Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou, (Warmest greetings to you all)
You may have heard on the news on Tuesday that the Government has made a decision to remove the requirement for Boards of Trustees to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). While this may prompt some mixed responses across our motu (country), this was another tough blow to hear as we pride ourselves at Turitea School on the gains we have made in our cultural competency and commitment.
Our four teams had an awesome day at the Fitzherbert Cluster Touch Tournament at Monrad Park yesterday. A huge congratulations to our Year 2/3 team for coming in third place and our Year 5/6 team was outstanding, winning all 4 of their games and taking home first place! Congrats to Tokomaru, who took home the shield for the last time ever, with Ōpiki coming second overall and we came third place. A massive thank you to Claire and Richard from Ōpiki for organizing such a successful event, as well as to all the referees, coaches, and supporters who contributed to making the day run smoothly.
On Tuesday before school, Rimu had a ‘break in’ (a naughty Goldilocks was up to her old ways) and they had to ‘call’ the Police! Our ākonga (students), who had been learning about emergency services, knew the number to call and the Police came very quickly to the scene. We are very lucky to have three parents; Tatjana, Nick and Dave who work for NZ Police, who came in to share what they do for a living and gave them a cool insight into the role of those who keep our communities safe.
Also on Tuesday, we had a School Planting Day down in our Microforest. We were grateful to have Mark from Trees for Survival come and help teach us how to replant small seedlings into bigger reusable plastic bags. These were then transferred into our shade houses, which is situated down by our staff carpark, to grow, so this time next year, we can put them in the ground. He commented on how great our kids were at doing this and we explained that they are very able in the garden, so make sure you take advantage of this skill at home whānau!
Tuesday was clearly a busy day, because also, Hannah and Anneliese hosted the Highland Home Camp information afternoon for our 2026 Year 5/6 students. If you couldn’t make it, here are the slides they shared. If you are interested in being a camp parent, complete this form by next Friday 14th November, so we can begin the police vetting process.
Today marks Matt’s last day in Rātā. He has been on placement from Massey University with Carly and her learners. I know they have enjoyed having him and we saw lots of growth in his teaching over his time here. All the best for your next step in education Matt.
Our Garden to Table programme continued today with Rimu and Rātā back in the garden and whipping up deliciousness in the kitchen. Thank you to the parents/whānau who came and helped us out with this.
Wildbase Fundraiser:
Next Monday, Our tuakana (seniors) are preparing for our annual fundraiser to support the Wildbase Discovery Centre for their market day at Morning Tea. If you would like to support them with their efforts, by sending your child to school with a few dollars so that they can buy their products, that would be appreciated.
Lunchonline:
Thank you for participating in the survey about whether we add Domino’s Pizza as a lunch option. At the time of writing this pānui, 47 responded with Yes, 11 with No, and 26 with no preference. So we listened to the majority and have arranged for this to come into effect next Wednesday 12th November. As a one-time special offer, each pizza sold on Wednesday, they will give the school $1 back!
Looking Ahead to 2026:
If you would like to share your thoughts as to which classroom environment might best suit your tamariki, fill out the form here. We have had to bring the date forward a week to when we will close this off to next Wednesday 12th November.
From the PTA:
We are ramping up the planning for the Turitea Summer Fest, our next big fundraiser, which will look similar to the Spring Fling, but when the weather is usually better. This is set for Saturday 7th March 2026 from 10am – 2pm. It is not just for outside stallholders, but also for whānau that are wanting to rustle up something amazing, whether that be creative masterpieces or an opportunity to sell some preloved goods. Register a spot here if you are keen. Calendar Art order forms will go out next week too, so keep an eye out for those.
From the Community:
- Taiopenga ā-Rēhia Play Festival – Come along for a free community play event for all ages this Saturday 8th November from 11am – 1pm at Te Marae o Hine (The Square) or Te Manawa if wet.
- Bike Manawatū – Come along to our cycling event for 10-12 year olds. Free, safe, closed-circuit. All bikes welcome. Good lead-in to I Tri’d The Tri event next year.
- Palmy Car Boot Sale – at the Awapuni Racecourse on Saturday 29th November from 10am-1pm. Register your site via QR code on the poster to sell, or come to buy.
Term 4 Important Dates:
Here is a list of all the goings on for the rest of the term. Some dates have changed or been added below.
- Week 6 (Next week)
- Wildbase Fundraiser on Monday 10th November at 10.45am
- Table Tennis Competition at the Barber Hall on Tuesday 11th November
- Hui Ā Kura (Assembly) on Friday 14th November at 2.15pm
- Week 7
- PTA Mexican Bingo Night Fundraiser at Libre on Wednesday 19th November at 7pm. Get your friends together and book a table here
- Senior Cluster Athletics at Massey Track on Thursday 20th November (Date changed, sorry I had this in my calendar wrong)
- Week 8
- Hui Ā Kura (Assembly) on Friday 28th November at 2.15pm
- Week 9
- 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
- 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 in the evening
- End of Year Prizegiving on Tuesday 16th December at 12pm
- School ends on Tuesday 16th December at 1pm.
Kia pai tō rā whakata! (Have a great weekend)
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz
PS Don’t forget that today is the last day for Photo Orders from Clicks Photography to qualify for free shipping.