Notices and information

29 August

Kia ora whānau,

Next Tuesday we have an exciting trip planned to Olympia Gym and the Airforce Museum. Please see the notice below for more information. Our upcoming Teretere hui is on Friday 12 September in the hall - All are welcome!  To celebrate the start of Maori Language week - Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori we would love some parents to learn the haka and join us on the 15 September, 9.15am. Please see the following  link  to practice.

A message from the office: We've had a number of children playing in the mud during break times and then coming in to ask for a change of clothes. Unfortunately, we do not have any spare clothes available. Children in Years 0–4 should carry a spare change of clothes in their bags, just in case. Thank you for your support!

 Just a reminder: 

• Mornings: Please wait outside the school office area in the mornings before our 8.30am music plays. This is a school wide expectation and please advise grandparents or other family members dropping off your children of this. Thank you.

• Lunches: A number of our children are having growth spurts at the moment and we have noticed they are eating all food in their lunchboxes. Please ensure your child has enough nutritious food in their lunchbox for the school day to support them in their learning. 

• Sunhats: as the weather is getting a little warmer, you child may like to bring their navy blue sunhat to school. Please make sure it is a full brimmed hat and that it is WELL NAMED. Please keep the hat in the side pocket of their bag for easy access. Some whānau sew a little something on the outside of the hat so it is easily recognized. 

• Hi vis vests should be worn to/from school every day even if you travel by car. The vest can be left in the side pocket of your child's bag so it can be easily found at the end of the day. Hi vis vests are required to be worn on all school trips. 

• Shoes: if your child has shoe laces, please ensure they can tie them by themselves. We are frequently taking our shoes on/off during the day e.g. to go to the library or when playing in the sandpit. Thank you for your help with this. 

• Illness: If your child is sick, please notify the office before 9am. It is great if you let the teacher know as well, but we don't always check our emails in time or may be away ourselves. Please follow the current Ministry of Health guides lines as to when your child can return to school. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff at this time of year. Where possible, all appointments (e.g. doctors) should be made after school. We presently have Scarlet Fever in the hapori and a tummy bug.

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset; circle time. 

• Health programme - Navigating the Journey: Relationships and sexuality education. Topics: Relationships; Growing & changing; Staying safe. Please see your child's teacher if you have any questions. Flyer is below. Please note that Teretere 5 may be taught this in term 4. 

• Numeracy: Numicon; problem solving; explaining our thinking, fractions.

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• PE: throwing & catching | ball skills; gymnastics.

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Debra, Annabel, Alison and Kate. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days together per term. The next one is on Wednesday 3rd September. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Tuesday 2 September - trip to Olympia Gym and The Airforce museum (8.55am-1.15pm). Please do not be late on this day as the bus will be leaving promptly at 8.55am. Parent | grandparent helpers required. This will be instead of a trip in term 4. 

• Thursday 4th September - THT (PTA) meeting - 7pm in the staffroom. All welcome. 

• Tuesday 9th September - Sausage sizzle. Pre-order on the Kindo app by Sunday 7th. 

• Wednesday 10th September - Wig Wednesday - school uniform and wig (if you wish). 

•   Wednesday 10th September - Board Meeting - 6.30pm in the staffroom. All welcome. 

• Friday 12th September - Teretere hui  - 9.15am in the hall - all welcome. 

• Monday 15 September - Te Wiki o te reo Māori  (Māori language week). To celebrate the start of Maori Language week - Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, we would love some parents to learn the haka and join us on the 15 September, 9.15am. Please see the following  link  to practice. 

• Friday 19 September - Last day of Term.

• Monday 6 October - First day of Term 4.

• Friday 10 October - Mihi whakatau (welcome) from 9.10am for all new families | whānau to our school. 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Angela, Lesley, Ally, Tash, Deb, and Megan

17 July

Kia ora whānau,

Welcome back to term 3 and a huge welcome to Whaea Tash and the new Teretere 5 tamariki and whānau. Happy school days to you. 

This Friday 18th July - THT school disco in the hall. Juniors time is 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Cost: $3 cash on the night. Bring your own well named water bottle. Children need to be signed in and out. 

Library 

Mondays: Teretere 1, 2 and 3 (Nicky, Angela and Lesley)

Wednesdays: Teretere 4 (Tash)

Thursdays: Teretere 5 (Ally).

Bikes, scooters etc - a reminder

Please ask your child NOT to bike in the school grounds before and after school. We kindly request that they WALK their bike into (and out of) the school, including the bike track area. The bike track is also a pathway and we have had a number of 'near misses' recently as this is a pick up point for parents, children (and toddlers). Out of school hours is the parents responsibility to monitor. Thank you for your support with this. 

Our 'wheels' day is on Thursdays and Fridays. This is when children may bring their bike or scooter to use during break times (if they wish). Children must wear a helmet and they need to be able to put this on and off by themselves. Bikes and scooters are not to be shared - please remind your child about this.

Lunches

Please ensure your child has enough food for morning tea and lunch. We have noticed some children have grown over the holidays and so has their appetite - they may need an extra sandwich in their lunchbox. 

Parents helpers on Antarctic trip

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to come on our Antarctic Trip. We have enough volunteers. If your name has been drawn, your child's ako teacher will let you know early next week. If you are not coming on the trip, there is another trip we need volunteers for, on Tuesday 2nd September and these parents who have recently volunteered and missed out, will have priority. Unfortunately we cannot take extra parents, as we do not have enough room on the bus and we are charged for extra parents. 

