Luke the Pukeko:  Each class now has a mascot called Luke who is a cute wee stuffed toy Pukeko. Each Friday we choose one student from each class, who has been showing the school values, to take home Luke for the weekend.  The student will also bring home a book for you to stick photos in or write about what Luke got up to with your family. We can not wait to see what Luke the Pukeko gets up to with all our students.  

Assembly:  This Friday there will be a Te Hapua and Te Awa assembly.  This will be held in the community centre at 9.15am. Some students may receive certificates at this assembly for showing school values and parents will be notified before Friday if their child is receiving one at this upcoming event.

Whare Manu Day:  This Friday 3rd March we have a fun whare manu day planned for our tamariki.  The whare manu groups are our house groups which are based on birds.  They are family groups so all children from the same family are in the same group.  

Each bird house or whare manu group is also attached to a colour.  The students will be starting to learn these as we sit in these groups during morning whanāu time however if you are unsure of your child's colour or team please see your pakeke teacher.  The students come to school on Friday in their house colours or wearing something that connects them to that group.  Here are some reminders of the whare manu names and their colour.

Tui - Black

Korimako - Yellow

Weka - Red, 

Kōtare - Blue 

Tauhou - Green

Kererū - White

Teachers Union Meeting:  Just a friendly reminder there is a half school day on Friday 3rd March. School will finish at 12:50 due to a teachers paid union meeting. Please notify the office if you are unable to make suitable arrangements for your child during this time.

Student Teachers:  We have two wonderful student teachers in our team this term.  

Here is a little more information on Mr H who is in Mrs Bartletts class.

Kia ora e te whānau. My name is Jason Hodzelmans (Mr H to my students!). This is my fifth placement whilst studying at New Zealand Graduate School of Education. My background is in performance with a previous career in Tāmaki Makaurau as an actor, producer and casting director. As well as studying full time I work as the floor manager for What Now which has combined my love for live performance and working with children. A lifelong learner and now embracing this passion for teaching and absolutely thrilled to be based at Woodend until the end of term. Adventure sports, yoga and anything in the outdoors fills my cup up which I hope to share with my students. I look forward to connecting with more of you in the coming weeks, please come say hi!

Here is a little information on Miss Miles who is in Mrs Frasers class.

Kia ora koutou. My name is Ella Miles. I am in my first term of study at the New Zealand Graduate School of Education. My first week with Mrs Fraserand her wonderful students has gone super fast.I have loved meeting everyone and getting involved in all the fabulous learning the children are doing. I am passionate about tapping into students' interests and incorporating them into the classroom programme. My hobbies include tennis, netball and dance. I come from a farming background and enjoy the outdoors. I am really excited about my first placement in your wonderful school. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

We hope you all have a wonderful week at school.  

If you have any questions please touch base with your child's pakeke teacher.  

Te Hapua Team