Kia ora e te whānau, 

It’s been a busy and exciting time at Kuratau School, with plenty of learning and dancing happening in classrooms. Our new swings continue to be a major highlight in the playground—I love looking out from my office window and seeing our tamariki swinging, smiling, and laughing with their friends. 

On Wednesday, 4th June, we held our annual School Speech and Poem Competition. It was wonderful to see our students presenting so confidently in front of their peers and the whānau who came along to support. A big congratulations to all who participated—and special acknowledgement to our placegetters: 

Our placegetters in Years 4–8 will now go on to represent Kuratau School at the upcoming Pinelands Speech Competition on Tuesday 17th June at Marotiri School—we wish them all the best!
 
Meanwhile, our teachers have been hard at work finalising Mid-Year Achievement Summaries for all ākonga. These reports will be emailed home via EDGE on Thursday 19th June, so keep an eye on your inbox. 

We’re also pleased to see our attendance numbers climbing again as we (hopefully!) wave goodbye to the winter bugs that have been circulating. It’s been a rough few weeks for many whānau, so it’s lovely to have everyone returning to school and getting back into routines.

Bike Day is coming up on Sunday 6th July, and we’re on the lookout for some awesome volunteers to help us run the event smoothly. If you're able to lend a hand with parking, marshalling, food prep, or registration, please get in touch with me at  shirleyb@kuratau.school.nz .

A quick reminder that Monday 16th June is a Teacher Only Day. School will be closed for instruction as our teaching team heads to Wairakei School for some professional learning in mathematics.

And finally—save the date! We’re looking forward to celebrating together at our Matariki Dance and Cultural Feast on Thursday 19th June from 6pm. All classes are in full swing with daily dance practices, and we can’t wait to share the evening with you.

Ngā mihi nui,
Shirley Bailey
 Principal
 
 

One of the best parts of my day is wandering through classrooms and around the playground, simply noticing how happy our tamariki are. Whether they’re learning, playing, dancing, or spending time with friends—it’s a joy to see their smiles and energy shining throughout the day.

Please NOTE:  School will be closed for instruction on Monday 16th June for a Teacher Only Day.  All staff will be working offsite.

Bus fees are due Friday 27th June.  To those who pay regularly, or have already paid their fees in full - THANK YOU. 

As we welcome new entrants for Term 3, the list of students wanting access to the bus is growing and we are unable to hold spaces for accounts that remain unpaid.  Please ensure bus fees for Term 1 and Term 2 are settled by the 27th June to retain your child's seat.  

Thank you for your understanding.

The Kuratau School Bike Day fundraiser will be held on Sunday 6th July.  Spread the word, get involved or come along for the ride.

Register now at:  Kuratau School Bike Day Fundraiser

We'd love to see you there!

Last Saturday, two of our students attended the New Zealand Modern School of Music Taupo/Tongariro Music Competitions in Taupo. This in an annual event bringing students from all around the Taupo District as well as Tokoroa. There were 75 entrants this year.

Jaedyn Sowry entered a total of 9 songs and received 2 golds, 2 silvers, 3 bronze, 1 Very Highly Commended and 1 Highly Commended.

Jetson Scrimgeour entered 8 songs and received 3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze, and 1 Very Highly Commended. 

Jetson and Jaedyn won the trophy for Duets 12 Years and Under.  Jaedyn also won the trophy for Boogie Woogie – 9 Year Olds. Jetson also won the trophy for Contemporary Piano - 12 Years and Under and shares the trophy for Modern Piano - 12 Years and Under with another student. They both wanted to enter a large number of songs, and committed themselves to practicing faithfully. All that preparation paid off with these amazing results! 

CONGRATULATIONS! 

These students are tutored by Bev Campbell.

Not only is it about how much sugar you eat, but how often you eat it.  Give teeth breaks from sugary foods/drinks.

Water and plain milk are the best drinks for teeth.  Flavoured milks, soft drinks/soda, juices, sports drinks have added sugar in them and are considered as a treat.