End of Term 4 Week 8 Pānui

In NewsPosted

Kia ora e te whānau, 

We have some exciting news to share for Cameron and his wife Olivia, who are expecting a baby in May 2026. He let his class know last week and now our school hāpori (community) today. We look forward to meeting ‘Baby Schaw’ and know you’ll join us in celebrating with them. Get your sleep in now Cameron…

We realise that there are not many parking spaces outside our kura, hence why we encourage a staged pick up at either 3pm or 3.15pm, or at the later time of 3.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Our yellow lined carparks directly opposite the office are for quick pick up or drop off, so if you plan to stay at school a while, please use other parks to help the traffic flow. There is a broken yellow line behind the last carpark on the farm side of the road, please don’t park on it as it prevents easy turnaround at the end of the road. Let’s model our school uara (value) of manaakitanga and show kindness and respect for others when parking. 

Mataī has played host to a Chess Club tournament over the last few Tuesday mornings. A bracket was set up and run and this week we had the final between Finn (Y6) and Daniel (Y1) as you can see above. Although Finn was victorious, Daniel certainly proved to be a formidable opponent, at such a young age too. Ka mau te wēhi ngā tama (Awesome boys)

On Wednesday, Trish came for a visit and it was lovely to have her back with us. She came with ice blocks for her tamariki (kids), who were very happy to see her. She will be at school with us next Wednesday-Friday, but Bridgit will remain teaching in Mataī, and she transitions back into school life. She further extended her aroha (love) and appreciation to everyone who has shared beautiful messages of support for her. 

Yesterday, Amelia C, Amelia M, Ayla, Ben, Blake, Grace, Kazuri, Kyerin, Rory, Sophie, Xavier and Yannik competed in the Manawatū Striders Interschool Road Race at Manawaroa Park. They ran a 3km track through the Esplanade along with many other local kura. Kyerin placed 5th and Rory came 8th in the Year 5/6 Boys event. Kazuri came 19th in the Year 5/6 Girls event. Kei reira koutou (Outstanding everyone)

Rimu and Rātā had their last Garden to Table session this morning. As always, mihi atu (thank you) to our whānau volunteers who came and helped in the garden or the kitchen. You are appreciated! Our Garden Club Trolley by the front gates are a little way to try and keep this programme afloat and everything on there is $2, which can be paid online. Our Pātaka Kai (Food Pantry), which is directly opposite this, is different as everything in there is free. Whānau members are able to put things in there that others might need or want. 

I am always in awe of the writing above that comes from the kids from Kauri, our Year 4-6 ākonga (learners). I have shared in the past some of their amazing mahi (work). Well whānau, word gets out and for the past few weeks, we have had ex-Massey Literacy Lead guru Dr. Chrissie Braid work alongside and use Faye’s exemplary teaching as a case study to share with other kaiako (teachers). Ka rawe (Awesome) Faye, Ruby, Finn, Elisa and the rest of Kauri class.

Sandpit fever is running high (as you can see above) with our loose parts play equipment finding its way in there and our tuakana (oldest learners) have been enjoying showing off their engineering skills and creating forts using ‘cement’ that they made. This has helped our teina (juniors) with their building also. Love the creativity and collaboration!

Hui Ā Kura:

I tēnei ahiahi (This afternoon) we had our second to last Hui Ā Kura (Assembly) of the term led by Ivor, Toby, Luca and Xavier. As you can expect, they kept us well entertained. We recognised those who made the podium at Cluster Athletics last week and those who always demonstrate our school uara (values). Receiving their tiwhikete (certificate) this week were:

  • Rimu: Ivy-Rose – Manaakitanga
  • Rātā: Hazel – Mātauranga
  • Pōhutukawa: Griffin – Mātauranga
  • Mataī: Mila – Mātauranga
  • Tōtara: Kyerin – Mātauranga
  • Kauri: Eli – Mātauranga
  • Meagan: Ella from Rimu – Mātauranga
  • Tumuaki: Penelope – Manaakitanga

Pack The Bus: 

The bus is coming back to Turitea School next week for us to demonstrate our uara of manaakitanga (kindness) for others who are in need this Christmas period. Please send in new, unwrapped gifts or non-perishable food items and toiletries to the office. All donations go to Koha Kai Whare at Palmerston North Methodist Social Services and Barnardos. Please join us in sharing the love.

