Tena Koutou katoa. We wish all our Hampstead School families a happy two week holiday break. The children have been very busy working hard on our school production and will welcome a more restful time to recharge. Thank you to everyone for your support with the school production, it was wonderful that so many came to watch. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday 6 October.

Te wiki o te reo Maori: This wiki, our kura has been celebrating Te Wiki o te reo Māori! Our tamariki have shown lots of creativity in various ways in our akomanga, through art, waiata, dance, drama, research and games. Room 12 has created some ataahua clay necklaces that resemble and are based on simple traditional Māori bone designs. A highlight has been getting to watch our kapa haka rōpū perform and to hear the whole kura waiata altogether as one to celebrate the special and unique language of Aotearoa! Ngā mihi to all involved for making the week so special. 

Top Team: The Year 5 and 6 classes were lucky to have Top Team games yesterday at school. Teams of eight competed against each other, winning points along the way. Some of the games included a maze, walking planks, building towers and water games.  Team work definitely helped! The top team in the end were Maddie, Ollie, Tyler, Leah, Addy and Lexi.  Ka pai!

Navigating the Journey - Sexuality Education: As part of the Health Curriculum, we cover "Navigating the Journey" every two years for the whole school. The material covered is age appropriate and has a resource specifically for Year 1-2, Year 3-4, Year 5-6. The Year 5-6 children learn about Pubertal change. An information sheet will come home at the start of Term 4 and an information afternoon for caregivers will be held in our library on Thursday 16 October, from 3.15pm with the support of Public Health Nurse, Dee Wheeler. There will be an opportunity to view the resource and ask any questions at this meeting.

Strategic Planning 2026-2028: Our board of trustees met earlier this week to review our strategic goals for our next three yearly cycle. This document is attached at the bottom of this newsletter. Strategic Planning identifies the needs of the school and direction to address these needs. Our draft strategic goals are:

• Our curriculum is responsive to meet the needs of all learners

• Our school community is connected through mana enhancing relationships that support our tamariki

We would love your input, so please send any feedback either to myself claudine.c@hampsteadschool.co.nz or to Anna Smith boardchair@hampsteadschool.co.nz Our strategic goals and annual plans will be confirmed at the final meeting for the year on 25 November.

Athletics Day: We're excited to let you know about our upcoming Athletics Day, Tuesday 14th October! We'll be splitting the day into two blocks: Seniors (Yr 4-6) will have their events from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, and Juniors (Yr 0-3) will enjoy a fun afternoon from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This schedule will help us measure the seniors more efficiently before they potentially head to Counties, while also allowing for great progression and enjoyment for our juniors. Weather permitting, the senior long-distance run will take place the following Tuesday 21st October, followed by whole school fun class relays. 

Congratulations Lyn (Rm 5) who placed second in Year 1&2 Girls Canterbury Primary and Intermediate Schools Ski Race 2025 recently.

Student of the Week: Tailah (Rom 9), you are such a kind, caring, and polite member of Room 9. You always listen carefully, follow instructions, and give your very best in everything you do. You are a wonderful friend who looks out for others, often being the first to offer help or comfort when someone needs it. I know I can always rely on you to do the right thing and to carry out tasks without complaint. Your thoughtfulness, hard work, and supportive nature makes you a truly valuable member of Room 9. Nixie (Rom 10), you are a quiet, caring and well mannered member of Room 10. You always follow instructions, show respect and share great ideas with your groups and the class. You are a positive classmate and have shown great enthusiasm for our class performance. You always try your best to complete your work to a high standard and give everything a go. You're a kind friend and we love having you in Room 10. Ka pai Nixie. Ruby (Rm 1), you are a Room 1 superstar. You always try your best, make great choices, and finish your work so beautifully! We love how you never give up and always work so hard — that makes you a super role model for your friends. One very special thing about you is your kindness. You are always caring and respectful to your friends and teachers, and that makes everyone feel happy. We feel very lucky to have such a kind, hardworking, and wonderful girl like you in our class at Hampstead School. Keep being amazing, Ruby!

Upcoming Dates:

End of Term 3: 19 September

Start of Term 4: 6 October

Life Education (Harold): 9-20 October

School Athletics: 14 October

Navigating the Journey Information for Caregivers: 16 October, 3.15

County Athletics: 24 October

Labour Day: 27 October

Yr 5/6 Science Roadshow: 28 October

Dogtober Finishes: 31 October

Nga mihi nui,

Claudine Campbell (Principal)