Parent helpers

Thank you so much to those of you who have already given your time during our learning through play sessions. The tamariki have loved being able to explore outside on these sunny winter days. Now the weather is changing, maybe you could come and take a group to the library for quiet reading or a quiet game?

Are you available between 11.30am–12.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday? 

We’re reaching out to our wonderful Teretere whānau for support during Term 3. We would love to extend our tamariki’s learning through play sessions in the sandpit and/or the library—but we need a few extra hands to help make this happen.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, please come along to your child’s class at 11.30am. Please note we are continuing this in term 3. Ngā mihi nui for your continued support—we couldn’t do it without you!

Old printers required

We'd love some old printers at school for the children to break apart. If you have any, please drop to your child's teacher the first or second week of term 3. Thank you.  

 Just a reminder: 

• Gumboots and jackets If your child wears gumboots to school during winter, please take them off before entering the classroom. Leave them under your child's bag outside. You are welcome to bring in NAMED slippers, to wear in class. Please ensure your child has a warm jacket at school everyday, as we do try to get outside as often as we can. 

• Hi vis vests should be worn to/from school every day even if you travel by car. The vest can be left in the side pocket of your child's bag so it can be easily found at the end of the day. Hi vis vests are required to be worn on all school trips. 

• Shoes: if your child has shoe laces, please ensure they can tie them by themselves. We are frequently taking our shoes on/off during the day e.g. to go to the library or when playing in the sandpit. Thank you for your help with this. 

• Illness: If your child is sick, please notify the office before 9am. It is great if you let the teacher know as well, but we don't always check our emails in time or may be away ourselves. Please follow the current Ministry of Health guides lines as to when your child can return to school. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff at this time of year. Where possible, all appointments (e.g. doctors) should be made after school. 

• Missing: a jumper named Phoenix. Please check your children's clothing, as occasionally items do go in the incorrect bags.  Please return to Teretere 1 if found. Thank you. 

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); Wellbeing/Navigating the Journey (e.g. being a kind class member/inquiry); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset. 

• Inquiry theme - 'Power': Living Landscapes | Enviro. In Term 3, students will become enthusiastic explorers as they investigate the power of nature and people through our Living Landscapes Inquiry. Using the Sea Cleaners Kit to track a turtle’s journey, they will learn how our school drains and rivers connect to the ocean — and how each of them have the power to make a difference in protecting our precious waterways. 

• Numeracy: Exploring numicon;  patterning; looking for maths in our environment ('maths eyes'); learning to draw and recognise 'dot woodin patterns' up to 10 (see Mathematics tab above); Probability, addition, subtraction and number bonds. Fractions (rational numbers) - 1/2 and 1/4. 

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• PE: landing; gymnastic skills.

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Debra, Annabel, Alison and Kate. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days together per term. In term 3, these are on Wednesdays:  8th August; 20th August and 3rd September. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Friday 18th July - Mihi whakatau at 9.15am for all new learners and their whānau to our kura | school. Please drop your child off as usual before 9am and meet in the library area. We will bring your child to you after the roll. All welcome. 

• Friday 18th July - School disco in the hall. Juniors time 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Cost: $3 cash on the night. Bring your own well named water bottle. 

• Thursday 24th July - Are you interested in applying for the school board (Board of Trustees)? Informal meeting at 2.30pm and again at 6.00pm in the staffroom to chat to Tom Scollard about this role. 

• Wednesday 30th July - THT (PTA) meeting, 7-8pm in the staffroom. All welcome. This is a great way to meet new people within our school community. 

• Thursday 31st July - Trip to the Antarctic Centre, 9am-1.45pm as part of our inquiry 'Enviro' and 'The power of animals' - cost $12 plus bus fare ($10-12 approximately). The amount will be charged to your school account. For more information (see below) and Hero notice sent week 1, term 3. 

• Friday 1st August - End of 'book week'. Book character dress up day.  Dress up as your favourite book character. Bring your named favourite book to school on Friday to share with the class. 

• Friday 8th August - non uniform day. Bring a new hamper item (e.g. chocolate, coffee voucher, hand cream...)

• Monday 11th August - Teacher only day with other Lincoln schools. School closed. 

• Wednesday 13th August, 1.45pm - walk around our local area as part of our inquiry unit. Please bring a warm jacket on this day and wear sensible walking shoes (no gumboots please). Parent helpers required. Postponement date: Thursday 21st August. 

• Tuesday 2nd September - trip to Olympia Gymnastics and the Airforce museum (9-1pm). Please do not be late on this day as the bus will be leaving promptly at 9am. More information to come. Parent | grandparent helpers required. This will be instead of a trip in term 4. 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Angela, Lesley, Ally, Tash, Deb, and Megan

Teretere team

25th June

Kia ora whānau,

This is our last newsletter for the term. We are so proud of all the tamariki for a fabulous term of learning and having fun. We wish you all a safe and happy holidays and cannot wait to welcome you all back on Monday 14th July along with Whaea Tash and the new Teretere 5 tamariki. 

Reporting to parents: question and answer sessions regarding the new curriculum

If your child started in 2024, your child is assessed against the ‘within the first year’ sequence. If your child started in 2025, your child is assessed against the ‘within the first six months’ sequence and after six months at school, they will be assessed against the ‘within the first year’ sequence.

Due to the nature of the new curriculum, a child may show as not being within the expected level. This usually evens out by the end of the first year, as we have previously experienced this with other reporting systems that are time-based, such as National Standards. It is a bit of a loophole that we seem to come across when reporting in a time vs. year level based approach.

Please attend a drop-in session if you would like more clarity on the new curriculum, and progress reporting at ASP. These will be held in the staffroom. The day and times are below: 

• Wednesday 25 June 2:30pm-3:30pm or

• Thursday 26 June 8:30am-9:30am.

Library

Mondays: Teretere 1, 2 and 3 (Nicky, Angela and Lesley)

Wednesdays: Teretere 4 (Ally)

Thursdays: Teretere 5 (Tash).

Parent helpers

Thank you so much to those of you who have already given your time during our learning through play sessions. The tamariki have loved being able to explore outside on these sunny winter days. Now the weather is changing, maybe you could come and take a group to the library for quiet reading or a quiet game?

Are you available between 11.30am–12.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday? 

We’re reaching out to our wonderful Teretere whānau for support during Term 3. We would love to extend our tamariki’s learning through play sessions in the sandpit and/or the library—but we need a few extra hands to help make this happen.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, please come along to your child’s class at 11.30am. Please note we will continue this in term 3. Ngā mihi nui for your continued support—we couldn’t do it without you!

Change of spaces for Teretere 4 (Ally's class)

Due to roll growth, Teretere 4 will be relocating to a lovely new learning space from the beginning of Term 3. This space is called Pūrei 1 and 2, although the class name will remain the same and they will both still be part of our team. Ally’s class will be working alongside the new class, Teretere 5, with Whaea Tash.

Old printers required

We'd love some old printers at school for the children to break apart. If you have any, please drop to your child's teacher the first week of term 3. Thank you. 

Shoeboxes required - week 1 (Teretere 1, 2 & 3)

All children in Teretere 1-3 require 1 shoe box and lid for week 1. If you have any spare, please bring extras in. Thank you. 

Bikes, scooters etc - a reminder

Please ask your child NOT to use the bike track before and after school. We kindly request that they WALK their bike in the school, including in this area. This is a pathway and we have had a number of 'near misses' recently as this is a pick up point for parents, children (and toddlers). Out of school hours is the parents responsibility to monitor. Thank you for your support with this. Our 'wheels' day is on Thursdays and Fridays. 

 Just a reminder: 

• Gumboots and jackets If your child wears gumboots to school during winter, please take them off before entering the classroom. Leave them under your child's bag outside. You are welcome to bring in NAMED slippers, to wear in class. Please ensure your child has a warm jacket at school everyday, as we do try to get outside as often as we can. 

• Hi vis vests should be worn to/from school every day even if you travel by car. The vest can be left in the side pocket of your child's bag so it can be easily found at the end of the day. It is a good idea if sun hats are also stored in a side pocket as well, so your child can find this easily. Hi vis vests are required to be worn on all school trips. 

• Shoes: if your child has shoe laces, please ensure they can tie them by themselves. We are frequently taking our shoes on/off during the day e.g. to go to the library or when playing in the sandpit. Thank you for your help with this. 

• Illness: If your child is sick, please notify the office before 9am. It is great if you let the teacher know as well, but we don't always check our emails in time or may be away ourselves. Please follow the current Ministry of Health guides lines as to when your child can return to school. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff at this time of year. 

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); Wellbeing/Navigating the Journey (e.g. being a kind class member/inquiry); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset. Pepeha: learning our pepeha.

• Inquiry theme - 'Power': Living Landscapes | Enviro. Discovering our school landscape.

• Numeracy: Exploring numicon;  patterning; looking for maths in our environment ('maths eyes'); learning to draw and recognise 'dot woodin patterns' up to 10 (see Mathematics tab above); Probability, addition, subtraction and number bonds. Fractions (rational numbers) - 1/2 and 1/4. 

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Debra, Annabel, Alison and Kate. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days together per term. In term 3, these are on Wednesdays:  8th August; 20th August and 3rd September. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Friday 27th June- Teretere Hui, 9.15am in the hall. All welcome. Last day of term 2, 3pm. 

Term 3

• Monday 14th July - first day of term 3.  A huge welcome to Whaea Tash and the new Teretere 5 learners and their whānau. 

• Friday 18th July - Mihi whakatau at 9.15am for all new learners and their whānau to our kura | school. Please drop your child off as usual before 9am and meet in the library area. We will bring your child to you after the roll. All welcome. 

• Friday 18th July - School disco in the hall. Juniors time 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Cost: $3 on the night. Bring your own well named water bottle. 

• Thursday 24th July - Are you interested in applying for the school board (Board of Trustees)? Informal meeting at 2.30pm and again at 6.00pm in the staffroom to chat to Tom Scollard about this role. 

• Thursday 31st July - Trip to the Antarctic Centre as part of our inquiry 'Enviro' and 'The power of animals' - cost $12 plus bus fare ($10-12 approximately). The amount will be charged to your school account. For more information (see below). Parent | grandparent helpers required. 

• Friday 1st August - book character dress up day (part of 'Book week').  TBC. 

• Wednesday 13th August, 2pm - walk around our local area as part of our inquiry unit. Parent helpers required. Postponement date: Thursday 21st August. 

• Tuesday 2nd September - trip to Olympia Gymnastics and Airforce museum (9-1pm). Please do not be late on this day as the bus will be leaving at 9am. More information to come. This will be instead of a trip in term 4. 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Angela, Lesley, Ally, Tash, Deb, and Megan.

