Thanks for making our Movie Night such an incredible night! A huge thank you to Nadine, Emma and Dana for leading FOSS and putting on such a wonderful event. We had over 750 people attend from our whole local community.
Thank you also to those who supported the first of the AIMS fundraising efforts.
In this week's Newsletter, we dive into the fourth component of our Balanced Curiculum - Wellness, along news, happenings and upcoming dates for the diary.
This week, we're focusing on Wellness, the heart of our Balanced Curriculum and the essential "base" of our learning seesaw. At Stonefields School, we believe that a child who feels safe, valued, and physically active is a child truly ready to learn. Wellness, encompassing Hauora and overall wellbeing, is not just an add-on; it is the fundamental foundation upon which all other learning thrives.
By actively living our school values and prioritising healthy, active habits, we create an environment where children feel secure, supported, and capable. This holistic approach ensures that their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs are met, allowing them to engage fully with their learning. When wellness is strong, our children are empowered to face challenges, build positive relationships, and flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
In the Year 3 and 4 Village, Wellness is the intentional practice of building resilience and connection. At this developmental stage, learners are moving beyond simple play and are beginning to navigate more complex social dynamics and learning challenges. To keep our "learning seesaw" balanced, we focus on equipping students with the tools to manage their emotional landscape.
This term, we have used our MITEY resources to move from recognising feelings to active problem-solving. Learners are developing specific strategies for dealing with challenges and change, using the language of "The Learning Pit" to understand that being stuck is a natural part of growth. Learners are also discovering their unique passions, which builds the self-assurance needed to contribute meaningfully to our community.
When our learners feel secure in their own identity and know how to seek support for themselves and others, they are no longer just "getting through" the day—they are ready to thrive. This focus on Hauora ensures that as they move from "me" to "we" through our community club projects, they do so from a foundation of confidence and emotional stability.
In the Junior Village, we have been embracing this "physically active" pillar through our bite-sized approach to PE. Taking full advantage of the beautiful autumn weather at the start of Term 2, our learners have been making the most of our outdoor spaces to refine their motor skills.
For our skill development, we have been mastering the precision of target throwing alongside learning the technique for throwing for distance. We also have a separate focus on preparing for Cross Country, where our goal is to sustain running over time. Beyond the physical benefits of running, our Cross Country practice lessons serve a deeper purpose. By taking our running beyond the school gates, we have found a perfect real-world classroom to teach personal responsibility. This links seamlessly to our Concept Curriculum, allowing our youngest learners to practice self-awareness and mindful decision-making while on the move. It is wonderful to see them growing more capable and confident with every stride!
We're excited to announce the appointment of Manesha Patel to the role of Leader of Learning, Year 0-2. Manesha has been with us teaching in Hub 2 for a short period of time, but brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the junior school. Manesha will play an integral role in leading the junior teaching team and design for learning.
Please join us in congratulating Manesha and celebrating this well-deserved appointment!
This term, we have begun trialling SMART Assessments, the government's new assessment platform for schools. This is currently a trial period as schools test out the new platform and compare it to other assessment platforms like PAT and e-asTTle.
Goal 1 - To strengthen a proactive and collaborative problem solving culture where restorative action is the norm for enabling all to live the School Values
What does success look like? School Values are heard and lived across our community, staff and whanau role model and communicate their expectations.
We'd like to take a quick pulse point feedback to capture your voice on where we are with this strategic goal. The five questions asked here, are the same questions we asked as part of the wider whānau survey which happens each year. We will compare your feedback on these five questions to the results from last year's survey to help track our progress.
This quick pulse point will only take 30 seconds to complete. Please complete the pulse point here
This is your last chance to order individual and hub photos for free delivery. Please check your emails for the order code from Photolife. All orders placed before Sunday 10 May will be delivered to school for free. Order here.
You can order after this date, prices will increase 10% + standard delivery charges to your home.
Pink Shirt Day is about working together to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusiveness. On Friday 15 May, learners are invited to wear something pink to school joining New Zealanders to Speak Up and Stand Together to Stop Bullying! This cause directly aligns with our mantra 'Your voice matters - Speak up, Stand up', and Kindness counts.
Wear something pink could be a pink t-shirt, hair ribbon, socks or a hat, along with your school uniform. Please bring a gold coin donation on the day.
On Tuesday 19 May we will be holding a whole school Cross Country. All learners will be taking part in events specific to each village. Senior learners will have the opportunity to run a competitive timed race, or an untimed fun run. Distances will be:
Year 0-2 - 800m fun run
Year 3-4 - 1-1.2km fun run
Year 5-6 - 1-2km fun run, or 2km competitive
Year 7-8 - 1-2km fun run, or 2.5-3km competitive
So get your running shoes out and help support your child's preparation for this event. More details will be sent closer to the date with the route maps and timings for you to come along and cheer.
Learner Led Conferences will be take place on Thursday 28 May from 2pm. Please note, school will finish at 1pm on this day.
Learner-Led Conferences are a highlight of our school year, with 90% attendance last year, offering a dedicated time for our learners to take the lead, be agentic and share their learning with you.
What to Expect
We ask parents to book a 1-hour time slot. During this session, your child will guide you through their hub to:
Showcase their learning and progress
Share the breadth of their learning across the BIG 5 which includes their Maths and English, Concept learning and Other Learning opportunities which will involve you in a range of activities and experiences.
We encourage you to talk through their progress and goals
During the hour, one of the hub teachers will come and chat with you about how your child is going and share next steps that can be supported at home and School.
Year 1-2
For Year 1-2 learners, please book with your child's literacy teacher.
