Issue 1: Week 2, Term 1 2025

Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki

Kia ora and welcome to the first newsletter edition for 2025! What a fantastic start to the year we have had. I have to say that connecting with so many families at the 'Parent Curriculum Update/Meet the Teacher Evening' really was the icing on the cake to a positive start to the school year.

I know the holiday break must almost feel like a distant memory now (or maybe just to me!), but I have really enjoyed catching up with our learners at the flagpole each morning and afternoon about their Christmas holidays. We've also had a good start to the year as a staff with two Teacher Preparation Days after Anniversary weekend. The first day was a bit of a brain drain with lots of curriculum updates to work through. The Wednesday was spent at Hingaia Peninsula School with an awesome facilitator (whom I would recommend to anyone running a business not necessarily linked to education) - Julia Grace with her session on 'Being Kind to Your Mind'. We finished the day with some highly competitive 'House Team lawn bowl action' at 2:3opm at the local Karaka Bowls Club. I thought I'd share a team photo our our staff - Mrs Redshaw got the 'best dressed' and I'm sure you'll appreciate why... she's the green Harakeke teletubby with the guitar in case you didn't spot her!

On the 'important dates to remember front', those that attended the session in the Hall yesterday would have seen how excited Mr Dyer is about the Peter Pan production we are working on this term. Students will be working on learning their team dances every Tuesday (every student will be involved which is really cool in our books), and Mr Dyer is taking the lead on this one. Please note in your calendars now that there will be both a matinee and evening performance on Thursday the 10th of April (2nd to last day of term). More details to follow in the coming weeks.

Please also make sure you have the date of our first of two Teacher Only Days for 2025 scheduled for Friday the 21st of March. We are excited to be joining together with the following schools on that day to unpack the newly refreshed Mathematics Curriculum - Ardmore, Hunua, Ramarama, Ngākōroa & Paparimu. 

Lastly, I want to acknowledge our three Year 8 students who stepped up and spoke so confidently at our Pōwhiri on Monday - Max N, Carter C and Cooper R. I have attached their mihi at the end of my blurb (with their permission of course) for you to read as they did a really good job of encapsulating our school whakatauki and values as well as the opportunities we offer here at Karaka School. Tu meke boys!

Ngā mihi nui,

Anna Powrie

Max:

Kia ora Koutou Katoa. Ko Max toku ingoa, Ko Andrew toku papa. Ko Maria toku mama. Ko Toby toku tungane.  Ko Karaka toku kura. Tekau ma rua oku tau. No reira, tena koutou katoa.

Welcome to today's Powhiri. My name is Max, a Year 8 student, and I will be speaking to you about Karaka School’s five LEARN values. These five values alone mean so much to me as they represent our school's unity and how we care for each other. 

Our school values are Learning - Akoranga, Excellence - Hiranga, Adaptability - Urutau, Respect - Whakaute and Nurture - Poipoi. The LEARN values are so important and are a part of everything we do at Karaka School. The school value that stands out to me the most is Nurture Poipoi as no matter who you are or what you stand for you can always show nurture - after all, it is free.

I look forward to getting to know you all and wish you a wonderful time at Karaka School.

Carter:

Tena koutou katoa. Ko Carter toku ingoa. Ko Debbie toku mama. Ko Graham toku Papa. Ko Cris toku tuahine. Ko Karaka toku kura. Teko ma rua oku tua. No reira, tena koutou katoa.

Hello and welcome to you all. My name is Carter. I am a proud Year 8 student at Karaka School. I started at Karaka when I was just 5 and it has provided me lots of opportunities and experiences and helped grow me into the person I am today.  One of the most important things at Karaka school is our whakatauki. Our whakatauki is ‘Ka whangaia, ka tupu, ka puawai,’ or ‘That which is nurtured, grows and blossoms’. You will see this phrase dotted around the school. You will also hear it in our school haka which was written especially for us.  The phrase means if people are supported and cared for it will enable them to thrive. It is important as it encourages our school to grow as one and touches on all of our school values. I believe it fully represents what Karaka school students stand for. So to all the new students: welcome to the Karaka school whanau, and enjoy the opportunities and experiences it brings.

Cooper:

Tena koutou katoa. Ko Cooper toku ingoa. Good morning everyone, for those of you who are new here, welcome to our school.

 I will briefly talk about some of the wonderful things Karaka School has to offer you and your children. First, our school provides a great education with dedicated teachers who often go above and beyond for the students. At Karaka School, there are lots of activities on offer whether you like sports, music, drama or clubs there is something for everyone. We also have fun events and trips throughout the year such as sports days, talent shows, class or team trips and school camps. Our school is a safe and welcoming place where everyone is encouraged to do their best. Primary School is not just about academic learning, it's a place where you grow, make friends, and try new things. I have no doubt you will find there are lots of opportunities for everyone.  

Celebrating Learning and Achievement

Further details to come....  You will be notified when tickets are available to purchase on Kindo.

Notes from the Office

Start of the Year Information from the Office:

• The School Office opening times are 8.15am—3.15pm.
• The newsletter will be available on our student management system Hero on Wednesday afternoons.
   It is also available on our website www.karaka.school.nz
• Bell Times:

School starts 8.45am (please see information below re: arriving at school)

• Block One starts at 8.45am 
  
• 10.00 (Brain Break *bring a healthy snack*)
• Morning Tea starts at 11.00am
• Block Two starts at 11.20am
• Lunchtime is from 12.30pm—1.20pm
• Block Three starts at 1.20pm
• Bus Bell 2.35pm (Bus students only)
• Home Bell 2.45pm

Office Notes:

• Bus Bell goes at 2.35pm when bus children are released to go to bus lines. Children MUST be signed out even if you are picking them up early on the bus bell for an appointment.
• Arriving at School: The first bell for the day is at 8.15am. Prior to this children are not actively supervised therefore must wait alongside the staffroom on the concrete area. Students are expected to stay here until the first bell and then are welcome to head to their classrooms.
  
• School Accounts: You can view accounts on Kindo. Please sign up to this as soon as possible. Please see instructions in this newsletter.
  
• Out of Bounds Area: For reasons of safety we would like all children and parents to enter and exit the school past the main office. Please do not park in the staff car park beside the sensory garden.
• Absences: If for any reason on a given day, your child will not be attending school, please make a phone call to the school office before 9.30am OR send an absence through our student management system Hero OR email the office. Calls are made to the parent/guardian by 9.30am if there is an unexplained absence.
• Sun Safe: Karaka School Safe Sun Policy states that during Term 1 & 4 children are required to have a suitable hat that gives protection to the face, ears and neck. We strongly suggest that our official school hat is the most suitable for this. Hats are in stock. These are sold in the uniform shop (Open Monday 8.15-9.00am) for $15.00
  
• Bus Fees: Bus fees (if applicable) must be received within the first two weeks of each term. There is a flat fee of $50.00 per term per child, regardless of whether they travel one or both ways.
• School Car Parks: Please take care when using our school car park and our drop off/pick up bay. The most important rule is to use your common sense. Please do not leave your car in the bus bay or drop off area! Cars parked here, should have drivers in them at all times! Our buses do not always arrive at the same time. Remember, this is a "pick up and drop off area" only. Please use the central walkway if you park in the middle of the car park. DO NOT walk your children through the car park behind parked cars.

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