Teretere team

29th May

Kia ora whānau,

This week we welcomed our mid-term cohort to Teretere 4 with Whaea Ally. We have loved getting to know you and are excited to watch you grow this year.  The tamariki loved our Pink Day, last Friday,  be sure to check out the photos on the home tab. Have a wonderful weekend long weekend and we will see you all on Tuesday 3rd June. 

Parent helpers

Thank you so much to those of you who have already given your time during our learning through play sessions. The tamariki have loved being able to explore outside on these sunny winter days. 

Are you available between 11.30am–12.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday? Please note Wednesday 4th June is our team CRT - so no parent helpers required. 

We’re reaching out to our wonderful Teretere whānau for support during Term 2. We would love to extend our tamariki’s learning through play sessions in the sandpit and/or the library—but we need a few extra hands to help make this happen.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, please come along to your child’s class at 11.30 on any fine weather day.

Ngā mihi nui for your continued support—we couldn’t do it without you!

Matariki

As part of our school-wide Matariki celebration, all Teretere children will be making lanterns. During the Matariki evening, the tamariki walk around the school grounds with their lanterns. This year we will be using plastic bottles to decorate. Please could you bring in one plastic bottle of any size, that your child could use for this project. Being recyclable is our main objective, but anything like this would work for the project. Please see the attached flyer for more details of what will be a fun-filled evening and one of the highlights of the school year. 

Structured Literacy groups

Please note that next week some tamariki will be moving groups across the Teretere Hapori and may start structured literacy with a different teacher.

 Just a reminder: 

• Matariki tea lights: As an Enviroschool we recycle these every year. Please ensure any tea lights you have taken home are returned to school on Monday. You may purchase your own from any local  "$2 type shop". 

• Gumboots and jackets If your child wears gumboots to school during winter, please take them off before entering the classroom. Leave them under your child's bag outside. You are welcome to bring in NAMED slippers, to wear in class. Please ensure your child has a warm jacket at school everyday, as we do try to get outside as often as we can. 

• Hi vis vests should be worn to/from school every day even if you travel by car. The vest can be left in the side pocket of your child's bag so it can be easily found at the end of the day. It is a good idea if sun hats are also stored in a side pocket as well, so your child can find this easily. Hi vis vests are required to be worn on all school trips. 

• Shoes: if your child has shoe laces, please ensure they can tie them by themselves. We are frequently taking our shoes on/off during the day e.g. to go to the library or when playing in the sandpit. Thank you for your help with this. 

• Illness: If your child is sick, please notify the office before 9am. It is great if you let the teacher know as well, but we don't always check our emails in time or may be away ourselves. Presently we have the following in the hapori: vomiting/diarrhoea; general coughs and colds. Please follow the current Ministry of Health guides lines as to when your child can return to school. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff at this time of year. 

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); Wellbeing/Navigating the Journey (e.g. being a kind class member/inquiry); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset. Pepeha: learning our pepeha.

• Inquiry theme - 'Power': Living Landscapes | Enviro. Discovering our school landscape.

• Numeracy: Exploring numicon;  patterning; looking for maths in our environment ('maths eyes'); learning to draw and recognise 'dot woodin patterns' up to 10 (see Mathematics tab above); Probability, addition and subtraction.

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Annabel, Alison and Kate. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days per term. In term 2, these are on:13/5, 4/6, 24/6. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Monday 2nd June-  Kings Birthday - school will be closed. 

• Friday 6th June - Fluro Friday - Fundraiser for Hato Hone St John. Bring a gold coin.

• Monday 9th June - Museum outreach programme "Bugs" (coming to school). The cost of this will be charged to your school account. 

• Friday 13th June - Ararira Matariki celebration  - please see attached flyer and our facebook page for more details regarding this wonderful school community event.

• Friday 20th June - Matariki - school will be closed. 

• Monday 23rd June - Teacher only day - school will be closed. 

• Friday 27th June- Teretere Hui, 9.15am in the hall. All welcome. Last day of term 2. 

Term 3

• Monday 14th July - first day of term 3.  Welcome Whaea Tash and Teretere 5. 

• Thursday 31st July - Trip to the Antarctic Centre as part of our inquiry 'Enviro' and 'The power of animals' - cost $12 plus bus fare ($10-12 approximately). The amount will be charged to your school account. More information to come. 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Angela, Lesley, Ally, Tash, Deb, and Megan.

Teretere team

1st May

Kia ora whānau,

Welcome back, we hope you all had a wonderful break with your whānau and are ready for a fun-filled term. In Term 2, our newsletter will usually be published on a Thursday. A huge welcome to all our new families/whānau. It has been lovely to meet you all and working with your amazing tamariki. They are settling in beautifully.

Thank you for your support today as we face the state of emergency. I hope you are all safe and dry.

The schools newsletter (Click to Connect) and this notice on our blog is where you will find information regarding our hapori | space. We are trying to limit the amount of emails whānau are receiving. We apologise in advance for this long email. 

If you have a query, please follow the school process. First see your child's akomanga teacher (or another teacher in the hapori). If not resolved please see the 'Team Leader' (Nicky). If still not resolved, please make an appointment at the office to see one of our Deputy Principals (Emma or Blair). There is a simplified diagram above. Claire Howison (Principal) has a drop in coffee morning once a month. Please look out for this in the school newsletter.

Parent helpers

Are you available between 11.30am–12.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday?

We’re reaching out to our wonderful Teretere whānau for support during Term 2. We would love to extend our tamariki’s learning through play sessions in the sandpit and/or the library—but we need a few extra hands to help make this happen.

