Welcome back to Term 1 2025. We have had a great start back at school. I am loving the sunshine!

Kia ora koutou

A change of eating routine

We’re excited to share an important change we’re making to the school day timetable to support your child’s health, learning, and well-being. We are adopting a play before eating approach.

Why this change? Schools that have adopted this schedule report some great benefits:

• Healthier eating habits: Children eat more and there is less food waste.

• Calmer classrooms: After getting their energy out during playtimes, kids return to class ready to eat and learn.

• Better focus: With no need to rush through their food to get to playtime, children take their time to eat and fuel up properly.

We know that adjusting timetables can present challenges, but we think it will be worth it. Our team is working to ensure a smooth transition, including allowing enough time for children to eat and return to learning ready to succeed. All eating will now be supervised by the classroom teacher rather than a duty teacher.

Thank you for your support as we implement this positive shift. Together, we can make a difference in your child's health and school experience.

The new timetable

School starts 8:50am

Kai time 10-10:05am (It can be a fruit or veggie snack but it doesn't have to be)

Play time 10:50 - 11:10am (The children go straight out to play, they don't eat first).

Kai time 11:10- 11:15am (The children come into class after playing and can eat).

Kai time 12:40-12:50pm (The children eat for 10 minutes and then pack away. No one is left outside to finish off their lunch).

Play time 12:50 -1:40pm.

Kai time whā 1:40- 1:45 (The children come into class after playing and can finish off any food they have left.)

School finishes at 2:45pm for Rātā and 2:50pm for the rest of the school.

We need some help from you too!

We need all children, whether they are five or 12 years old to have a named lunchbox or lunch bag and a named water bottle.

Please continue to pack healthy choices and sufficient food to last the day.

Being Sunsmart

We need all children to have a named, brimmed hat that they can keep at school. It is good practice to also apply sunscreen in the morning before they leave for the day. Singlet tops are not Ok at school, children must wear clothing that covers their shoulders. Children also need to have shoes for PE at school.

Connecting with your child's teacher

Thank you to everyone who came in last Friday to meet the teacher and see the new classroom. It is really important that there is a positive connection between home and school. If you have not had a chance to meet your child's teacher or there are important things that you want to talk with them about, there is another upcoming opportunity.

Monday 17th February 3pm -5:30pm.

School will be open for you to pop into classrooms without an appointment between 3- 3:30pm.

There will be 10 minute appointments that you can book between 3:30 and 5:30pm. These are for all classes except Rātā 1 and 2 because you have already had your start of year meetings. To make an appointment click here.

We also want to connect with you on SeeSaw.

Students add posts to their journals. Student posts showcase the creative projects they've been working on in the classroom. This could include photos, artwork, videos, activities, notes, projects they've created in other apps, and more!

Families get notified when there are new posts in their student's journal. They can view posts and add likes and comments. Connected family members can only see their own child's learning. 

🧰 Seesaw requires an invite from your child's teacher to sign up. Your child's teacher will provide you with a paper, email, or text invite (the invite will include a QR code or link). If you do not have this please contact your child's teacher.

💡 Good to know: up to 10 family members can connect to one child's journal!

View this brief video to learn how to log in, connect to your child's journal, engage with their learning, and message with their teacher.

Pōwhiri for new students Wednesday 12th February

We have a welcome for new students and their families on Wednesday 12th February at 9am. You will receive a personal invitation to this. The powhiri finishes with a cup of tea in the hall and you will be free to go about your day any time between 9:30 and 10am.

Annual Lagoon Picnic Thursday 13th February

If the weather is fine we are having our annual school picnic on Thursday next week. Children walk to the lagoon mid morning, enjoy the splash pad, play games, have a picnic lunch and ice-blocks and return to school by 2:30pm. Full details of the day will be sent home on Monday. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join us at the lagoon.

Being on time for school

We call the roll at 8:50am but all children need to be at school by 8:45 at the latest to talk to a friend and put their things away. It sets your child up for a good day at school when they arrive on time. We really need your support with this please.

Waitangi Day

I hope you enjoy a restful Waitangi Day holiday tomorrow. School is open as normal on Friday 7th.

Ngā mihi

Mark Smith

Principal