Issue 30: Week 1, Term 4 2025

Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki

Bula vinaka - this week is not only the first week of term, it is also Fijian Language Week. We're looking forward to what some of our Cultural Leaders have in store for classes during the week.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break and managed to enjoy some rest and sunshine along the way. I was lucky enough to spend a week in beautiful Rarotonga — snorkelling with sea turtles was such an awesome experience! And the sunshine and slower pace were exactly what I needed to recharge for what is always a very busy and exciting final term of the year.

Last night our new Board members gathered with many other trustees from schools across our local cluster for an induction workshop at Ngākōroa School. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the role of the Board, connect as a team, and network with others in governance roles. A big thank you to all of our Board members for putting aside their time to attend this important event — your ongoing commitment to our kura is truly appreciated.

Our out-of-zone applications officially close today. If you know of any families exploring schooling options — particularly for Year 3, 4 or Intermediate (Years 7 & 8) for 2026 — please encourage them to get in touch with me directly. We are a wonderful kura with so much to offer, but we have certainly felt the impact of some families moving to feeder schools in preparation for college. We’re keen to build our numbers back up in those particular year levels. Interestingly, while we’ve had a huge number of 5-year-olds wanting to start with us, our current spaces sit more in the middle and upper parts of the school!

Lastly, you may have seen the recent media updates regarding possible strike action, tentatively scheduled for Thursday 23rd October (Week 3). An 'informal strike notice' was issued by the NZEI yesterday, and the Board will inform you as soon as any decisions are formally agreed upon (which can be issued up to 3 days prior to striking).

There are two key things I’d like to highlight:

1 - We are behind our teachers as they negotiate not just for better pay, but also for improved working conditions, funding, resourcing, and support for students with additional learning needs, and much more. These issues directly impact the quality of teaching and learning in classrooms across the country. I’m always happy to chat about this if you’d like to know more — feel free to catch John or I at the flagpole!

2 - While we have a reasonable number of staff who belong to NZEI, we expect to have a small capacity to remain open for supervision only (not enough for normal classroom instruction) for those students whose parents cannot make alternative arrangements. This team will consist of myself, a couple of teachers, and our support staff. If at all possible, we would greatly appreciate families making arrangements to keep children at home for the day to support our staff and help us manage safely. Although as mentioned, no 'formal strike notice' has yet been issued.

Thank you as always for your understanding, flexibility, and continued support of both our staff and school community.

Ngā mihi nui,

Anna Powrie

Celebrating Learning and Achievement

Assembly Certificate Recipients from assembly on 19th September

Vivid Living Colouring In Competition

WE HAVE A WINNER!

We are happy to announce and congratulate Isla H as our Colouring Competition Winner.  Isla has won a family pass to Rainbows End. 

Congratulations Isla!

Notes from the Office

PTA News

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

PTA Calendar Art

Order forms have gone home this week and are due back next week, Thursday 16th October.

Orders to be placed through Kindo and return the forms to the office by the due date.

There are product samples in the office if you wish to view them.

Updates from the Wider Community