Issue 25: Week 5, Term 3 2024
Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki
Malo e lelei and welcome to the Week 5 newsletter edition which falls in the middle of Tongan Language Week. I had the pleasure of entering some of our Year 5&6 student's mural designs today through an optional art competition via Carus (Commercial Painters), and this one really stuck out in my mind. Georgia B from Pepeketua sure encapsulates our Karaka School values with the message 'If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.' Kare e taea e au te whakaae atu - I couldn't agree more!
We are also very much in the build up to Ag Day and I can feel the anticipation building all around us at the moment. A big thank you to the parents on the Ag Day Committee who spent Monday night helping us with Ag Day preparation- your time is very much appreciated. I've also seen many children bringing in their raffle items which is also very much appreciated. Ag Day is a huge part of who we are as a school and it's pretty special to witness the effort that everyone puts in to make it so successful.
I want to thank everyone who attended the 3 Way Conferences on Thursday last week. We always appreciate the chance to enhance home-school partnerships and this is a way to do so in a more formal setting. I will send out a parent/caregiver survey shortly so that we can collate the feedback at Leadership Team level in order to make refinements for 2025, so please look out for this.
Next week, our Year 5&6 students are excited about heading off to camp at Lakewood Lodge in Huntly. There has been a lot of behind the scenes preparation for this camp and I want to thank Mrs Redshaw, Miss Agate and Mrs Christensen for all their hard work preparing for camp. Mr Dyer will be heading down for Tuesday/Wednesday before tagging me in to head down for Wednesday/Thursday and we're also really excited to be able to spend some time with our Year 5&6 students on their EOTC adventures.
On the staffing front, I'm sure a few people are by now aware of Miss Agate's exciting news... she is expecting her 2nd baby in January next year. Miss Agate currently teaches Year 5&6 in Pateke; fortunately for the children in Pateke space, she will be able to see out the rest of 2024. We also know Miss Agate has many connections within our school having taught here for a number of years and we know everyone is really excited for her and her family as they look forward to the changes ahead.
And on that note, ma'u ha aho lelei (have a nice day) and have a wonderful rest of the week!
Anna Powrie
Agricultural Day
Notes from the Office
Change of Details
It is important that we hold correct details for our students on file, especially if we have to contact you for an emergency.
Have you recently changed address, email or phone number? Please can you let the office know so we have up-to-date accurate records.
Bus Fees - Term 3 bus fees are now overdue. Please check that these have been paid for the term.
Updates from the Wider Community
Register your child or their entire team, to play Touch Rugby at Karaka Sports Park for the 2024 season. Follow this link https://www.juniors.