Papakōwhai School has introduced a new 7-step behaviour system to keep things consistent and positive for everyone. Most kids are already rockstars at following the rules! Let’s make our school even better together.

We are trialling a new 7-step behaviour system that will be used school-wide. The reason behind this change is to ensure a consistent approach across our school for both students and staff. We believe that having a unified system will create a harmonious and supportive environment for all of us to thrive in.

We want to express how much we appreciate the vast majority of our students who are already doing the right thing every day. Their positive behaviour and attitudes do not go unnoticed, and they truly shape our school culture in the best way possible.

As detailed in the diagrams above, students progress through the steps if they are displaying negative behaviours. 

At step 3, students complete a reflection sheet with another teacher in their syndicate for 10 minutes and then return to class. 

At step 5, they will spend the rest of that teaching session with a senior staff member (if a students reaches this step, whānau will be contacted). 

Finally, if a child reaches step 7 they will spend the rest of the day out of class.

We hope that this unified system provides consistency and clarity for staff, students and whānau. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact Chris Robinson or Mark Smith.

Cross Country

We are hosting our annual Papakōwhai school cross country races on Tuesday 14 May. This is an optional event for students in the senior school. 

Years 1-4:

Year 1 and 2 students will be running on the school field. Year 3 and 4 students will be running laps of the field and school. 

The top 5 Year 4 students, for both girls and boys, will be asked to represent Papakōwhai School at the Parumoana Inter-School Cross Country event to be held in June.

The Year 1-4 events will be held between 1.30pm and 2.30pm approximately. Whānau are invited to come and support.

Approximate timings:

Year 3 Girls - 1.30pm

Year 3 Boys - 1.40pm

Year 4 Girls - 1.50pm

Year 4 Boys - 2.00pm

Year 1 Girls- 2.10pm

Year 1 Boys - 2.15pm

Year 2 Girls - 2.20pm

Year 2 Boys - 2.30pm 

Years 5-8:

Students in years 5-8 will be running on the school field, around the school as well as on Yarrow Place, Tweed Road and Spey Place. 

As with previous years, the first five students within each race will be asked to represent Papakōwhai School at the Parumoana Inter-School Cross Country competition later in the month.

The Year 5 - 8 event will be held between 11 am and 12.20pm approximately. Whānau are invited to come and support.

Approximate timings:

Year 7 & 8 Girls - 11am

Year 7 & 8 Boys- 11.15am

Year 6 Girls - 11.30am

Year 6 Boys - 11.40am

Year 5 Girls- 11.50am

Year 5 Boys - 12 noon 

School Behaviours

A reminder that this term we are having a focus on school wide behaviours that we want to strengthen.  Here is the matrix of our school rules. We are still focusing on "Be Safe"; the bottom row of the matrix. We will be moving on to a new focus next week.

You can support us at home by:

• Only letting your child bring a scooter or bike to school if they are wearing a helmet.
• Reinforcing the cell phone and smart watch policy.
• Providing some wet weather lunchtime activities for your child.
• Being clear with your child before school about what the arrangement is for pick up at the end of the day.
• Talking at home about the need to walk inside and around buildings. We have some very unforgiving metal poles under our verandas!
• Practising following the instructions of adults, even when we would prefer to do our own thing.
• Making washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom an automatic routine.