Lunchonline/Ezlunch:

You may have received comms from Lunchonline on Wednesday that they have been bought by Ezlunch for 2026 and beyond. It seems Ezlunch should just pick up your account from Lunchonline and you will receive information about how this occurs or check out the FAQ here. So lunches on Wednesday and Friday will continue at Turitea, you will just have a different booking system to use. 

School Pool:

Keys are available for hire, so if you want to grab one before the end of the year, come and see Julie at the office, sign the agreement and show her a screenshot of your payment, as opposed to cash. A quick update from the Pool Parent Team of Lucain, Fraser, Wei, Shayna, Patrice and Anne-Marie as we get everything ready for opening this Monday 1st December. We’ve been busy preparing the pool for the season, and we’re excited to share some of the improvements that have been made:

  • New Halo System Installed – The pool is now a saltwater pool, which is much gentler on the skin of our tamariki’. The Halo System naturally converts salt into a safe sanitising agent, keeping the water clean and healthy.
  • Pool Exterior Repainted – The top edge of the pool is now coated with a non-slip finish, though we still encourage everyone to take care when climbing or jumping in.
  • Pool Cover – We’ve replaced the ropes that attach the cover to the rail, so it should roll up smoothly this year. A new latch has also been added to help secure the cover at the end of each day.
  • If you spot anything that needs attention or have any pool-related concerns, please scan the QR code on the pool gate to send a message directly to us. Enjoy the pool, stay safe and have a fantastic summer in the water!

From the Community:

  • Summer Reading Programme – Registrations have opened for this annual programme by the PNCC library. More information here
  • Palmy Matters – PNCC has sent us the link to their new monthly newsletter to share with our community, you can read it here.
  • IPU Garage Sale – This Sunday there is a Garage Sale at IPU from 10am to 1pm. Come along and get a deal.
  • The Bubble Show – Great outing for the kids at the Globe Theatre this Sunday at 2pm and 4pm. Book here with more details here.
  • Palmy Car Boot Sale – at the Awapuni Racecourse tomorrow from 10am-1pm. Register your site via QR code on the poster to sell, or come to buy.
  • Epic Music Academy has their End of Year concert also tomorrow at the New Life Church. See here for more information.

Term 4 Important Dates:

Here is a list of all the goings on for the rest of the term. Some dates have been added below.

  • Week 9 (Next week)
    • Pack the Bus Charity Collection Drive on Tuesday 2nd December at 1.45pm
    • Interschool Athletics (Year 5/6) at Massey Track on Tuesday 2nd December
    • Mataī trip to Wildbase Discovery Centre on Thursday 4th December
    • Hui Ā Kura (Assembly) on Friday 5th December at 2.15pm
  • Week 10
    • PTA Pool Party for all at school on Thursday 11th December
    • Year 6 Leavers Trip to the Lido on Friday 12th December
  • Week 11
    • Year 6 Graduation on Monday 15th December at 5.30pm
    • End of Year Prizegiving on Tuesday 16th December at 12pm
    • School ends on Tuesday 16th December at 1pm.

Holiday Programmes:

With the school holidays just around the corner, check out what is on offer below if you need care for your tamariki over the break:

Travellers Reminder:

If you are travelling out of New Zealand for the school holidays, don’t forget to do the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arrival home in NZ, as this replaces the old paper form. The NZTD can be done online or via the NZTD app.

Kia pai rā whakatā! (Have a great weekend)
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz

PS This Sunday is the last day for Calendar orders. So don’t miss out…