Kia ora e te whānau, and welcome to our Week 4 Newsletter. It feels like we are well underway now and I have been so impressed with the focus and learning happening across the school.
Last year the Board ran a consultation with the community to hear what people wanted the school to focus more on in future. During those discussions, it became clear that a number of families wanted us to investigate expanding upwards to teach Years 7 & 8. The Board have investigated this and worked with the Ministry of Education to understand what is required for this to happen. At this current time, it is not feasible for us to take on this project, but it is possible in future when our numbers have grown. The Board have therefore decided to pause this process and revisit the possibility in 2 years time when our community has grown.
Lunar New Year
Gong Xi Fa Cai / Gong Hei Fat Choy - Wishing you great prosperity and wealth! Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. This festival is celebrated worldwide, particularly in Asian countries like China. Festivities include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough cleaning of homes, and visiting family. We know many of our families have celebrated this time with meals together and have been able to share their experiences in class and teach their classmates about their culture. Nathan Yang taught Korimako how to write the 'fu' symbol, which means prosperity and good luck for the new year.
Important Upcoming School Dates
- Friday 20th March - Teacher Only Day on Maths Curriculum
- Thursday 2nd April - Term 1 Ends
- Friday 3rd April - Sunday 19th April - School Holidays
- Monday 20th April - Term 2 begins
- Monday 27th April - Public Holiday for ANZAC Day
- Monday 4th May - Friday 15th May - Swimming Lessons (more info to come later in Term 1)
- Monday 1st June - King's Birthday public holiday
- Friday 3rd July - Term 2 Ends
Buddy Reading Underway
One of the great joys for both our youngest and oldest students is their time doing buddy reading together. Mr Mouldey was lucky enough to walk into the library earlier this week while this was occurring and snapped these quick photos.
Breakfast Club
Our Breakfast Club has started for 2026. In the Hall between 8:30am and 8:50am each morning, students can get Weetbix for breakfast if you have not been able to fit in breakfast before leaving for school. The students love having their breakfast and connecting with each other before the school day begins. We would love some more tinned fruit to add to the Weetbix, if you are able to donate any tinned peaches or similar, please drop them off to the office.
Positive Behaviour
With the start of a new school year, it is time to reshare with our community how we deal with behaviour concerns here at Nukumea. Nukumea Primary is committed to developing and nurturing a safe and supportive school culture. One of the ways we do this is by promoting and modelling positive behaviour through a variety of approaches and strategies. These consist of proactive support as well as clear guidelines when conflicts or other challenges occur. In all instances, our school value of Manaakitanga is at the heart of how we treat one another whether this is between staff, students, parents or members of our extended community. Not only is this part of our programmes, we also actively seek out opportunities across a variety of contexts to be kind, show respect, and uphold the 'mana' of one another. You can read more including the steps involved at different levels of behaviour in our Positive Behaviour Handbook.
Have You Seen This Bracelet?
One of our staff members lost this bracelet last week and has not been able to find it. We are 95% sure it was here at school that she lost it. It was gifted to her as a child so holds a lot of sentimental value. If you have seen this bracelet anywhere, please let the school office know.
Hats and Sunscreen Please
A reminder that students do need to be bringing a hat to school every day during Term 1. Without a hat, they can only play in the shaded areas during morning tea and lunch. It would also be useful to have applied sunscreen before school. We have some available in class, but on hotter days, that sunscreen really needs to have been absorbed before they head outside. Let's help our kids all stay sun safe during these warmer months.
Community BBQ
Local Real Estate Agent Rika Kirstein - who also lives in the heart of our community - is having a BBQ event here at Nukumea to bring the community together. Those who came along to the event last year had a fantastic time so we hope this second one is just as successful and enjoyable. Please contact Rika on rika.kirstein@bayleys.co.nz to rsvp.
Sports Club Registrations
We hope you all have a great week!