At the moment, all our teaching team are busy running literacy programmes during this time, so our children are playing inside the hapori. With your support, we’d love to offer small group play experiences in other spaces. As a parent helper, you’d guide and support play, encourage social connections, and strengthen relationships with your own child’s friends along the way.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, please get in touch with your child’s ako teacher. If we get enough interest, we’ll create a sign-up doc so parents can indicate what days work best.

Ngā mihi nui for your continued support—we couldn’t do it without you!

Just a reminder: 

• Hi vis vests should be worn to/from school every day even if you travel by car. The vest can be left in the side pocket of your child's bag so it can be easily found at the end of the day. It is a good idea if sun hats are also stored in a side pocket as well, so your child can find this easily. Hi vis vests are required to be worn on all school trips. 

• Shoes: if your child has shoe laces, please ensure they can tie them by themselves. We are frequently taking our shoes on/off during the day e.g. to go to the library or when playing in the sandpit. Thank you for your help with this. 

If your child is sick, please notify the office before 9am. It is great if you let the teacher know as well, but we don't always check our emails in time or may be away ourselves.

Term 2 - Library day 

This is currently Monday but is subject to change. Your child may have their book/s out for two weeks, although most children have them for one week. Please ask your child's teacher where to return their books in class. Your child cannot get out any new books unless they have returned the ones borrowed. Please note that any lost or broken books will need to be paid for (including reading books). 

Lost school jacket.

Yanxin, from Teretere 3 has lost his Ararira school jacket. Please could you check your child hasn’t taken it by mistake, it is named. Thank you.

Health and Wellbeing Consultation 2025

Every two years we are required to share our health teaching and learning plan with parents and whānau. For more information about our curriculum you can read the full document on our schools website. There will be a Health Consultation meeting on Thursday 22nd May from 5.30pm-6.15pm in the library. Please follow this link to fill in the consultation survey document and to RSVP if you are attending the meeting. Thank you.

Matariki

As part of our school-wide Matariki celebration, all Teretere children will be making lanterns. During the Matariki evening, the tamariki walk around the school grounds with their lanterns. This year we will be using plastic bottles to decorate. Please could you bring in one plastic bottle of any size, that your child could use for this project. Being recyclable is our main objective, they can be any size.

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); Wellbeing/Navigating the Journey (e.g. being a kind class member/inquiry); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset. Pepeha: learning our pepeha.

• Inquiry theme - 'Power': Living Landscapes, discovering our school landscape

• Numeracy: Exploring numicon;  patterning; looking for maths in our environment ('maths eyes'); learning to draw and recognise 'dot woodin patterns' up to 10 (see Mathematics tab above); Statistics.

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Annabelle, Alison and Kate. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days per term. In term 2, these are on:13/5, 4/6, 24/6. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Friday 2nd May at 9.15am - Mihi whakatau (for all new whānau to kura). Please drop your child to the hapori | class as usual and then wait in the library. Ally will then bring your child to you at around 9.10am. 

• Thursday 8th May - Parent/teacher learning conversations for those ākonga in Teretere 1, 2 and 3 only. Book online -  this link will be sent out in week 10. If you have recently had a learning conversation, you may choose to book another one or leave it. We will leave the decision up to you. School finishes early on this day for all children| ākonga. Please see the school newsletter for more information. 

• Friday 16th May - Pink shirt day. Children may wear something pink or their school uniform. Gold coin donation to the Mental Health Foundation would be appreciated. 

• Friday 16th May - THT Movie night TBC - more information to follow

• Thursday 22nd May - Health consultation hui | meeting -  5.30pm-6.15pm. Venue TBC (library). 

• Monday 2nd June-  Kings Birthday - school will be closed. 

• Friday 13th June - Ararira Matariki celebration TBC - more information to follow.

• Friday 20th June - Matariki - school will be closed. 

• Monday 23rd June - Teacher only day - school will be closed. 

• Friday 27th June- Teretere Hui

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Angela, Lesley, Ally, Deb, and Megan.

Teretere team

 3rd April

Kia ora whānau,

This week we had our two sessions with Keri and, Harold the giraffe in the Life Ed classroom. The theme was: The power of 'me'! We learnt a lot and had a wonderful time. 

During our sessions with Keri and Harold we focused on:

• Affirmation Station: I AM ME

• Looking at that makes us special and unique to everyone else

• Knowing that everyone is special and unique around us too.

• Used poems and videos to enhance this message

• PAUSE, BREATHE, CHOOSE

• Making good choices in different situations.

• Zones of regulation. 

• Knowing how I can show my kindness to others.

Fundamental sports afternoon: as we missed the trip to Foster Park due to the weather, we had a mini version at kura | school on Thursday in the hall. The ākonga enjoyed the different activities and games. Thank you Lesley for organizing this. 

Trip to the Halswell Quarry Park 9am-3pm as part of our Inquiry unit 'Power" (Ignition: Power of animals in our world). The cost of this will be added to your school account. Would all parent helpers please meet Whaea Angela at 8.40am in Teretere 2, for a health & safety briefing. Many thanks to Angela and team for organizing this. Please note that this will be cancelled if wet, as it is an outdoor activity. We will notify you via Hero by 8.30am where possible. Please do not email staff, as we will send a message out to everyone. A copy of the letter that was sent, is below with items to bring. All children are to arrive at school no later than 8.50am, so we can take the roll. Thank you. 

