Tēnā koutou katoa (Hello Everyone)
It’s hard to believe, but we have just finished the penultimate week of our first term for 2026. It has been a ‘busy, but brilliant’ term so far. We have certainly jam packed lots of awesomeness into it!
Ngā mihi nui (Big thanks) to those who booked a Kōrero mai session on Wednesday evening. We had over 80% of the available slots filled! These are an important part of our Reporting to Whānau cycle. At the end of next term, you will receive a written Mid Year Report, followed by another round of Kōrero Mai at the start of Term 3, with the End of Year Report coming out in the last week of Term 4. Hopefully you found this session insightful and remember you don’t have to wait for these events to meet with your child’s kaiako (teacher). They know your tamariki well and are more than willing to discuss your child’s progress and achievement anytime, just reach out to them to arrange a meeting.
Our small, but mighty team competed in the Year 5/6 Southern Cluster Swimming at the Lido yesterday.
–Kyerin came 1st place in Year 6 Boys 25m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle.
–Rory came 2nd place in Year 6 Boys 25m Backstroke.
–Jacob came 2nd place in Year 5 Boys 25m Freestyle.
–Evander came 2nd place in Year 5 Boys 25m Breaststroke.
–Kyerin, Rory and Evander came 2nd place in the 75m Medley Relay.
–Kyerin, Rory, Evander and Jacob came 2nd place in the 100m Boys Freestyle Relay.
–Kyerin, Rory, Ayla and Mackenzie came 3rd in the 100m Mixed Freestyle Relay.
We punch well above our weight considering we were the smallest school taking part! Mihi atu (huge thanks) to Ebony from Riverdale School for running this event.
Our Year 5/6 students took part in Bike Safety sessions this week run by Erin, David and Lizzie from Sport Manawatū. The Year 5’s stayed on site Wednesday to refine their skills using our bike track. Our Year 6’s braved the less than ideal conditions yesterday and this morning down at Centennial Drive for their road based sessions. Ka rawe (Well done) Faye for bringing her bike and supporting the kids both days.
Today, Carly and Cameron took our squad of 30 athletes out to Tokomaru School for the Fitzherbert Cluster Junior Athletics Competition. The weather turned out to be awesome and the damp track didn’t stop them all giving their best shot at all the events. Here is a quick reel from the day. Ngā mihi koutou (Thanks everyone) to Team Tokomaru for running such a fantastic event and all the whānau who came along to cheer the team on and assist with transport.
Our Scholastic Book Fair has been a huge hit (hopefully not just on the bank balance). I have enjoyed seeing our tamariki excited to get new books and see that love of reading growing! Some parents and I shared a sense of nostalgia as we remembered ‘Arrow, Star and Lucky Books’ when we were at school. Thanks to those who brought their kids through and supported our kura, as your purchases will give us heaps of free books for our whare pukapuka (library).
Hui Ā Kura:
This afternoon, our tuakana (Year 6 leaders) Joe, Leo and Jackson took on the role of hosting assembly for us all, so thank you to those who came along to tautoko (support) them. Those who competed in Cluster Swimming yesterday received their certificates and as always, we whakanui (celebrate) those tamariki who demonstrate our uara (values) consistently in and around the kura. This week the following people got their tiwhikete (certificate):
Rimu: Catie -Whanaungatanga
Rātā: Pascal – Mātauranga
Pōhutukawa: Evie – Mātauranga
Mataī: Marnie – Mātauranga
Kauri: Lachie – Mātauranga
Tōtara: Leo – Manaakitanga
Meagan: Philip – Manaakitanga
Troy: Harriet – Mātauranga
We also judged our Giant Pumpkin Competition entries. You might have seen them on Facebook, aren’t they impressive? Thanks to Meryl for organising this and for all whānau that got involved in this organic occasion! Our winners were:
Mila R – Biggest and Heaviest Pumpkin
Eddie – Most Unique Shape
Matthew and Caleb – Best Colour
Jacob – Best Named Pumpkin with Squashington the Great
Ayla C – Most Attractive
Sarah – Ugliest Pumpkin
James B – Most Unique Texture
Wheelie Competition:
Last week, Kyerin, Rory and Ihaia made a video promoting our Wheelie Competition which is next Wednesday 1st April at lunchtime on the field. All children are welcome to take part if they bring their bike and helmet.
Turitea Carpool:
We are aware of the ongoing uncertainty around petrol prices and the strain this might add to some whānau. Following a suggestion from a parent, we are wondering if there is interest to help facilitate a carpool service from specific areas e.g. Fitzherbert, Linton, Summerhill. If this is a viable option for you, please let us know.
School Pool Feedback:
Our Pool Parents are keen to get your feedback on the recent swimming season so that they can improve the service in any way. Please take a minute to fill this survey out for them, even if you didn’t get a key.
EzLunch Promo:
Every lunch order placed between now and the end of term goes into a draw to win Kindo credit of up to $100! You just order Ezlunch as usual and you’re in the draw. Winners announced in Term 2.
From the Community:
- Wild Things Holiday Programme. Check out what they have on offer here
- Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Big Easter Weekend on 3rd-6th April from 10am–5pm. Info here
- Hockey Manawatū Holiday Programmes 10th-17th April. Year 3/4 info here and Year 5/6 info here
- Badminton Manawatū Holiday Program 14-16th April. Info here
- Massey Kids Club offer Before and After School Care and have a Holiday Programme too
- Triple P Parenting News Check out what’s on offer to support parents here.
Term 1 Important Dates:
- Week 10 (Next week)
- Library Bus Visit on Monday 30th March (This date changed from Friday)
- Wheelie Competition at Lunchtime on Wednesday 1st April (Bring your bike/helmet)
- Last Day of Term is Thursday 2nd April. School closes at 3pm.
- Term 2 Week 1
- The first day of Term is Monday 20th April. We will have our usual start to the term with a mihi whakatau (welcome) for our new whānau at 9am.
Kia pai tō rā whakatā (Have a great weekend)
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz
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