Newsletter - Week 7, Term 1 2026

 Kia ora Waitetuna Whaanau, I have heard lots of great stories about camp. It was great to see everyone giving it their best. We think Finlay Park has great facilities and is a great camp venue. Thank you to Travis for organising this camp and to the parents for their time. I know with rising costs including the growing cost of travel taking time off is increasing difficult. 

Inter School Swimming Sports—well done to Brooke, Xander and Jack who managed to get to Inter School Swimming on Tuesday. Extra shout out to Brooke for coming second in the Breaststroke. 

PATs—we have just about completed all PAT testing. You are welcome to come in and see your child’s results. We are currently work-ing on a new report format which may be able to show these results in some way. Watch this space. 

Last week of term—Tryathlon and Movie day. See you on Tuesday from 1pm for the Tryathlon. Tryathlon organisation on the day—starts with the Year 7 and 8 students at 1.00pm, followed by the Year 5 and 6 at approx. 1.25pm and Year 3 and 4 next at 1.45pm and Year 1 and 2 at about 2pm. 

I have been asked about the Movie trip and questioned about it’s purpose. Our reasoning's for the trip was about seeing literature come to life and seeing acting/performance in the build up to our Term 2 Production. However, I have heard you about the outings and how many we have had this term and as mentioned the impact petrol costs are having. S a school we face these costs also, so we aim to limit these in future terms. And please note children will not be able to purchase anything at the movie theatre and we ask that adults do not purchase items for their children or others as well. 

I am chasing quotes to get substantial pool work done over the winter break so the pool is hopefully looking brand new for the 2026/2027 season. This is on the board work plan for 2026. If there are any other projects that you feel should be prioritised please let the board and myself know. Each year at learning conferences time we spend time asking you about our school and where to next but the board and I are always keen to hear your thoughts. 

My son, Imanueli, has started as a relief teacher aide at school. 

We celebrated World Maths Day this week and I asked children ‘Why do you love Maths?” Here was some of their answers: I love maths’, it is fun, it is easy, It is good for your brain, I love writing numbers down, I love learning about maths using numicon and number shapes. Learning maths is great as its help me learn. We reinforce to children that everybody can learn maths. Make sure you positively 

reinforce this too. It makes a big difference.

Have a great weekend, Ngaa mihi Amanda and staff 

All the Happenings

•  Tryathlon—31st March 

• Board Meeting—31st March 

• The school pool closes—Thurs 2nd April 

• Movie Trip—2nd April 

• Last day of term—2nd April 

• Easter Friday — 3rd April 

• School starts—Mon 20th April 

Waitetuna Way

Well done to Levi & Charlie R for 

Determination 

Set your own goals and strive to achieve them (Practice makes progress) 

Show persistence in my learning 

Ask questions to clarify and extend understanding 

Set yourself up for success by being prepared 

PTA News

The bake sale and sausage sizzle will be going ahead on Tuesday during Tryathlon. Thanks for supplying baking. 

Together we are growing the seeds of success 

Na too manaaki, na tooku manaaki, ka puawai mai nga kaakano