This week I had the privilege of attending the awards ceremony for Porirua’s future leaders from the Rotary Clubs of Porirua in conjunction with Porirua City Council.

Two students from our school were chosen by their teachers for showing outstanding leadership qualities. Here is what was said about them:

IRIS CHEN

Iris an exemplary student who shines in all areas of school life. She is a leader and role model to all her peers. Iris is a Kaitiaki, one of the student leaders at our school, and she brings so much enthusiasm to this role. From speaking to students and staff at hui, to organising and leading school-wide events, Iris always puts her best foot forward. She is an excellent public speaker and has outstanding thinking skills. Her ideas and knowledge contribute towards a positive school environment. Iris shows kindness to all others, is a tuakana to younger peers and we know she will continue to develop as a strong leader going forward.

SOPHIE LEE 

Sophie is a dedicated and mature student who upholds all our school values. She is always looking to find ways to support her peers and teachers in the classroom and wider school, especially through her role as a kaitiaki. Sophie gets involved with organising and helping with many different events at school and is a committed leader in the school Kapa Haka, leading karanga and waiata. She sets a high standard in everything that she does whether it is in the classroom or in extra curricular activities making her a fantastic role model in the school community. We are proud of her achievements and she is on her way to having a very successful last year at Papakōwhai school. 

We are so proud of these two for receiving this recognition. Congratulations Iris and Sophie!

Readathon

A reminder that August is READATHON month at Papakōwhai School. We think that the cold month of August is the perfect time to encourage reading. It may also be a chance as a family to spend more time with a book and have less screen time. We are aiming to raise $20,000 towards the cost of the amazing teaching assistants we have at our school.

We need all children to keep a reading log throughout the month of August. Reading to children and listening to audiobooks can also count towards the reading log. You can download your own digital copy of the reading log by clicking here.

We want everyone to get lots of sponsors. There will be a prize for the top reader in each class and for the class that raises the most money.

Please return the completed reading log to your teacher by Friday 8th September. We ask that all sponsorship payments are made by internet banking to the school account by 8/9/2023. The school bank account number is 12-3140-0133108-01 Please reference with your child's name and 'Readathon'. 

I really appreciate your support with the Readathon.

Te Ahi Ora

Thank you to our community for the amazing support you gave the Te Ahi Ora fire dancing performances last week. The evening events were very well attended and students and parents alike seemed to have a great time trying something just a little bit different.

School Photobook

This year we hope to produce a photo book for students to be able to purchase at the end of the year. If this idea stimulates your creative and organisational interest, please get in touch: chris@papakowhai.school. We would love some whānau support to make this idea a reality!

Ngā mihi nui

Chris Robinson

chris@papakowhai.school.nz