Issue 2: Week 3, Term 1 2025
Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki
Kia ora e te whānau and welcome to the Week 3 newsletter edition for 2025. On Monday we waved our Year 7&8 students off to camp in Raglan for the week along with Mrs Sutton, Mr V, Mr Dyer, Mrs Collie and a group of excited parent helpers. I've had a few updates and as you can see from the photo attached, they are having an amazing time so far. The caving and abseiling yesterday was reported as being an amazing experience for everyone and they're gearing up for some surfing today. I do have to say, the playground is awfully quiet without our eldest learners around (or maybe it's the four missing staff members... can't quite tell!).
Once again I'd like to thank everyone who attended our Parent Curriculum Update/Meet the Teacher Evening last Tuesday. I know the staff put a lot of effort into their sessions and also made sure to post these on HERO for those who couldn't make it. I would also really appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to fill out this survey to let us know what we could do even better next time round - Feedback Survey
On Tuesday 4th March we are holding our first round of 3 Way Conferences for the year. These will comprise of 10 minute slots which you can book via HERO (the booking information will be sent out next week) to sit with your child and their teacher to discuss the start to the 2025 school year, as well as the goals they have set for the coming term. Please note that you are welcome at any time during the school year to make time to talk t0 your child's teacher about anything school or learning related - if you are worried that 10 minutes won't be enough time, please be proactive about this right from the get-go. Our teachers are always happy to meet with whānau at other days/times.
With the February heat living up to it's reputation, it has been awesome to see so many students enjoying the school pool the past few weeks. It is also a good time to alert our Senior School parents (Years 5-8) that our Senior Swimming Sports will be held at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre on the morning of Monday 24th of February running through to lunchtime. More information will be sent out to families by Mrs Sutton early next week after she returns from her week at camp.
And on that note, have a great rest of the week.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Powrie
Celebrating Learning and Achievement
Further details to come.... You will be notified when tickets are available to purchase on Kindo.
Notes from the Office
Mathletics for Year 1 and 2 students
If you wish to sign up to the Mathletics programme, please contact the office before 28th February. This is online (not in class). The cost is $35.00.
Assembly Certificates 7th February
Student Profile Update Form
Coming home this week is a Student Profile Update Form (on blue paper). Please make any necessary updates on the form and return to the office by Friday 21st February.
Absences - if for any reason your child will not be attending school or will be arriving late, please:
- Leave a message on the phone absentee line or
- Send a note through the Hero app or
- Send a note via the Website or
- Send an email to the class teacher AND the office
If we have not heard from you by 9.30am, a call will be made from the office to ascertain your child's whereabouts.
Safety at the School Gate
Safety at pickup and drop off times is important to us at Karaka School. We ask that all parents collect their child(ren) from inside the school gates by the flagpole. Once we have seen you, we will quickly send your child to you. Please also remember to use the crossing in the school car park and not to park in the bus bay.
School Donations 2025
Thank you so much to the families who have supported Karaka School this year and already paid the donations through Kindo. Please ask at the office if you need any help in setting up Kindo.
The school donations cover many expenses our school incurs in support of students. The photocopying donation helps towards the cost of the copying expenses, paper and machine consumables and the ICT / E-learning donation goes towards the costs of any devices (Chromebooks and I-Pads) the school purchases for your child's use in class and any other ICT expenses incurred, as we have opted not to be a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school.
As a lower equity school we receive less financial support than schools with a higher number. Many of the families who do support us pay a portion per term or per month - this spreads the amount over the year. If you would like to pay this way, please contact the office and we can help you do this through your Kindo account.
PTA News
*** Save the date*** Mark in your calendars, phones and diaries! Friday 14th March! We will have our first school disco! More details to follow!
Any questions/fundraising ideas or if you require uniform items urgently, you can email the PTA on karaka.pta@gmail.com
The Karaka School PTA account is 12 3031 0851231 00
Updates from the Wider Community
Bricks 4 Kids - now moved to Tuesday afternoons at Karaka School
Sustainable Papakura Workshops
Starting Monday February 17th, we are running our first series of After School workshops. This year our workshops will focus on a particular sustainable and waste minimisation theme. We are starting with a concept called 'Down the Drain'. You are able to register your child(ren) on our website or email activities@