Gastro/colds: We have a number of children off with vomiting, diarrhoea and, colds. There is also chickenpox going around. As with all illnesses, please keep your child at home if they are unwell and follow the Ministry of Health guidelines as to when your child may return. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff with short notice, who also become unwell. Please inform the office before 9am if your child is sick. 

Where possible, please make all doctor, dentist etc appointments after school or at the beginning or end of the day so that your child does not miss their full day at kura | school. We need to report back to the Ministry of Education every week regarding absences. A lot of time off school, can effect your child's learning as well as their emotional well being, such social skills and the development of friendships. Remember to sign your child in/out at the office. Thank you for your support with this. 

Biking/Scootering: From week 10, Teretere's scooter and bike day at school with be on a Thursday and Friday only. We encourage you to bike/scooter to school everyday, but due to the building works we've had to narrow down our 'wheels' area during the school day. 

Missing: A jacket named: Aiden. Please check your child's clothing as sometimes items can get muddled up or put in the wrong bag. 

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); Wellbeing/Navigating the Journey (e.g. being a kind class member/inquiry); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Visual art: NZ artist Raewyn Harris -  koru art (media: pastel or crayon and dye); collage and print making.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset. Harold and Keri from Life Ed. 

• Pepeha: learning our pepeha.

• Inquiry theme - 'Power': Using power for good; Power of being fair;  Words have power;  Actions speak loudly. The power of kind words and actions. What makes a good leader? What are the impacts of the decisions we make? Topics are taught through discussions, stories and circle time (oral language). Kindness is my 'super power'. 

• Numeracy: Exploring numicon;  patterning; looking for maths in our environment ('maths eyes'); learning to draw and recognise 'dot woodin patterns' up to 10 (see Mathematics tab above); Statistics.

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Annabelle and Alison. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days per term. In term 1, these are on: 5/03; 19/03 and 9/04. Whaea Kate will join the CRT team in term 2. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Friday 4th April: Teretere hui | assembly from 9.15am in Tahuna | hall. All welcome. Please bring two pegs so your child can wear their cape. 

• Tuesday 8th April: Trip to Halswell Quarry Park 9am-3pm as part of our Inquiry unit 'Power". Parents helper are to meet Whaea Angela at 8.40am in Teretere 2, for a health & safety briefing. Please note that this will be cancelled if wet, as it is an outdoor activity. We will notify you via Hero by 8.30am where possible. A copy of the original letter with things to bring, is below. 

• Friday 11th April, 3pm - last day of term 1. 

TERM 2

• Monday 28th April - first day of term 2. New Teretere 4 class starts with Whaea Ally. 

• Friday 2nd May at 9.15am - Mihi whakatau (for all new whānau to kura). Please drop your child to the hapori | class as usual and then wait in the library. Ally will then bring your child to you at around 9.10am. 

• Thursday 8th May - Parent/teacher learning conversations for those ākonga in Teretere 1, 2 and 3 only. Book online -  this link will be sent out in week 10. If you have recently had a learning conversation, you may choose to book another one or leave it. We will leave the decision up to you. School finishes early on this day for all children| ākonga. Please see the school newsletter for more information. 

• Friday 16th May - Pink shirt day. Children may wear something pink or their school uniform. Gold coin donation to the Mental Health Foundation would be appreciated. 

• Thursday 22nd May - Health consultation hui | meeting -  5.30pm-6.15pm. Venue TBC (library?). 

Happy Easter to many of you who will be celebrating over the next few weeks. We hope you have a great celebration with your whānau and friends. 

We hope you all have a lovely weekend (and autumn break coming up). 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Lesley, Angela, Deb, Megan and Ally

Teretere team

 6th March

Kia ora whānau,

A huge welcome to all our new tamariki and whānau who will be starting on Monday: Nilan, Millie, Iza, Kendall, Suhani, Ole and Alfie. Happy school days to you! We are looking forward to working with you all. 

On Tuesday, we had the group 'Pandemonium percussion' come to kura. The tamariki enjoyed playing their instruments alongside this group. We hope you are 'enjoying' these at home as well!

Covid: we have had a case within our hapori. Please ensure that you have some free tests at home to check, if you or your child are feeling unwell. As with all illnesses, please keep your child at home if they are unwell and follow the Ministry of Health guidelines as to when your child may return. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff with short notice, who also become unwell. Please inform the office before 9am if your child is sick. Thank you. 

Old clean sheets required: we require quite a number of old clean sheets for an art project. They can have holes in them. Please ask around (grandparents, neighbours etc), as we require quite a few. We would like to start this over the next few weeks. Please give these to your child's akomanga teacher. Thank you. 

Missing: a jacket named Holly Fraser. Please check your child's clothing frequently as sometimes items go home in the incorrect bag. If found, please return to Teretere 1. Thank you. 

Just a reminder: 

• Pepeha: A copy of your child's pepeha will have been sent home to learn. There is an example/video on the 'Learning at home' page - link above. If this is not in your child's reading folder, please contact your child's akomanga teacher. 

• Items from home: please do not bring items from home to school | kura. They can get lost or broken. We do not have 'sharing' on Fridays, as we are running an alternative oral language programme. Please keep all items at home. Your help is appreciated. 

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); Wellbeing/Navigating the Journey (e.g. being a kind class member/inquiry); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Visual art: NZ artist Raewyn Harris -  koru art (media: pastel or crayon and dye).

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset.

• Pepeha: learning our pepeha.

