Newsletter - Week 7, Term 3 2026

Principal’s Update 

Kia ora Waitetuna Whaanau, what a fantastic day of learning and checking out all the amazing animals at the Hamilton Zoo on Tuesday. How lucky we are to have such a great zoo close by. The students all had very different favourites. I enjoy hearing their thinking about what is their favourite and why. We looked closely at enclosures and the adaptations that the zoo is providing for the animals. Thanks to all the parents for your support with the zoo trip. 

Congratulations to our Speech Competition finalists who competed at Rotokauri and Te Uku this week. There was a range of quality in class speeches but we are unfortunately only able to send two competitors for year 5, 6, 7, and 8. Well done to Brooke, Mathlida in Year 5, Ollie M and Charly T in Year 6, Camille and Tāwhai in Year 7 and Hayley and Joel for the Year 8s. Placings for speeches are Tawhai 1st Yr 7 /Joel 2nd Y8 / Camille 3rd Yr 7 well done 

Leave—Imanueli is turning 21 and as we did for his older brother we are heading to Fiji to celebrate his birthday at my husband’s village. Lomolomo village is 10 minutes north of Nadi airport. Thanks to the board for granting this special leave for me. Robyn and the team will, as always, do a great job in my absence. We will be returning to New Zealand on the 15th September. I then have the New Zealand Principal’s Federation conference for the rest of the week and Imanueli will be returning to school. I have been given a scholarship for this conference so I look for-ward to learning alongside Principals from all over the world. This year New Zealand is hosting the International event. 

Remember to get your lamb, calf or goat for Ag Day or bring along a favourite caged pet (from 9-11am). (No dogs sorry) 

The next newsletter is likely to be in week 10. I look forward to catching up then.

Ngaa mihi nui Amanda 

All the Happenings

• Board Meeting—22nd Sept—5.30pm 

• Term 4 starts—Mon 12th Oct 

• Ag Day—Tues 13th Oct 

• Group Day—Fri 16th Oct at Te Uku School 

• Tabloid Sports—Year 1 and 2—23rd October Labour Day—26th Oct—Public Holiday 

Watch this space

• Calendar Art Coming—great Christmas presents/Birthday cards  UPCOMING TERM 4 

• Ag Day (Week 1) and Disco later in the term 

Waitetuna Way

Well done to Liam & Camille 

Determination 

Set your own goals and strive to achieve them 

Show persistence in my learning 

Ask questions to clarify and extend understanding 

Set yourself up for success by being prepared 

 Together we are growing the seeds of success 

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