School starts tomorrow, Monday 3rd of February!

Kea Hub with Jo. Megan and Paul.
Tui Hub with Nicole and George.
Kia ora Whānau/Caregivers
We are so excited to see everyone back at school on Monday 3rd of February in our new building Te Ngahere Ako!
Below is some information about how to find the right learning hub.
The car park and courts are still fenced off and will be for a few more weeks, so access to Te Ngahere Ako is by coming in Gate 2 and walking past the office, around the back of the hall and past the pool.
The doors will be open from 8.30am for students to find their way to meet their teacher and find a place to hang their bags. The guide below will help you to find the hub names and locations.
We will be having a Mihi Whakatau at 9.30am for new students and their families, and our new teacher, George Foster.  Existing parents and families are also welcome to attend.
 On Tuesday 4th February we are having an open afternoon from 3.15-5.30pm for all families to come and have a look around our wonderful new building and meet the teachers.  More details about this and other starting school information will be in a newsletter coming home via the app before the weekend.
Te Ngahere Ako layout.png
See you soon!

Blessing of Te Ngahere Ako

Today we came together to celebrate the blessing of our beautiful new building, Te Ngahere Ako. The whakawatea ceremony, led by our kaumātua Matua Hare, cleansed and prepared this special space, honouring Tāne-Mahuta and Papatūānuku for the natural materials that form its foundation.

Our tamariki and whānau joined in heartfelt waiata, and we acknowledged the incredible mahi of the builders and designers who brought this taonga to life. Walking through Te Ngahere Ako, we felt its purpose – a space to nurture learning, connection, and growth for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who shared in this milestone. This building is a reflection of our kura’s spirit and community.

Students on Stage!

Ōwairaka Theatre Group performed the original play “Chaos Ball” yesterday. Watched by the whole school, parents and other whanau, the play was a student-written drama-comedy about sports and the dangers of taking the easy way to winning.

Congratulations to all cast, crew, and writers. Special thanks to Layla-Jay for her role as assistant director and stage manager, and Connie for training up our young cheerleader squad! Without these two and all of the extra time they put into it, the production would not have been the same.

MoCamp Adventures with Year 5 – Fun and Challenge All Around!

Our camp water activities were fun and challenging for our Year 5 students, as they tackled raft building, coasteering, and kayaking.
In raft building, they learned the power of teamwork and problem-solving, crafting floating creations (some more successful than others!) that they launched into the water with big smiles and laughter.
Coasteering pushed them to explore rocky shores and tidal pools, bravely jumping and scrambling through the waves while supporting each other every step of the way.
While kayaking, they learnt paddle techniques, balanced on the water, and how to communicate clearly with a partner.
Here are a few more photos.
 
      
Watching our Year 5 students take on new challenges, grow in confidence, and cheer each other on was a true highlight, capturing the spirit of camp and making memories to last a lifetime.

It’s a beautiful morning here at Shakespear Lodge!

This morning at the Year 5 camp was an adventure-packed experience! Here are a few snapshots.

The climbing wall was a hit, with students pushing past their fears and cheering each other on to reach the top.

Using UHT radios added a thrilling “mission” element to playing hide and seek, as students checked in and navigated around the lodge to locate each other.

Archery was another favourite—many tried it for the first time and managed to hit the target with focus and persistence.

Bush cooking was another hit with students making pancakes and sharing laughs around the fire.

It was an unforgettable morning of teamwork, confidence-building, and memories we’ll all cherish!

Kauri Camp is next week!

    KAURI TEAM CAMP

Year 6 –  Monday 4 November  – Wednesday 6 November

Year 5 – Wednesday 6 November  – Friday 8 November

  • This year we need to meet at the Ōwairaka Scout Hall in Murray Halberg Park off Range View Rd.
  • There will be limited parking until the buses have arrived. 
  • The hall will be open from 8.15am.  Children need to meet in the Scout hall with all their gear. 

  Remember to bring:

    • everything you need in a bag, suitcase or backpack. Remember to name your things!
    • morning tea for your first day at camp
    • your water bottle
    • a packet of biscuits or some home-baking for our shared morning teas
    • a hat and a rain jacket
    • remember we have a talent show so bring any small props that you may need
    • any medication you may need.  Please have this labelled with your full name and room number.  Leave this at the top of your bag so you can get to it quickly and give it to the appropriate teacher in the Scout hall on the morning of your camp.

Do NOT bring to camp: mobile phones, any electronic devices, computer games, fizzy drinks, chips, lollies, chocolate, jewellery, watches, toys or anything valuable!

If you are NOT going to camp, go to the office at 8.55 am.  You will be given some learning activities and a classroom to be in for the next 3 days.

2024 Kauri Team Camp – What To Bring!

On the first day of camp, children will need to bring morning tea and a water bottle to camp. 
Please also bring one packet of biscuits or some home-baking for our shared morning teas.

What to bring …  EVERYTHING is to be labelled with your child’s name!

  • Shoes – 3 pairs, including sports shoes  

1 pair of closed shoes for the water (they will get wet)
1 pair of closed sports shoes (sneakers)
1 pair of other shoes (slides, crocs, jandals, etc)

  • Socks – 4 pairs
  • Shorts – 2
  • Track pants / long trousers – 3
  • T-shirts – at least 4
  • Sweatshirts/jumpers – 2
  • Raincoat or jacket
  • Pyjamas
  • Underwear
  • Sunhat and warm hat/beanie
  • Togs/swimwear
  • Towels – 3 (shower + beach + spare)
  • Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets
  • Pillow and pillowcase
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Soap
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Comb or brush
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Torch and batteries
  • Book to read (not a library book!)
  • Plastic bags for wet clothes – 2

PŪRIRI & KAURI ATHLETICS DAY REMINDER (Thursday 31 October)

PŪRIRI & KAURI ATHLETICS DAY REMINDER

    • Be at school no later than 8.45am. 
    • Be prepared!  Make sure you have …
      • the right clothes and shoes to run, jump and throw in.
      • a sunhat, sunscreen, shoes to wear to the track and back, jacket or raincoat if it is cloudy. 
      • some healthy morning tea and lunch
      • plenty of water (at least 2 bottles)
      • *Don’t have anything valuable in your school bag*
    • Meet your teacher on the court outside the hall at 8.55am. Look for your classroom number and wait in line with your bag.
  • Remember to go to the toilet before we leave.

NOTE: If it is raining at 8.00am a postponement notice will be sent out on the school app.

Calendar Art available soon!

Room 21 students worked hard on their artworks last term. We focused on using mathematical ideas of symmetry, rotation, translation and tessellation. Take a look and see what you think…

Can you tell what kind of patterns each student made?

Students will be bringing home information on how to purchase their calendar art shortly.