• Inquiry theme - 'Power': Using power for good; Power of being fair;  Words have power;  Actions speak loudly. Topics are taught through discussions, stories and circle time (oral language). 

• Numeracy: Exploring numicon;  patterning; looking for maths in our environment ('maths eyes'); learning to draw and recognise 'dot woodin patterns' up to 6 (see Mathematics tab above); time.

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. 

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Tuesday 11th March: Structured literacy open morning from 10.15am-10.40am. Please note that you will most likely not see your own child's lesson. This is for Teretere parents | whānau only. 

• Tuesday 18th March: Fundamental Sports morning at Foster Park, Rolleston. Leaving school | kura at 8.50am and return approximately 12.00pm. Please do not be late on this day. The cost of this will be added to your school account. Children will require a named drink bottle, sensible running shoes, sunhat, hi vis vest and a non messy snack in another named container in their pocket (e.g. a small sandwich). We will not be taking bags or lunchboxes with us. Please refer to the letter on Hero sent on 19/2 for more details. Parent helpers - please meet us in the class just after 8.30am for a health & safety briefing with Lesley. 

• Tuesday 1st April: Mathematics & Statistics Whānau Information Evening. See the school newsletter for more information. 

• Friday 4th April: Teretere hui from 9.15am in the hall. All welcome. 

• Tuesday 8th April: Trip to Halswell Quarry Park (mid morning onwards) as part of our Inquiry unit 'Power" (Power of animals in our world). The cost of this will be added to your school account. We will require parent/grandparent helpers for this trip. Please see Angela if you have any questions about this trip. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Annabelle and Alison. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days per term. In term 1, these are on: 5/03; 19/03 and 9/04. 

• Friday 11th April - last day of term 1. 

• Monday 28th April - first day of term 2. New class starts (Teretere 4 - teacher TBC). Mihi whakatau week 1 - day TBC. 

'Happy Holi' to those who may be celebrating over the next few weeks. There is a free family event on this Sunday in Rolleston. Please follow this link for more information. "The event is all about embracing diversity, and we've lined up a fantastic array of cultural performances, mouthwatering food and experience of Colours to make it unforgettable".

We hope you all have a lovely weekend. 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Lesley, Angela, Deb and Megan

Teretere team

19th February

Kia ora whānau,

We are excited to share with you that Teretere will be going on their first trip on Tuesday 18th March from 8.50am to approximately 12.00pm. All tamariki will be taking part in the Selwyn Sports Trust Fundamental Movement Spectacular at Foster Park. The event is designed to give Year 0-2 students the opportunity to develop their Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS), which are essential for confidently engaging in a variety of physical activities and sports. Research shows that children who develop these skills early are more likely to stay active throughout their lives, leading to healthier lifestyles.

The cost of this will be $1, plus bus fare. This will be charged to your school account. For this event to run smoothly we need around four parent or grandparent helpers per class to support the children along with Whaea Debra/Nicky, Whaea Angela and Whaea Lesley. If you are free and would like to come along and support your child’s class could you please let your child’s ako teacher know and fill out a parent volunteer form at the office. 

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• We will be heading to the buses at 8.50am please do not be late, as the bus will not wait for you. Any late children will spend the morning in another class.

• Tamariki must have a :

NAMED hat, 

   water bottle, 

   Hi vis vest 

   non messy snack in their pocket/in a small NAMED container and

   wear sensible shoes they can run in. 

If the weather is cooler, please ensure your child wears their named jacket. Sunscreen should be applied before school. 

Ngā mihi,

Lesley, Angela, Nicky and Debra

Welcome to 2025 

22nd January

Kia ora, 

I hope you and your whānau are enjoying the summer break. 

We are excited to welcome you and your child to the start of the 2025 school year. Starting school is a significant milestone, and we look forward to working together to create a positive and supportive learning environment for your child.

To help ease into the new school year, we invite you to a Drop-In Day on Friday, 31st January. This is an opportunity for you and your child to familiarize yourselves with the learning spaces, find where to put school bags, and meet the teachers. You can also drop off your child’s named stationery on this day, which can be purchased through Qizzle. Look out for an email in mid-January with details on how to book your session (if not already received). Please note this is not a one-on-one meeting with the teacher, as other families will also be present during your time slot.

A few important reminders:

• School officially starts on Monday, 3rd February.

• There will be no school on Thursday, 6th February (Waitangi Day) and Friday, 7th February (Teacher Only Day - Professional Development).

For all new families | whānau starting for the first time in 2025: To comply with enrolment requirements, please bring a current utility bill or insurance document dated January 2025 to the office between Monday, 27th January, and Thursday, 30th January, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is for all new families  | whānau, even if you have already submitted documents. Please note the office may not be staffed on Drop-In Day, so documents cannot be submitted then. Alternatively, you can email them to office@ararira.school.nz before this date. These documents must be received before your child can start school, but not on the morning of Monday 3rd. Please do not give this to a teacher, as the office staff manage enrolments.

If your child has any medical needs, please chat to your child's teacher on Friday 31st. If your child requires medication e.g. an inhaler, this needs to be well named. Fill in a form at the office, as all medication is stored in the office area. 

We look forward to seeing you and your child again and beginning this exciting journey together. If you have any questions, please email your child's teacher. Their email address is on the tab above. Please note that they may take a few days to get back to you, as they are presently on holiday. 

