Issue 26: Week 7, Term 3 2025
Principal's Message - Karere a te Tumuaki
Kia ora and welcome to the newsletter edition for Week 7. Last Friday we had four outstanding students represent our cluster at the Auckland Champs for Cross Country - a phenomenal feat just in itself. We are really proud of the determination and stamina of these learners (not to mention their fitness levels which are off the charts). Congratulations to you all - we are very proud of you Cooper R, Jack A, Ella H and Aysia C! Next week we wish our three students heading down to AIMS the best of luck. We have Cooper R & Max N competing in the Cross Country event this Sunday; Cooper is also in the Table Tennis comp while Max will compete in Orienteering. Elizabeth C will be competing in the swimming competition and we know they will all do us proud!
As per usual, there is a lot going on at school currently, but the one thing forefront of my mind as I write this blurb is to say how impressed I was with everyone's actions during our Lockdown Practice Drill conducted yesterday under the guidance of Harrison Tew (a well known company that supports schools in emergency and lockdown training). In fact, we got full marks in terms of our calm manner, excellent procedures, and clear response actions as we tested them under training pretenses (although acting as though it was the real deal always raises the adrenaline levels somewhat). I handed over the 'Incident Controller' role to Mr Dyer this time round, and he passed with flying colours. Although we hope we never have to put these practices into use, in reality it makes me proud to know we are prepared in case of any type of emergency situation.
On the digital front, it has been brought to my attention that some students are posting images and videos of themselves on TikTok while wearing their Karaka School uniform. I ask that you please take the time to talk with your children about their responsibilities when they are online. Our School Community Officer, Senior Constable Lisa Ross, has recently spoken with the children about making safe and respectful choices online, and it is important that they take this advice seriously. Posting content that includes bad language, swearing, or inappropriate dances (especially whilst in school uniform) is simply not acceptable. We appreciate your support in monitoring what your children are sharing on social media, and in reinforcing the importance of being responsible digital citizens (something we work hard to uphold here at Karaka School).
In the section below my usual blurb, you'll see a short bio of each of our newly elected Board members - what a great way to get to know who will be serving our community on the Board for the next three years. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about each of them, just as Mr Dyer (who was re-elected as our Staff Representative) and I are looking forward to working with them too.
You'll also note the flyer for the Year 7&8 Parent Information Evening next Tuesday at 6pm - this is for anyone who would like to know more about the Intermediate programme here at Karaka (regardless of how old your children are currently). Just register your attendance via the link and we hope to see you there.
Lastly, we want to wish Izna K from Pukeko class the best of luck as she represents the Hunua Principals Cluster at the Auckland Speech competition at Dilworth Junior Campus tonight (My Dyer and I will be cheering for you from the audience alongside your family Izna!).
Ngā mihi nui,
Anna Powrie
Welcome to Karaka School -
- Camilla R
- Cruz G
- Zach J
Celebrating Learning and Achievement
Assembly Certificate recipients from 22nd August assembly
Notes from the Office
Thank you to Vivid Living who have very kindly sponsored all of our ribbons for Ag Day this year.
Change of Details
It is important that we hold correct details for our students on file, especially if we have to contact you for an emergency. Have you recently changed address, email or phone number? Please can you let the office know so we have up-to-date accurate records.
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
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
Oke Charity - Garden to Table Sponsor of Karaka School
Oke has been very fortunate to be picked as part of Z Good in the Hood 2025. As one of four charities at Z Karaka, we have the chance to raise funds for Oke over the next few weeks. Funds are distributed to charities based on the amount of orange tokens customers put in your charity's slot.
It would be awesome if Karaka School could get behind Oke at your local Z Station. For a month you get to donate orange tokens every time you go in to Z Karaka whether you're stopping by to fill up your car or getting a coffee.