Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou, (Warm greetings to you all)
At the end of last week, Troy travelled back to Tāmaki Makaurau as, sadly, his dad, Barrie, is very unwell. Troy, please know that you and your whānau are in our thoughts. We are sending our love, strength, and support to your family during this difficult time.
He waka eke noa – we are all in this canoe together. No one has to face a storm alone, and we stand alongside you with care and support as you navigate the days ahead.
While Troy is away, I have had the pleasure of spending time across the kura and seeing the many wonderful learning opportunities taking place each day. At morning hui, one student was quite concerned about who would run the school while Troy was away, so it was reassuring to know that having a backup plan is important!
After recently commenting on how little rain we had received, the rain gods clearly reminded us at the start of the week, that they were listening!
Although Tuesday was a true winter’s day, Cameron’s return to our kura brought a ray of sunshine. We certainly missed his wonderful sense of humour and positive presence around the school. It has also been a pleasure following updates of baby Fletcher. I’m not sure what the official photo tally is up to, but we have all enjoyed seeing how well he is doing. The photos have certainly been appreciated and have given us plenty of opportunities to share in the excitement of this special time for Cameron and his whānau.
We also welcomed Charlotte, a student teacher from Te Rito Maioha, who is working in Rātā, learning alongside Carly and her ākonga. Charlotte has already made a positive start, building relationships with students and becoming involved in classroom learning. We look forward to supporting her as she develops her teaching practice during her time with us.
Kauri Poets
Recently Kauri students took part in the Poetry Box Poetry Challenge run by Paula Green. She is a published poet with many prestigious awards, e.g. the Prime Minister’s Award for Poetry, received a NZ Order of Merit for Services to Poetry and Literature, and in 2025 was awarded the prestigious Margaret Mahy Medal.
Bronwyn, Isla, Skyla, Ben, Logan, Jacob, Mila R and Aerlene were selected to be published on the site. Congratulations Aerlene who was chosen as the book winner!! She received her own copy of Giselle Clarkson’s magnificent book on birds, Omnibird: An Avian Investigator’s Handbook.
Paula said, “You brought birds to such life in your poems, I would shut my eyes and picture a bird scene. Wonderful! You surprised and delighted me. You made me laugh and you made me care about birds, birds past, present and future. So many of the poems are heavenly to read a loud.”
Thank you, Faye, for organising this wonderful opportunity to showcase the skilful writing of these talented poets. Check out the link here to read the poems.
Cluster Cross Country Event
Yesterday, our top five Cross Country runners from each year group proudly represented our school at the Cluster Event held at Tokomaru Farm. The challenging course tested both determination and endurance, and our runners demonstrated outstanding perseverance throughout the event. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our kura, encouraging one another and giving their very best effort. We really appreciate all the help with transport and the support given to all our runners. Any photos that you would like to share, please email them through to anna.kane@turitea.school.nz.
If Cross Country wasn’t enough, a small group of Year 5 and 6 runners took part in the Palmerston North Interschool Cross Country Event this afternoon. This event brings together some of the strongest runners from across the city. We congratulate them on their commitment, and courage, especially after just competing at the Cross Country. Thanks again to whānau for supporting this group.
We will publish the results of both events once we have officially received them.
Chess Champion
Huge congratulations to Daniel who went to the Palmerston North Regional Chess Tournament today, and it turned out to be an Under-18 competition! Daniel did really well considering he is 6 years old. He finished in the top 5 overall in the Under-18 category and was the highest-placed junior player, taking 1st place at the junior level. What an amazing accomplishment!
PTA Pool Party:
This Saturday 6th June from 6-8pm our Turitea Whānau (including younger or older siblings) are all invited to the mid-winter Pool Party at the Lido. This is a fun event to bring everyone together, connect with others and build that community feel. Please let us know via the short Hero survey (found in last week’s Pānui) if you plan on attending so we can stock up on drinks and sausages.
From the Community:
- Higgins Concrete are having a kids colouring competition to design their truck artwork. The winning design will be professionally wrapped. Download the form here and enter by 24th July.
- Jiu Lian Shan Kung Fu School offers half-price kids self-defence and martial arts ‘Have a Go’ sessions, designed to build confidence, respect, resilience, basic self-defence and teamwork.
- The Central Football Tiny Tot Program for 2-4-year-olds focuses on developing fundamental movement and basic football skills at Barber Hall from 8th June 8 – 6th July. Information here.
- Massey Kids’ Club July Holiday Programme 06 – 17 July Monday to Friday – 7.30am – 5.30pm for children aged 5-13 years old. Contact: manager@masseykidsclub.ac.nz or phone 0276784636
- Nga Tawa have their Open Day coming up on Friday 12 June at 10am. For full details and to register, visit ngatawa.school.nz/openday or phone 06 327 6429.
Term 2 Important Dates:
- Week 8 (Next week)
- Tōtara Class Trees For Survival Planting Day at Ballance on Monday 8th June
- Hui Ā Kura at 2.20pm on Friday 12th June
- Week 9
- PTA AGM in the Staffroom at 6pm on Thursday 18th June
- Mobile Library Bus Visit at 9.30am on Friday 19th June
- Week 10:
- Year 5/6 Interschool Ki O Rahi on Wednesday 24th June
- Hui Ā Kura at 2.20pm on Friday 26th June
- Week 11:
- Mid Year Reports Live in Hero on Tuesday 30th June
- Last Day of Term is Friday 3rd July.
Kia pai tō rā whakatā (Have a great weekend)
Trish
trish.molloy@turitea.school.nz