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Lesley, Angela, Debra and Megan

Teretere Team

15 August

Kia ora whānau,

Thank you to all the parent helpers who supported us on our Liffey Springs walk this week. It was a pleasant surprise for the  children to not find much rubbish and a good message to them that the local community takes care of our surroundings. Next week, we have one of the biggest events of the year - Quiz Night. (See below for more information). Thank you for all those who donated a Hamper item to support the evening prize pool. To celebrate the start of Maori Language week - Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. We would love some parents to learn the haka and join us on the 15 September, 9.15am. Please see the following  link  to practice. 

Library 

Mondays: Teretere 1, 2 and 3 (Nicky, Angela and Lesley)

Fridays: Teretere 4 and 5 (Ally and Tash).

Bikes, scooters etc - a reminder

Please ask your child NOT to bike in the school grounds before and after school. We kindly request that they WALK their bike into (and out of) the school, including the bike track area. The bike track is also a pathway and we have had a number of 'near misses' recently as this is a pick up point for parents, children (and toddlers). Out of school hours is the parents responsibility to monitor. Thank you for your support with this. 

Our 'wheels' day is on Thursdays and Fridays. This is when children may bring their bike or scooter to use during break times (if they wish). Children must wear a helmet and they need to be able to put this on and off by themselves. Bikes and scooters are not to be shared - please remind your child about this.

Lunches

Please ensure your child has enough food for morning tea and lunch. We have noticed some children have grown over the holidays and so has their appetite - they may need an extra sandwich in their lunchbox. 

Parent helpers

Thank you so much to those of you who have already given your time during our learning through play sessions. The tamariki have loved being able to explore outside on these sunny winter days. Now the weather is changing, maybe you could come and take a group to the library for quiet reading or a quiet game?

Are you available between 11.30am–12.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday? 

We’re reaching out to our wonderful Teretere whānau for support during Term 3. We would love to extend our tamariki’s learning through play sessions in the sandpit and/or the library—but we need a few extra hands to help make this happen.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, please come along to your child’s class at 11.30am. Ngā mihi nui for your continued support—we couldn’t do it without you!

 Just a reminder: 

• Mornings: Please wait outside the school office area in the mornings before our 8.30am music plays. This is a school wide expectation and please advise grandparents or other family members dropping off your children of this. Thank you.

• Sunhats: as the weather is getting a little warmer, you child may like to bring their navy blue sunhat to school. Please make sure it is a full brimmed hat and that it is well named. Please keep the hat in the side pocket of their bag for easy access. Some whānau sew a little something on the outside of the hat so it is easily recognized. 

• Hi vis vests should be worn to/from school every day even if you travel by car. The vest can be left in the side pocket of your child's bag so it can be easily found at the end of the day. Hi vis vests are required to be worn on all school trips. 

• Shoes: if your child has shoe laces, please ensure they can tie them by themselves. We are frequently taking our shoes on/off during the day e.g. to go to the library or when playing in the sandpit. Thank you for your help with this. 

• Illness: If your child is sick, please notify the office before 9am. It is great if you let the teacher know as well, but we don't always check our emails in time or may be away ourselves. Please follow the current Ministry of Health guides lines as to when your child can return to school. We are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief teachers to cover staff at this time of year. Where possible, all appointments (e.g. doctors) should be made after school. 

Learning:

• Classroom routines; school values (Caring, Curious, Capable); looking after our own and others belongings.

• Wellbeing: Zones of Regulation; Te Whare Tapa whā (our schools Wellbeing model); Pause, Breathe, Smile; Growth Mindset; circle time. 

• Health programme - Navigating the Journey: Relationships and sexuality education. Topics: Relationships; Growing & changing; Staying safe. Please see your child's teacher if you have any questions. Please note that Teretere 5 may be taught this in term 4. 

• Numeracy: Numicon; problem solving; explaining our thinking

• Literacy: phonological awareness (Heggerty programme), rhythm and rhyme of poems; writing our name correctly; You may wish to learn the pure sounds by playing this clip. Slow this down to 0.75. Start with the yellow sounds first if your child is new to kura | school. There are some handy tips on this clip. 

• PE: throwing & catching | ball skills; gymnastics.

• Karakia: Our morning and afternoon karakia are on the 'Learning at home' tab above if you wish to learn these. 

• Classroom release days: The team will be having joint classroom release days (CRT). The tamariki will be taught by the CRT team which consists of Megan, Debra, Annabel, Alison and Kate. Please see one of these teachers on the day, if you have any questions. The Teretere team have three of these days together per term. In term 3, these are on Wednesdays:  8th August; 20th August and 3rd September. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Wednesday 18th August - Cohort Entry

• Tuesday 19th August - Whanau Hui at 5.30pm in the staffroom/hall.

• Friday 22nd August - Quiz Night (see image below for more information)

• Wednesday 27th August - House of Bricks

• Thursday 28th August -  Primary Schools Union Meeting - more information to come. Pick up at lunctime if possible. 

• Friday 29th August - Daffodil Day - non-uniform day and gold coin donation.

• Tuesday 2nd September - trip to Olympia Gym and The Airforce museum (8.55am-1.15pm). Please do not be late on this day as the bus will be leaving promptly at 8.55am. Parent | grandparent helpers required. This will be instead of a trip in term 4. 

• Monday 15 September - Te Wiki o te reo Māori  (Māori language week)

• Friday 19 September - Last day of Term.

• Monday 6 October - First day of Term 4.

Ngā mihi,

Nicky, Angela, Lesley, Ally, Tash, Deb, and Megan

Teretere team