Issue 28: Week 9, Term 3 2025

Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki

Kia ora and welcome to the Week 9 edition of the newsletter, and of course, the main thing on everyone's minds this week is our upcoming Ag Day this Saturday. I'm really looking forward to this year's event, and I'm sure all the children who have spent the last few months rearing their animals will be really proud to show them off on Saturday morning (just like this photo of Fletcher G with his calf from last year). Make sure you have ordered your Fun Zone wristbands and Karaka Kash on Kindo to save time on the day - this can be collected from 2.30pm on Friday from  the office or alternatively can be collected on Ag Day outside the office from 8.00am.

A huge thank you to the families that came up to School last night to do packing, wrapping, collating, sorting etc so that everything is ready to go on Saturday.  Your time and support is much appreciated.  Also thank you to all the judges that came in today to judge the growing and construction projects and to the judges who will be coming in on Friday to judge all the class projects.

The other piece of news I have to share is that our ERO report has finally been published online. We are really pleased with the finished report; the fact that so much hard work gets summarised into a few pages doesn't really do justice to how proud I am of our whole team. Our next steps align really well with where we are at with our current Strategic Plan, as well as the feedback coming in through the consultation for our new one. The next ERO review is due within the next four years with no need to be back on site in between (as is the case for schools with interim goals that need working on in the meantime) - we couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

You can find it on the ERO website via this link - https://www.ero.govt.nz/institution/1325/karaka-school.

And that's all from me this week as I enjoy the last day today of the annual New Zealand Principals Conference which is being held down here in windy Wellington. The calibre of key note speakers has been tremendous, as has been the opportunity to connect with fellow Principals across the motu. I have also been able to connect in person with businesses whom already support our school, as well as new ones who are always keen to make a pitch. The conference freebies are always a welcome bonus too - this year I scored a CamelBak drink bottle which no doubt Emily will have her eyes on when I get home....

Have a great rest of the week - and please cross your fingers and toes for a sunny Saturday morning!

Nga mihi nui,

Anna Powrie

Celebrating Learning and Achievement

Assembly Certificate Recipients from Assembly on 5th September

Notes from the Office

PTA News

Next PTA Meeting 8th October at 7.00pm in the staffroom.

Updates from the Wider Community