From the Principal – Welcome to the 2026 School Year
Shirley Bailey
Welcome Back
Kia ora whānau,
Welcome to the 2026 school year. Like many of you, we experienced another very wet summer break, although I hope you were able to enjoy some of the fine weather at the start of the holidays. The recent weather systems have been devastating for many regions, with lots of schools across the motu in clean-up mode. My daughter is currently stranded in Hahei with all roads in and out closed — not the worst place to be stuck, mind you! 🙂
We are all very excited to welcome our tamariki back on Monday 2 February.
We are all very excited to welcome our tamariki back on Monday 2 February.
Property Updates
While you’ve been away, school has been a busy place. Asbestos removal behind the fireplaces in Karearea, Ruru, and Tui has been completed. Unfortunately, the planned carpet installation has been postponed due to asbestos detected beneath the existing underlay that was not caught in initial testing. This means carpet laying and additional asbestos removal will now happen over the April holiday break. While frustrating, especially for teachers who spent hours moving classrooms, safety is our priority to ensure the new carpet is installed safely.
The new boundary fencing near the orchard has also been completed — a big thanks to Tightwire Fencing for doing an amazing job.
The new boundary fencing near the orchard has also been completed — a big thanks to Tightwire Fencing for doing an amazing job.
A massive thank you to Rachel for preparing the new trampoline for Term 1. After months of planning and finding someone to customise the trampoline to fit our existing hole, it is fantastic to have this project completed. Big thanks to Rachel's brother, Darren (Welded NZ) and Victor (Apex Trampolines), for getting this project finished for us.
Professional Learning Updates for our Staff & Upcoming Teacher Only Days
We are excited to welcome back Kirsty Tatere from Liz Kane Literacy, who will work alongside our teachers as we continue to embed Structured Literacy practices across all classes. Kirsty will be onsite for two days this term, supporting teachers to build their confidence with the new English Curriculum.
Our school is also enrolled in the Ministry of Education Mathematics Curriculum Professional Learning. We have four days booked with our facilitator. As per Ministry guidelines, schools can use the equivalent of four half days (two full days) during term time to complete this PLD.
Our first Teacher Only Day is scheduled for Monday 9 February.
Days two and three will be on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April (during school holidays), and our final day will be Friday 24 April.
Days two and three will be on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April (during school holidays), and our final day will be Friday 24 April.
We understand that Teacher Only Days can be frustrating for parents, but this professional learning is essential for our teachers to strengthen their knowledge and confidence as we implement the new curriculum. On the bright side, both term-time Teacher Only Days fall on long weekends — so lucky you, an extra-long break!
As outlined in our Term 4 newsletter, the Government has approved four curriculum half-days each year in 2026 and 2027 to support staff with planning and professional learning for curriculum and assessment changes. These days are officially approved under the Education Regulations (8(5) and 9(1)), and schools are not required to make up this time.
Boards may close schools for up to four half-days per year, with at least six weeks’ notice provided to parents and whānau. These curriculum days support the Government’s commitment to lift student achievement through a clearer curriculum and smarter assessment.
Attendance
From Term 1, all New Zealand schools are required to implement an Attendance Management Plan. This is to help ensure our tamariki attend school regularly and get the most from their learning. Please see the section below for more details on this important new requirement and how we will be working with whānau to support attendance.
Key Dates & Events
- Monday 2 February – Term 1 starts
- Friday 6 February – Waitangi Day (public holiday: school closed)
- Monday 9 February – Teacher Only Day (school closed for instruction)
- Weeks 2–4 – Welcome to Melissa Sare, our new training teacher. Melissa currently works as a Teacher Aide and has decided to study full time this year to become a registered teacher. Her first placement will be in Ruru for three weeks.
- Weeks 2–3 – SwimWell Programme
- 24 & 25 February – Student Led Conferences (booking details below)
- 10 March – Year 7–8 Ki-o-Rahi Festival at Crown Park
- 11 March – School Triathlon
- 2nd April - End of Term 1
Please find some time to read the rest of the newsletter carefully to stay up to date with all the important information and events happening this term. Thanks for your ongoing support!
We look forward to a positive and productive year ahead and can’t wait to see everyone back at school!
Ngā mihi nui,
Shirley Bailey
Principal
