Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou, (Warmest of greetings to you all)
Getting in to you all one day earlier than usual with the Friday pānui, with tomorrow being Waitangi Day. Just another reminder that school is closed for instruction this coming Monday 9th February for a Staff Only Day, hopefully giving you all a four day weekend! We will be hosting Newbury and Tokomaru kaiako (teachers) for a day of maths learning with Dr. Jo Knox from The Learner First.
Hopefully Wednesday 18th February from 5.30pm is on your wātaka (calendar) as we will be hosting an information evening to keep you ‘in the loop’ with the changes to our New Zealand Curriculum. You may have heard Minister Stanford in the news recently talking about the SMART tool and new reporting descriptors and formats. The purpose of this evening is to provide you with clarity as to what this will look like at Turitea and what it means for your tamariki. We will start in Tāne Mahuta where we will talk about the overall changes. We will then split into our senior and junior classrooms to provide insight into what this looks like in each classroom. These will be repeated, so those who have senior and junior students, can attend both sessions.
We will also be launching our ‘Have Your Say’ survey to gain your insights into forming the strategic direction for Turitea School for 2026-2029. This is an exciting process to go through and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can make our school the best it can be – ‘By the People, For the People.’
Know someone looking for a great school? You may have seen on Facebook that we have an Out-of-Zone ballot closing next Friday. If you know anyone looking to join our whānau, feel free to let them know by sharing this with them, as we still have a few spaces available.
Carolyn is back on Tuesday working with our Year 6 students to design the 2026 Mural. No doubt, she will get the kids to come up with another masterpiece to let them leave their legacy on our kura. She helped create the sports mural by the flagpole and the kites on the back fence behind the basketball hoops.
Ngā Whakanui Ākonga (Student Celebrations):
We love to celebrate our tamariki who succeed in things outside of kura. Ka pai tō mahi (Great work) Kyerin who competed last weekend in the Manawatū Age Group Swimming Competition at the Lido. He won two gold medals for 100m Breaststroke and 50m Freestyle and two silver medals in 50m Breaststroke and 100m Freestyle – That boy must be half fish! If your child ever has something like this to share, send them my way!
Epic Music:
On Tuesday, we had the team from Epic come and put on a show for us to hopefully drum up some inspiring musicians. We have sign up sheets in the office or do it online here. Lessons start next week on Thursday 12th February and Matt is back as our tutor, taking the Drums, Guitar and Foundation classes.
Juicies:
Thank you to those who have supported our fundraiser this week that our tuakana (seniors) have been running. Despite the ordinary weather, sales were still steady! The proceeds will go towards their Highland Home Camp in Week 5. They will be running this all next week, so send your child with a two dollar coin.
Sport @ Turitea:
We are short a few players in some of our teams, so our sports coordinator, Dani is frantically trying to get these organised. She has sent out previous Hero posts about what is on offer in Term 1, if you would like your child to be involved. Reach out to her at sport@turitea.school.nz if you need more information.
Triathlon Series:
Great to see so many Turitea kids involved in the Palmy Kid’s Tri Series, which returned for 2026 on Monday for the next 5 weeks. These events are for children aged 4-12 years. Information can be found on this flier. Triathlon Manawatū also sponsors our local Manawatū Principals Association (MPA)
Kelly Sport Afterschool Clinics:
Get your children moving after school with Kelly Sports as their action-packed programmes give kids the chance to try various sports in a term without the commitment of a whole term stuck in one sport, making new friends and staying active. They are here every Tuesday after school starting next week.
From the PTA:
We are in organisation mode for our Turitea School Fest on Saturday 7th March. If you can help out in any way, please reach out to any PTA member or email them. We have our first PTA hui of the year on Wednesday 18th March at 7pm (after the Curriculum Clarity Evening) in the staffroom. All are welcome.
From the Community:
- Gorge Quarter Store: A remote store at the foot of Manawatū Gorge which is run by an extended whānau of our school is having an An Ode to Summer on Saturday 21st February. Enjoy a lazy afternoon under the trees, with Food, Bar, Artisan Stalls and Live music from 11am-6pm.
- Cricket: Calling all young cricketers! Term One Smash Cricket is just around the corner and they want you on the team! Info here for Year 1-4 students and info here for Year 3-6 students.
- Rugby League: Linton Cobras are welcoming registrations for Under 7s (turning 7) and Under 10s (turning 10). We focus on fun, skill development, and confidence in a supportive team environment.
Backpack Buddies:
Lucain and Jeannah have designed and 3D printed the Backpack Buddy that clips onto your child’s bag and is equipped with an NFC tag, pre-programmed with your phone number. If your child ever needs help, someone can tap their phone on it to call you. They come in two colours for $15 or you can choose custom colours and add a name for $20. Perfect for school bags. We have samples to view and test at the office.
Term 1 Important Dates:
Hopefully you appreciate all the events of the term in one place, updated weekly.
- Week 3 (Next Week)
- Staff Only Day on Monday 9th February – School Closed
- Year 6 Mural Starts on Tuesday 10th February
- Library Bus Visit on Friday 13th February
- Out-of-Zone Ballot on Friday 13th February
- Week 4
- Curriculum Clarity Evening at 5.30pm on Wednesday 18th February
- PTA Hui at 7pm on Wednesday 18th February
- Week 5
- Year 5/6 Camp at Highland Home on Wednesday 25th – Friday 27th February
- Week 6
- I Tri’d the Tri Finale on Monday 2nd March
- Library Bus Visit on Friday 6th March
- Turitea School Fest on Saturday 7th March
- Week 7
- Hui Ā Kura at 2.20pm on Friday 13th March
- Week 8
- Weetbix Tryathlon on Tuesday 17th March
- Week 9
- Year 5/6 Bike Safety Week from Monday 23rd March
- Junior Cluster Athletics at Tokomaru School on Friday 27th March
- Library Bus Visit on Friday 27th March
- Hui Ā Kura at 2.20pm on Friday 27th March
- Week 10
- Last Day of Term is Thursday 2nd April
Hei te Turei (See you on Tuesday)
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz