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Pānui Wiki e Whā
Turei 12 Mei
Kia ora koutou
Kia ora koutou
Using Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), there are three links to autumn: Poutūterangi (harvest), Paengawhāwhā (stacking straw), and Haratua (storing crops). Mei (May) is the time of Haratua, to store crops, 'Kua uru ngā kai ki te rua, kua mutu ngā mahi a te tangata.' Translated to ‘Crops are stored in pits; people‘s labours are over.’ It is like the pause before a waiata, silence before speech, a rest before activity. It is an ending before the significant beginning of a new year when Matariki returns. We are pausing after the activity to gather information for the Strategic Plan. Last week we held a W.A.T.P (Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai Hui), where the Board shared where we had got to with the Strategic Plan and asked for some feedback about two new aspects.
One suggestion is to change the vision from 'Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai - Building the Best Learners' to 'Whakaahuatia ngā Ākonga Āpōpō - Shaping the Learners of Tomorrow'. We have been working with Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai for 10 years now, and it has served us well. The Strategic Planning team worked together and spoke about the future and how the world we are preparing our tamariki for is something that we can't conceive, but we can prepare them for it.
The other suggestion is to refresh our values from Manaaki, Pākiki, Hiranga and Whakapono, to just the first three. When the Strategic Planning team brainstormed what these mean and how they are part of who we are, we found that Whakapono (Integrity) was already being upheld in all the other values.
If you weren't able to attend the hui, then read the infographic below and let us know what you think by emailing principal@lyallbay.school.nz or tania.heyrick@lyallbay.school.nz before the end of the week.
Our new strategic plan will be shared with our community at Matariki, marking our next steps forward. A final date will be set for this (as Matariki occurs during the school break), once we have all the feedback gathered.
Contents:
What are they learning?
Attendance
Strengthening Communication
Reporting
Vision in Action
Sport
Dates to Diary
“What are They Learning?"
“What are They Learning?"
Our Context for 2026 is Ngā roro Nui, Whakaaro Nui - Big Brains, Big Ideas!" Each team: Huetepapra, Maranui, and Onepū are linking local pūrakau to the curriculum areas of Science, Health and P.E, and The Arts. These are not necessarily on a term-by-term basis, but taking the time to fully explore, generate ideas, and build understanding with all tamariki. Ask your tamariki what they are learning.
Attendance
As part of government priorities, there is a focus on attendance and on reaching the expected 80% attending for 90% of the time.
Below is our plan to support all our whānau to be at school and learning. Last term, our attendance was 71% attending for 90% of the time.
Strengthening Communication
As part of this work, we are trialling a new Monday HERO post focused on communication. Each week, we will share a short, clear explanation of an aspect of school life. This term we are starting with how we are responding to the Refreshed Curriculum.
Our aim is to make our approaches more visible and ensure whānau feel informed and confident about how learning happens at Lyall Bay School. We hope these regular updates provide clarity and answer questions before they arise.
If there are topics you would like explained further, please let us know — your voice continues to guide our improvement.
Reporting
At the end of this term, you will receive the academic report for your tamaiti in Reading, Writing and Maths. These are sent out on HERO in week 10 of the term (22nd June). These will tell you where your tamaiti is currently learning. They will look very similar to the end of 2025 academic reporting. We will be using the progress descriptors that were shared with you last year (see image on the right). These have recently been updated by the Ministry of Education, with an extra descriptor. The updated version is not required to be in place until the end of 2026. We have decided to continue with the original ones as we need to give kaiako time to understand the nuances of the changes. We will continue to give you information about the academic reporting throughout the term.
Tamariki will still have Timely Reporting in Reading, Writing, Maths, and Ako (other learning areas) throughout this term.
Our Vision in Action
Our Vision in Action
At the heart of everything we do is our school vision:
Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai – Building the Best Learners.
At Lyall Bay School, we are committed to being a place where every child and adult feels safe, respected, and valued. This sits at the heart of our values of Manaaki, Whakapono, Hiranga, and Pākiki, and our shared expectations to Be a Learner, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.
Recently, we have been made aware of some instances where inappropriate language has been used by tamariki, including racist terms and the use of accents in ways that can offend or provoke others. We want to be very clear: racism in any form is not acceptable at our kura.
We have a responsibility to ensure that our school is a physically and emotionally safe place for everyone, and to take all reasonable steps to eliminate racism. This is not only a legal responsibility, but a moral one that reflects who we are as a community.
We know that children are still learning about the impact of their words and actions. When these situations arise, we take them seriously. We work alongside our tamariki to help them understand why this language is harmful, to take responsibility, and to learn more respectful ways of interacting with others. This is part of growing as learners and as people.
We also ask for your support. Conversations at home about kindness, respect, and celebrating differences make a powerful difference. Together, we can ensure our kura continues to be a place where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.
If you ever have concerns, please reach out to us—we are here to listen and to work together.
Sport
We held the Cross Country on the beach and what a perfect day for it. Thank you all for understanding that the weather on the original day was not going to be ok for all out tamariki to be able to show hiranga - excellence.
