Issue 15: Week 5, Term 2 2024

Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki

In the spirit of Samoan Language Week - talofa lava!!

As you can see from the picture of our beautiful Pukeko students Leilani and Tapaita, we have been enjoying the chance to celebrate and learn a little more about the Samoan language and culture this week. I've even been lucky enough to pop to a few classes with my guitar to teach the students a song called 'Savalivali' ('Go For A Walk') and really enjoyed the chance to escape my office and enjoy some classroom time with some music and singing - one of my favourite things to do. Fa'afetai to those classes for having me 🌺.

Yesterday we had a number of Year 7&8 students represent Karaka School and ECCS at the Counties Rugby Tournament yesterday. Congratulations to the Under 45kg team who have now made it through to Auckland Champs later this term - Charlie T, Tua S, Kieran D, Daniel P, Cooper R, Max N & Tom P (coached by Gary Parker, Andy Napier and Wouter Vermeulen). The Under 55kg team also had an awesome day and represented our school valiantly; well done to Blake F, Riley C, Carter C, Harry P & Devan C (coached by Mike Clark and Jono Pope). I want to give a special shout out to Mrs Sutton who organised the ECCS Rugby tournament this year and did a stella job. 

Tomorrow I will be posting our first edition of the 'Beyond the Gate' Bulletin which we aim to publish at least twice a term. Thanks to all those parents/caregivers who have sent things in to either myself or Mr Dyer. If you've got something to include, please email it through by 9am tomorrow before we post the Bulletin. But don't worry if you miss the deadline as we'll be posting another one later this term.

We also have a few dates you will note on the calendar section of the newsletter for this term you will need to be aware of, including our Teacher Only Day this Friday (31st May). We know that TODs can prove a little difficult for families juggling their work schedules. However, every school in NZ is mandated to hold two Teacher Only Days to help teachers upskill in light of the curriculum refresh and imminent rollout (and for those of you keeping up with the latest educational updates in the media, you will know that the changes are rolling out thick and fast). Our second Teacher Only Day will be held on Monday July 1st (Week 10 of this term); this was an agreed date between all 13 schools in our Kāhui Ako to come together to network and collaborate as we navigate these changes collegially. I thank you in advance for your support and understanding around these days.

Lastly, you would have seen the memo come out yesterday about our Book Fair next week, which includes our Book Character Dress Up Day next Friday. Please reach out to your class teacher or the office if you have any questions about how to purchase books at the Book Fair.

Fa'afetai lava,

Anna Powrie

ECCS Counties Rugby Tournament

Celebrating Learning and Achievement

PTA News

‘Midwinter Christmas’ Quiz night - Join the excitement and grab your table of ten for quiz night before sales close at the end of today -Wednesday, May 28th!  Round up your friends for a night of fun, laughter, and a chance to show off your trivia skills. It's going to be a festive and fun-filled evening!
If you're struggling to fill all ten seats, don't worry. Email Renee, and we'll do our best to match you with some teammates.

Blind Box Auctions -If you’d like to donate something to go under the tree as a contribution towards our blind box auctions, like a fine wine, Christmas spirit, or a gift voucher, please let us know by emailing Renee at reneeparlane@gmail.com or drop them into the office.

Notices From the Office

Reminder Notes from the Office:

• Please remember to sign in at the office when you are visiting the school e.g. classroom helpers, Reading Mileage
• Please remember to sign out your child when they are leaving school, (this includes if leaving at bus bell if they do not usually catch the bus) e.g. for an appointment
• If your child arrives late to school, they must come into the office for a late pass. If they have any early morning appointment, please let us know (as below). Notes can be made through HERO e.g. Late—Dentist
• Reporting an absence—you can use HERO, online through the website, email the teacher and office, our dedicated absentee phone line or their sibling can pop into the office to advise us

Enrolments 2025:

Please check out the Website for up to date information on our out of zone enrolments for 2025. There will be limited places available for out of zone enrolments in some areas of the school.

Updates from the Wider Community

Look Sharp has sent us the above QR code for students and parents to benefit from their 10% discount - to be used in store only (our closest store in Manukau).