through. Our new kapahaka uniforms will be arriving soon thanks to the generous sponsorship from Gallagher.

Learning conferences next week—learning conference booking times are open. Lorna sent out an email for this. You can go online and book a time that works for you for next Wednesday or Thursday. Ring the office if you would like some help booking a time. Re-member school finishes early next Wednesday. There will be supervision provided and buses run as usual. During learning conferences I will be in the staff room. I use this time to check in with all of our parents to ask you about what is working well at Waitetuna School and what can we continue to develop and add as a school that supports our learners. We will have a new board and will be developing a new strategic plan so we value your feedback. Every second year we review our health curriculum as well. This will be attached to the email with the newsletter. Learning Conferences are three way—we encourage you to bring your child.

Please note—on Wed they start at 1.30pm and school finishes early that day. Supervision is provided but if you can pick up your children early we would appreciate that. Buses run as normal. On Thursday they start at 3.15pm. Lorna will have sent you the link for booking your child/rens conference times. We encourage you to bring your child with you for these to keep your children part of their learning journey. If you would like to talk to your child’s teacher with-out them please let your child’s teacher know and your child can leave part way through or you can make a separate time.

Inter-School Cross Country: We Need Your Help! Planning is officially underway for the Inter-School Cross Country event! An email with a Google Doc outlining various jobs and roles should have already landed in your inbox. Please take a moment to look through it and add your name to any job you can assist with. These events rely heavily on our amazing community, and by helping each other out, we can make it a fantastic experience for all our tamariki. See you next week at learning conferences. Kia pai to ra Whakataa—have a nice weekend.

All The Happenings

The Middle Room welcomes Student Teacher Whaea Julia—28th July
Learning Conferences—30th July from 1.30pm—school fin-ishes early and 31st July—3.15pm till 6pm.
Hearing and Vision in—11.30am—31st July– for 5 year olds and new students
Sat 2nd August—Te Uku hall Potluck dinner
Board Meeting—5th August—5.30pm
Ag Day AGM—Te Mata School—7th August
Inter School Cross Country—Fri 15th August
School Speeches—18th August
Outdoor Ed Day at RAS for year 7 and 8s—19th August
Inter School Rippa Rugby—Fri 22nd August
Inter School Speech Competition—Te Uku School—Wed 27th Au-gust (note date change) for year 5 and 6 stu-dents only—5.30pm
American Hotdogs—29th August
WFPSA (Year 7 and 8 students)—Regional Speeches—Te Uku School (note venue change)—3rd Sept and then Final—Tues 9th Sept at 6.30pm at Ohaupo School

School Board Elections

Our school board plays a vital role in shaping the future of Waitetuna School. Board mem-bers are volunteers from our community who work together to ensure our school is well-governed and focused on providing the best possible edu-cation for every student. Key responsibilities include: - Setting the school's strategic direction and vision in terms of governance. - Overseeing financial manage-ment and property. - Ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. It's a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and passion to make a real difference for our tamariki and the wider school community.

See Amanda for further details.

Trophies donated by Aramiro Paa to acknowledge students roles in Kura Ngaahere, Kura Awa, Kaitaikai Whenua and Tuakana/Teina. Wonderful way to celebrate our Living Curriculum Maahanga

PTA News

Thank you to those that could make the PTA meeting on Monday night. The PTA approved some funding support for playground equipment from the money raised.

Quiz night—the quiz night is going ahead for mid– November. If you know of a business that could support us with items for this auctioning as prizes please let us know.