We have some Staff Only Days coming up, school will be closed for learners on these days. Kelly Club will be open if you require childcare.
Friday 29 May (Friday before King's Birthday weekend)
Friday 31 July
Don't forget it's on every Wednesday. As the temperature gets cooler and the price of petrol gets higher, we've got a great incentive to keep you walking, biking or scootering to school. Walk (bike or scooter) to School on Wednesday and on arrival we'll warm you up with a cup of hot chocolate!
Don't forget your reusable cup!
We're continuing to monitor the government's plan should there be a shortage of fuel. Now would be a great time to start organising a walking school bus, or simply a group of neighbours to walk, bike or scooter to school together.
We'd love to hear from anyone who might have the capacity to lead a Walking School Bus from the St Johns or Mt Wellington area, even if it's only one day a week. Please get in touch with the office.
Whilst we understand that for some of our older learners, e-Scooters are a great way to get to school, we have unfortunately had several very near misses with younger children. For the safety of all involved, we ask parents to please ensure your child is adhering to the following rules:
No e-Scooters are to be ridden on school grounds. Please disembark and wheel them.
Helmets must be worn at all times
e-Scooters can be parked outside Hub 13, provided they are not ridden on school grounds.
It is also valuable to ensure your child is aware of the road code rules that apply to e-Scooters such as when to stop and give way, and how to respectfully share the footpath with other users.
A reminder as part of the NZ Health & Physical Education Curriculum, all Year 6-8 learners will be taking part in age-appropriate sessions facilitated by Nest Consulting. A Parent Information Evening for whānau of Year 6-8 learners will take place on Thursday 7 May, 6.30pm. The online meeting link has been emailed to you.
Our Basketball team started the term looking super cool in their new singlets. Special thanks to the team's sponsors - Dream Team and Sports House for providing the uniform!
Yesterday, 73 of our learners, across 8 teams, attended a fantastic day of football alongside our Tāmaki Kāhui Ako schools. Our learners played with heart, passion, and teamwork, achieving some fantastic results throughout the day. Ka pai, learners! We also extend a huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers - without your support, we wouldn’t be able to enter such a wide variety of events.
All the best to our Intermediate Football team, including our AIMS team, who are heading off to compete in the Eastern Zones Football Tournament tomorrow. We wish you all the very best for your line-up of games - play hard, support one another, and enjoy the day!
Eastern Zones Hockey Y7-8 | Monday 22 July (week 10) SIGN UPS OPEN
Tamaki Ki-O-Rahi (Y5-8) | Wednesday 24 July (week 10) SIGN UPS OPEN
Please encourage your learner to come along and join one of our sports coaching programmes - register now and come join in! Extension Sports and Coaching Enrolments for Term 2
Please support our hardworking AIMS athletes as they fundraise to attend the AIMS Games in Tauranga this year. Over the next few weeks, they’ll be out in the community selling some delicious favourites - every purchase helps support their journey. Thank you for getting behind our learners!
They will also be running a sausage sizzle on the last day of term alongside Friday Café on 3 June. Please come along and warm up with a tasty sausage or two!
Across Central Auckland, student Physical Activity Leaders are strengthening connections and inclusion through physical activity. By learning how to adapt games and activities, these students are helping create more inclusive, welcoming spaces where every ākonga can take part, connect, and belong. Our Physical Activity Leaders have been incredibly lucky to take part in this initiative.
For more information about all sports opportunities, please visit: stonefields.school.nz/sport
Yer 6-8 Parent Puberty Information Session | Thursday 7 May | 6.30pm online
Friday Cafe (run by Hub 2) | Friday 8 May
Senior (Year 5-8) Assembly | Monday 11 May | 2pm, Hall
Walk to School Wednesday | Wednesday 13 May
Year 3-4 Parent Workshop - English Curriculum | Wednesday 13 May | 3.15pm, Hub 9
Visitor Tour | Thursday 14 May | 9.15am register here
Pink Shirt Day | Friday 15 May
Friday Cafe (run by Hub 1) | Friday 15 May
Junior (Year 0-4) Assembly | Monday 18 May | 2pm, Hall
Cross Country | Tuesday 19 May
View our School Calendar to keep up to date with all events
There are plenty of sports, art, and cultural activities available in our community including school holiday programmes. Check out our Community Noticeboard for more details.
You're invited to attend an upcoming parent evening presented by Rob Cope—author, filmmaker, and founder of Our Kids Online. This exciting event offers an eye-opening opportunity to explore one of the most important issues facing families today: how to navigate and understand our children’s digital lives. This practical and engaging session will explore the digital world our young people are entering, the risks they face, and what we can do as parents to support them.
Universal Communications Group (UCG), working on behalf of Chorus, will be completing fibre upgrade/works on Tephra Boulevard, Stonefields.
Proposed Work Window: 20 May 2026 to 17 Jun 2026
Daily Work Times: Weekdays (School Term): 1000 - 1500 / Weekdays (School Holidays): 0900 - 1600 / Weekends: 0900 - 1700
Estimated Duration: 5 DAYS
Temporary traffic management will be packed down one hour before our finish time.
Traffic Management Overview:
Temporary lane/road restrictions may be required
Traffic controllers will support safe pedestrian and vehicle movement
Safety signage and barriers will be installed
School and property access will always be maintained
Term 1: Wednesday 4 February - Thursday 2 April
Term 2: Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July
Term 3: Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
Term 4: Monday 12 October - Wednesday 16 December
Public holidays during Term time:
Friday 6 February - Waitangi Day
Monday 27 April - Anzac Day (Observed)
Monday 1 June - King’s Birthday
Monday 26 October - Labour Day