Kia ora e te Whanau. Welcome to Term 4, a busy but fun final term of the school year. Our Year 6's begin the transition to Intermediate process. We will begin looking at class placements for next year in the coming weeks, so please let your child's teacher or a member of the Senior Leadership Team know if there is anything for us to consider when placing your child in a class for next year. If you are not returning to Hampstead next year (apart from Yr 6), please also let us know and if you know of anyone starting school next year that hasn't enrolled, they can enrol via the following link. https://enrolments.linc-ed.com/apply/NZ/3367

Athletics Postponed to 21 October: We hope the weather is kind to us and we can have our postponed athletics on Tuesday (same timetable). In the event that the weather causes us to cancel, Year 5/6 children have had their events timed and measured during training sessions over the past week. We have needed to do this in order to make the cutoff deadline for entries to the county athletics.

Strike Day 23 October: A reminder that our school will be closed for instruction on Thursday 23 October during a nationwide strike. We appreciate your support and apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

Life Education: The classes have all had two sessions with Harold, Rudi & Nikita over the past week and a half. Life Education teaches the children about how to be happy and healthy both physically and mentally. Harold's van visits us once a year and we are always happy to see him (especially Tahi 😉)

Staff Changes: We welcome back Miss Olivia George for Term 4, who has been supporting our New Entrants as our numbers increase. From Term 1, Miss Sophie Peak (currently in Rm 6) will be teaching the New Entrants in Rm 1 and Mrs Sarah Grieve will provide release within the junior school in addition to her DP responsibilities.

Navigating the Journey (Sexuality Education): It was great to see so many of you yesterday. Thanks to Public Health Nurse and parent, Dee Wheeler for taking us through the resource and providing information and advice. If anyone has any further questions, please get in touch and we can pass this on to Dee if needed.

Dogtober: It is hard to believe Tahi, our school dog has been with us at Hampstead for almost a year. Tahi is now 3 years old and is very settled into our school environment. To give back to the charity (Mobility Dogs) that trained him, we are once again taking part in Dogtober. We will have a fun dress up day on 31 October. If you would like to donate, you can follow this link or send along a coin on the dress up day. Every little bit helps to support these life changing dogs. We'd love you to share the link on your social media if you can 😊https://dogtober.co.nz/claudine-campbell

Last day of Term information: On Thursday 11 December, we will hold our Final Assembly outside the library at 11am. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch following this (around 12). If the weather is not suitable for our outdoor assembly, we will move to the hall and prioritise space for Yr 6 parents.

SUNHATS: Please ensure your child has their school sun hat at school everyday in Term 4. Duty teachers will direct children to play in the shade if they are not wearing a hat. These can be purchased from our school office for $15 or from The Warehouse.

Student of the Week: Reign (Rom 6), you are a truly valued member of Room 6. Your kindness towards others and your caring nature shine brightly every day. You work hard and always strive to do your best, setting a wonderful example for your classmates. Your dedication and positivity make you an incredible role model. It is an absolute pleasure to be your teacher. Your big, warm smile each morning brings joy to our classroom. Room 6 is so lucky to have you! Keep being your amazing self! Boston (Rom 12), Boston you are a vibrant and energetic student of Room 12. Your cheeky smile and sense of humour bring joy to everyone in our class! You are determined and love to argue your point of view in a friendly way and also have great banter! I am so proud of you for working so hard on your letter to Mrs Campbell. There is never a dull day with you in class, although it is very quiet when you are absent! Your presence lights up the classroom and creates a lively and cheerful atmosphere. Keep being your fantastic self and keep working towards your goals. We are lucky to have you in Room 12! Koia kei a koe - you are awesome!

Upcoming Dates:

Life Education (Harold): 9-20 October

School Athletics Postponement Date: 21 October

Board of Trustees Meeting: 21 October, 6pm in Puawai

Strike Day (School Closed): 23 October

Labour Day: 27 October

Yr 5/6 Science Roadshow: 28 October

Dogtober Celebration: 31 October

County Athletics: 31 October

Year 6 visit to Intermediate: 11 November

New Whanau Welcome Afternoon Tea: 13 November, 3.15 in the library

Canterbury Anniversary Holiday: 14 November

Year 5/6 Swim Week: 1-5 December

Year 6 Leavers Party: 9 December

End of Term 4: 11 December (Assembly 11am followed by picnic)

Start of Term 1: 2 February 2026

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)