Tēnā koutou katoa,
What a crazy week of weather we’ve had, but luckily the sun was shining on Tuesday for the Interschool Athletics competition at the Massey Track. Ayla, Blake, Elisa, Finn, Harriet, Henry, Ihaia, Ivor, Jackson, Kazuri, Kyerin, Mackenzie, Munroe, Riley, Rory and Ruby represented our kura and the competition bar was raised for them with 22 local schools taking part. We have some very ‘bouncy’ kids, with Ayla and Ihaia both coming 2nd= in Year 5 High Jump. Ayla also came 2nd in Year 5 Girls 100m Sprint and Kazuri came 3rd in Year 6 Girls Long Jump. Ayla, Harriet, Ruby and Kazuri came 4th in the Year 5/6 Girls relay too, which was a thrilling race to watch! Turitea came 9th in points overall as a school, which is pretty impressive given we were the smallest school by far in the top 10 – Ka mau te wehi! (Awesome)
You might remember last week, I shared with you all some writing from Kauri inspired by Meg McKinlay’s book ‘How to Make a Bird.’ Dr. Chrissie Braid, who worked alongside Faye on this, got in touch with her and shared how they used her book for their writing and she responded: “Please tell the kids that I really enjoyed their work and that I found it genuinely inspiring reading their responses. It was helpful for me to read what Chris wrote: “All you need to do is take your time” as I have been struggling with a novel for about three years now and it is so important to be reminded that it will come eventually. I was also very taken by Aerlene‘s use of language in “the bones you have taken, yes taken” was a lovely example of cadence and breathwork and there is a real feel for poetry there and also in ‘soft on the chest, smooth on the rest’. And Evander‘s, that single-word line of ‘Stop’ and his last clause of ‘that bird made your heart’ was stunning too.” What outstanding writers we have, recognised by someone who makes a living out of writing.
On Wednesday afternoon, Fraser (from our BoT) and I went to the community meeting about the proposed ring road that PNCC could put in along Old West Road that will affect our already existing traffic issues. One thing we took away is that this is a slow process and if this route is even chosen, it would take 5-20 years to complete. In the interim, we learnt we will contact the Horizons Regional Transport Committee to lobby to get the speed along our road reduced, since the Speed Management Plan will probably not address this.
Yesterday, Mataī went to the Wildbase Discovery Centre. In class they have been learning a lot about different occupations, so they got to learn how veterinarians care for injured animals and even got to see a tuatara being checked over. Prior to that, on Wednesday they had a former parent of our school called Laryssa come in and teach them about what a scientist does and they made ice cream ‘the hard way.’
We appreciated your generosity on Tuesday, helping us Pack the Bus to help those in need this festive season. Another showcase of our uara (value) of manaakitanga. In Te Reo Māori, we say ‘Aroha atu, Aroha mai’ which means ‘Love given, Love returned’ that links nicely to this time of year, in the spirit of giving.
Sadly today marks the last day for Yannik, as he and his whānau are doing a bit of travel around the South Island before heading back to Germany. We have loved having you at our kura and you will be missed by your friends in Tōtara. Shame to miss out on all the fun coming next week. Gute Reise! (Have a good trip)
Today the posts for our shade sails were installed in the top playground. The sails are still being made and Straitline Canvas will install them in early January ready for our summer. Thanks again to the PTA, Pub Charity, Grassroots Trust and Air Rescue Community Services for their support with funding this big project.
Last week was the final Garden to Table session for the year and Meryl put together another of her videos for you to see what they got up to. We hope to continue this programme in 2026. Mihi atu ki a koutou (Thank you) to all the volunteers who have given up their time to tautoko (support) this over the year.
Hui Ā Kura:
I tēnei ahiahi (This afternoon) we had our last student-led Hui Ā Kura (Assembly) of the term led by our amazing Year 6 students; Amelia C, Amelia M, Felicity and Riley. We recognised those who always demonstrate our school uara (values). Receiving their tiwhikete (certificate) this week were:
- Rimu: Pascal – Mātauranga
- Rātā: Archie – Mātauranga
- Pōhutukawa: Ariki – Manaakitanga
- Mataī: James – Mātauranga
- Tōtara: Mackenzie – Mātauranga
- Kauri: Sarah – Manaakitanga
- Meagan: Mila R – Mātauranga
School Pool:
This opened officially on Monday and we are grateful to our team of pool parents for getting this safe and ready. Mataī were the first class to get involved on Tuesday, as you can see above. We still have pool keys available to hire for the summer season until the end of the school year, so get in quick before they all go.
From the PTA:
You might have seen on Facebook, we have our last fundraiser of the year, which is a simple one in collaboration with Awapuni Nurseries. Order your summer seedlings through them and use the code turitea25 at check out by December 15th for 20% of your total order and we make that money! We have our annual Pool Party next Thursday. Bring your water guns, togs and anything else for water-based fun. There will be some indoor quiet activities available for those who don’t feel like doing this.
Juicies:
Our tuakana (seniors) sold Wildberry and Tropical juicies today. They will also be available next week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. $2 for one or $3 for two. Please ensure your child brings the correct change.
Form the Community:
- Linton Cobras Rugby League Club – Are having an information day this Sunday 7th December at Coronation Park. Registrations open for new and returning kotiro (girls) & tama (boys) aged 5-18. mixed grades up to age 12. Contact lazir.mischewski@hotmail.co.nz with any questions.
- Junior Rippa Rugby Tournament – Manawatū rugby clubs are launching an initiative to boost tamariki participation with a tournament in March 2026. Games are every Wednesday at Monrad Park starting at 4pm – 7.30pm for Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 students. See poster for more details.
- 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.
Term 4 Important Dates:
Not many school days left at kura, but here are all the goings on for the rest of the term:
- Week 10 (Next week)
- PTA Pool Party for all at school on Thursday 11th December
- Year 6 Leavers Trip to the Lido on Friday 12th December
- Week 11
- EOY Reports and Class Placement for 2026 live on Hero on Monday 15th December
- 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.
Lunchonline/Ezlunch:
No doubt you would have heard by now that Lunchonline has been bought by Ezlunch in 2026. It seems they will transfer any active accounts over and you will receive information about how this occurs or you can check out the FAQ here. So Wednesday (Pizza) and Friday (Subway) will continue at Turitea next year.
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:
- Kelly Sports – information here
- Massey Kids Club – information here
- Epic! Music Academy – information here
- Alliance Française – information here
A friendly reminder that if this year is your last year at Turitea, please can you arrange to return your Turitea sports uniforms (unless you need it for the final sport game next week) and any outstanding library books.
Kia pai rā whakatā! (Have a great weekend)
Troy
principal@turitea.school.nz