School closes for the July holidays this afternoon, after a very lengthy 12 week Term 2. Have a great holiday everyone. We look forward to welcoming you back in Term 3.

Preparations for our 150th anniversary are still underway and more details will follow in the new term. Our anniversary weekend is scheduled for November. However, right now it is important to give you a "heads-up" about the Term 3 "Victorian Day" and we also have a request to make.

There is a busy term ahead. Here is a Term overview of the events that are planned in Term 3.

Well done to the Kapa Haka group for a wonderful performance on Saturday night at the Bayswater Matariki Festival. Despite the torrential rain our children sang beautifully. Thank you to Whaea Ally, Anthony Helmhout for your work with the group, and to all the parents who braved the cold and wet to support the children. Whaea Ally also wished me to pass on her message, below.

Enrolment Information for Belmont Intermediate School Belmont Intermediate School is hosting its annual Enrolment Information Evening on Tuesday 28 July at 7pm in the school hall. All interested students and parents wishing to enrol are welcome to attend to find out more about what Belmont Intermediate School has to offer. The school provides a dynamic, student-centred learning experience to support the important years for an adolescent's growth and development. Further information about the school will be shared including the academic, sporting and performing arts culture, as well as daily programmes and timetables. All Year 6 students and parents will also be invited to attend our Open Day Tours. These will take place on Tuesday 4 August at 11:15am and Wednesday 5 August at 9:15am.

Please remember to bring your New World Receipts up to school. Write the name of our school on the back and then post into the box in the reception area. When we take these to New World we get a cheque! A very easy way to add to our funds. We currently receive a very welcome $3000 per year from this source.

Our building work was completed earlier in the term, with Mr Robinson moving into room 12 a few weeks ago. Miss Watson's class will remain in Room 2 for the time being. Miss Jaworski has begun the move into Room 14.

Our PTA held its AGM last week, with Becky Little and Jessica Peerless being elected as co-chairs. Many thanks to Gemma and Gail, who have led the PTA for the past year. I am happy to report that they will still be involved with PTA.

We have a parent at school who has family living in Northland who are involved with Hokianga Health. Northland is in great need of warm clothing/bedding for the winter. These donations will go directly to families who need them. Please drop any of the above into the hall foyer during school hours. Thank you.

Thanks to a wonderful group of parents who are able to supervise, our very popular chess club will start up again the first Friday of Term 3. If your child would like to play chess, go to Room 4, at 8.00am, Friday, 24 July. If you can help in any way at all, casually or on a roster, please let the school office know. Below are the guidelines that apply:

Five outdoor synthetic grass courts and lights, our friendly club offers social and competitive play at all skill levels. Junior membership provides full access to the club courts and includes two terms (4 & 1) of group coaching. Everyone is welcome and courts can be booked online by members and visitors alike. president@ntc.net.nz https://clubspark.kiwi NgataringaTennisClub Facebook: @NgataringaTennis. Instagram: @ngataringa.tennis.club TENNIS LESSONS: based nearby at Ngātaringa Tennis Club. TENNIS PLUS coaching team runs after-school sessions for groups of 4 to 6 students between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Players are welcome at all ages (3 to 18 years) and skill levels with equipment provided and groups organised by age and ability. Individual or smaller group private coaching is another option. SCHOOL HOLIDAYS we also run two programmes. The multisport holiday programme (9am-12.30pm weekdays) is for everyone aged 4 to 16 years: outdoor games & sports with indoor activities in the junior clubhouse if it’s wet. Our three-day junior holiday tennis academy is for competitive tennis players aged 10 and above and runs for three hours each day. admin@tennisplus.co.nz https://clubspark.kiwi/NgataringaTennisClub/Coaching. Facebook: @TennisPlusNZ

Marrzipan have gained a huge reputation in New Zealand for the development of shy children, especially those with anxiety, autism and selective mutism. Saying that, this is a class for the super crazy and dramatic types too, as we focus on positive leadership and social skills.Our classes focus on inner and outer self-confidence, and are super fun and exciting for children. Parents are kept up to date with weekly emails about what’s been covered in class and why, as well as what you can work on at home. We have two awesome showcases at the end of every term too, so you can see your child’s development first hand as they perform in one of our termly productions. Classes run on Friday's after school, 3.00-4.00pm. Spaces are limited to 14 per class, so please get in touch to secure your child a space. Register your interest by emailing jack@marrzipandrama.co.nz or calling 027 367 3334! See you there!