Please have a really good read of this final newsletter for the year. It contains some important information about the end of this year and the start of next year. Keep it in a safe spot!

Wednesday 11th December 2024 

Kia ora koutou

Farewell to staff: It is the time of the year when we have to farewell staff who are moving on at the end of 2024. 

Nic Scott: Nic has taught in team Kahikatea this year and has worked hard throughout the year. A special thank you for taking our basketball teams on Friday afternoons throughout the season and organising a touch team on Monday nights in Term 4. I know the children involved in these respective teams have enjoyed it! All the very best for the future!  

Gillian Olivier: Gillian has taken a start-up Year 1 class since the middle of the year. Thank you for all of your efforts with this class. All the very best for the future. 

Kalani Wilson: Kalani has worked as a Kaiāwhina for most of this year, predominantly in the senior area of the school with our boys. We will miss you, Kalani. You have made a positive impact on a number of our learners. All the very best for the future. 

We are also pleased to welcome backSue Giles who will be returning in 2025 after a year's leave. 

Teachers and Classes 2025: Please see our teachers and classes for the start of next year.  We will put your child’s teacher on the HERO App on Friday 13th December. 

2025 Teachers and Classes: As you can see below we are having a shift around with the Juniors moving to Space 11 and the Seniors to Spaces 4-9. This is due to the projected numbers for next year, and to make better use of the spaces we have. 

Final School Prize-Giving Assemblies: We will be having an end-of-year assembly for Year 1-3  on Monday 16th December, at 1.30 pm in our school hall, followed by food in the Team Pātītī Classrooms. We are having our final prize-giving assembly for Year 4-8 learners in Team Kāpuka and Team Kahikatea at Riccarton High School on Tuesday 17th December at 1 pm. 

School Uniforms: If your child needs a new uniform for 2025 please visit the NZ Uniform Shop. 

2025 Stationery: Here is the list of requirements for 2025 stationery. Please ensure all learners have this on the first day of school. 

Swimming Pool Keys: There will be a separate notice coming out about swimming pool keys. Please read and get signed up if you want one. 

End-of-Year Dates and Events: Please note there are other events not listed here as well. For full school details please go to our website http://www.tkr.school.nz 

Please note that the Wednesday of the final week will involve a lot of packing up of classrooms and moving things around the school. We will also have an alternate programme running on the last morning of school. 

EOY/Start of Year Dates: 

• Monday 16 December, 1.30 pm EOY Prize Giving Years 1-3, TKRS Hall

• EOY Prize Giving Years 4-8: Tuesday 17 December, 1 pm at Riccarton High School

• Last day of School Years 1-3: Wednesday 18 December, 3 pm

• Last day of School Years 4-8: Thursday 19 December, 12.30 pm

Start of 2025 

• Monday 3rd February - First day of Term 1 - 8.55 am start 

• Tuesday 4th February - Learning Conferences - School Closes at 1 pm Appointments from 1.45 pm -7 pm

• Wednesday 5th February -  Learning Conferences - School Closes at 1 pm Appointments from 1.45 pm -7 pm

• Thursday 6th February - School Closed Waitangi Day 

• Friday 7th February - Afternoon- Big Day Back Bash- Manawa Ora- afternoon!!!

Booking Week 1, 2025 Learning Conferences 

Information about Learning Conferences and how to book these will be sent to you on Friday 13th Dec, via the community notices in the HERO app. Please make sure that you have downloaded and use the HERO app, as it is our primary method of communicating anything important with you. Please also make sure that your phone number and email address are always the most up to date. You are able to change these yourself in HERO at any time. If you need any assistance in using the HERO app, please ask at the office and we can help you. We look forward to meeting with every child and their parent/s at the 3 Way Learning Conferences next year!

Final Words for the Year: As we wrap up another wonderful year, I want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible staff. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise have been truly inspiring during what has been a busy and productive year. We are fortunate to have a team that combines patience and empathy with strong curriculum knowledge, making a meaningful difference for our learners every day.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the many organisations that support our school, especially La Vida Youth Trust. Their after-school care programme and youth workers have provided invaluable support to our tamariki and whānau.

A special mention goes to our Deputy Principal, Margie Askin-Jarden. Margie, your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment make a real difference for our learners, and I deeply appreciate the support you provide to me and the Te Kāpehu team. I would also like to acknowledge Carla Taiaroa, our Deputy Principal, whose insight and understanding have been instrumental in supporting our tamariki and staff this year.

My heartfelt thanks go to our Board of Trustees for their dedication and service to our school. Your thoughtful questions and commitment to improving Te Kāpehu for all learners are greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Hamish Barclay, our board chair, for leading with integrity and always prioritising the best interests of our tamariki. Your support for me and our school community has been invaluable.

To our wonderful Year 8 learners: as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your journeys, we are confident you will carry the spirit of Te Kāpehu with you. You have exemplified our core values: Mana – being proud of who you are; Manaaki – showing kindness and making a difference; Manawaroa – demonstrating grit and perseverance; and Manawa Ora – embracing learning opportunities and enjoying life. These values will serve you well as you take on new challenges and make your mark in the world. We are proud of each of you and excited to see all you will achieve.

To all our parents and guardians, thank you for your ongoing support and for being such an integral part of our school community. Your partnership means so much to us, and we are grateful for your trust and encouragement.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, prosperous New Year.

Ngā mihi nui

Matua Paul