Issue 27: Week 8, Term 3 2025
Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki
In the spirit of Chinese Language Week, nĭ hăo and welcome to the Week 8 newsletter edition.
I can really feel the Ag Day excitement in the air with everything on the go. Class Ag Day artwork and projects are looking amazing, auction items and donations are being safely stored in all the available nooks and crannies around the Hall and the Office, yesterday afternoon my office was well utilised for some of our awesome committee members to sort the Lucky Dips, 'Karaka Kash' is busy selling on Kindo, and last night we held our final Ag Day meeting before the big day(s) next week. Thank you to everyone working so tirelessly behind the scenes to pull everything together in true Karaka School style.
Thank you those who have taken the time to fill out the Strategic Planning consultation survey as we look to develop the next round of strategic goals for the 2026-2028 cycle. Your voice is hugely valuable in this process and we would love for you to take a few minutes to complete the survey attached (the survey link will remain open until the last day of Term 3) Link to Survey
Mrs Sutton and I spent the day yesterday at the Year 7&8 Blue Light Fear Factor competition run by the police. It was an awesome event with lots of fun activities from food challenges to a 'police car push'. Our Karaka Red team seen pictured above took out the competition and will go on to represent at the National event in November - well done to Carter C, Jaxxson T, Ella H & Ella S. Our second team also gave it their all bringing home the 'Team Spirit' award - ka pai to Blake F, Harry P, Emily P & Hannah P. I was really proud of their effort and attitudes throughout the tricky challenges.
Last night we also held our Year 7&8 Parent Evening for those families who want to know a bit more about our Intermediate programme, that we are really proud of here at Karaka. It was great to connect with some of our families with upcoming intermediate aged students, as well as a few new families from the wider community. If you want to know more, please don't hesitate to get in touch with either myself, Mrs Sutton or Mrs Collie - we're only an email or a phone call away!
Lastly, we know that it has been a tough few weeks in terms of battling illnesses (months in the case of some poor families!). It has been tough on everyone, including staff who have also got their own families to look after as well. We appreciate your kindness in checking in on people, and your patience with Mrs Fell on the phone as she does what the Ministry requires of her in terms of attendance. Let's hope that with the arrival of Spring, we will see the rate of people battling the winter bugs decrease over the last few weeks of term.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Powrie
Celebrating Learning and Achievement
Notes from the Office
Enrolments 2026
We are accepting out of zone applications for 2026 for those who fall into the Priority 2-5 categories (please see the website for priority criteria). There is limited spaces for Priority 6 students which will be determined by a ballot on Wednesday 15th October.
If you are in zone, we would love to have your applications as soon as possible please as this will affect our ballot numbers.
If you are changing schools, moving or have any information that may impact on the organisation of our school next year, please let the office know.
PTA News
Calendar Art
This week the students will be putting the finishing touches on their Calendar Art for 2025 and proudly displaying these in their classrooms for Ag Day. Product examples on display in the office. Great for gifts and getting organized! Students will be sent home with order forms first week of Term 4.
Next PTA Meeting 8th October at 7.00pm in the staffroom.
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