Our results are:
Year 1 Boys
Maui 1st
Shreyaan 2nd
Joe 3rd
Year 1 Girls
Brooke 1st
Millie 2nd
Aubrey 3rd
Year 2 Boys
Noah 1st
Jacob 2nd
Ahikāroa 3rd
Year 2 Girls
Kiana 1st
Madeleine 2nd
Adelin & Lila 3rd Equal
Year 3 Boys
Quincy 1st
Lochie 2nd
Bobby 3rd
Year 3 Girls
Harnaad 1st
Kiera 2nd
Georgia 3rd
Year 4 Boys
Eli 1st
Charlie 2nd
Riley 3rd
Year 4 Girls
Peyton 1st
Natey 2nd
Indie 3rd
Year 5 Boys
Jacob 1st
Kieran 2nd
Archie 3rd
Year 5 Girls
Kaia 1st
India 2nd
Tiggy 3rd
Year 6 Boys
Xavier 1st
Baraa 2nd
Willem 3rd
Year 6 Girls
Liv 1st
leila 2nd
Milly 3rd
Congratulations to those Yr 4 - 6 who qualified to go to Eastern Zones:
Yr 4 Boys: Eli, Charlie, Riley, Sammy, Theo, Ravi.
Yr 4 Girls: Peyton, Natey, Indie, Alvina, Lottie, Emily.
Yr 5 Boys: Jacob, Kieran, Archie, Leo O, Otto, Denim, Elliot.
Yr 5 Girls: Kaia, India, Tiggy, Sharanya, Florence P., Evie, Alexa
Yr 6 Boys: Xavier, Baraa, Willem, Franklin, Ciaran, Billy, Tom.
Yr 6 Girls: Liv, Leila, Milly, Jasnaad, Courtney, Bailey, Nia.
A huge thank you to our team of 'trainers' who went out on training runs with some of our older tamariki every morning to get them well and truly prepared.
Tough Guy Tough Gal Challenge
Tough Guy Tough Gal Challenge
Last Monday, a group of 34 Onepū students travelled out to Camp Wainui to participate in the Tough Guy Tough Gal Challenge - a fun, muddy, and adventurous obstacle course designed especially for young people who love a challenge!
A big THANK YOU to the whānau who supported us on this adventure! We can't wait to do it again next year!
SCROLL through the photos to see what fun we had!
Dates to Diary
Dates to Diary
Wed 13 May: Eastern Zone Cross Country
Thur 14 May: Celebrating our Support Staff
Wed 20 May: Eastern Zone Football (Yr 5 & 6)
Thur 21 May: Swim Time Trial
Mon 1 June: King's Birthday (Public Holiday - School Closed)
Tue 2 June: Teacher Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 8 June: Board Meeting - 6 pm - all welcome
Tue 9 June: Interzone Cross Country
Thur 11 June: Eastern Zone Miniball
Fri 12 June: Hearing and Vision testing
Wed 17 June: Wellington Saints visit
Mon 22 June: Academic Reports on HERO
Thur 25 June: Young Ocean Explorers trip (Onepū roopu)
Mon 29 June: Academic Progress Report on HERO
Tue 30 June: Cross Country Regionals
Fri 3 July: Last day term 2
Mon 20 July: First day term 3
Dental Van arrives
Weds 22 July: School Photo Day
Thur 23 July: School Photo Day
Fri 7 Aug: Teacher Only Day - Maths (school closed)
Wed 12 Aug: EZ Netball (Year 5 & 6)
Fri 14 Aug: Dental Van leaves
Community Notices
Lunches at School:
If you would like to order lunch to be delivered to your child at school, this year we are offering Subway Mondays, Vietnameezy Wednesdays, Sushi Fridays and Oat Cafe lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Go to the School Shop (Kindo) on our website, www.lyallbay.school.nz and set up an account. Lunches need to be ordered before 9.00am on the morning of delivery or you can order for a whole term in advance. Please make sure you use the correct name and class for your child!
Ezlunch is back for Term 2
Ordering Ezlunch through Kindo is quick, easy, and one less thing to think about in the morning. You order from home (or on the go), and your child's lunch is delivered to school, ready to eat.
Here's how:
Log in to the Kindo app (or set up an account at shop.kindo.co.nz)
Pick from the menu on your school's available days
Your child collects their lunch at school
💰 Order & win!
Every Ezlunch order placed between 27 April - 22 May goes in the draw to win 1 of 5 x $50 Kindo credits each week.
Order here 👉 mykindo.co.nz
Have your say on the future of Freyberg Street
You’ll be familiar with the changes outside Lyall Bay School over the past couple of years, introduced as part of a trial to improve safety for tamariki and whānau getting to and from school.
Wellington City Council (WCC) is now seeking feedback on whether the Freyberg Street trial should be made permanent. This is your opportunity to let WCC know what you think about the changes.
We encourage you to share your experience of how the changes have affected travel to and from school, safety at drop-off and pick-up, or movement through the neighbourhood.
Submissions are open from 9am Thursday 14th May till 9am Thursday 11th June.
If you have questions about the proposed changes or need help making a submission, pop in and chat to the team from WCC here at Lyall Bay School on Tuesday 19th May 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Find out more and have your say: transportprojects.org.nz/freyberg-street
Piano Lessons at School:
I jointly run a registered music teaching company called Leit House Music, which has grown to over 80 students across five schools since October last year. Our focus is ensuring that lessons run smoothly and consistently while fostering a lasting passion for learning music among our students.
I hold a BMus degree in composition, film music and classical piano performance, and have over five years of teaching experience. I have taught at schools including EBIS, St Benedict’s, Onslow, Amesbury, Seatoun, and Newtown, as well as at two community house centres.
Lessons are carefully tailored to each student's age, skill level, interests, and learning style. Students also have the opportunity to learn how to compose music for film, trailer, and game clips, which many students find especially engaging.
Contact Jack if you are interested in music lessons at leithousemusic@gmail.com
JAM Music School:
JAM Music School offers piano🎹, saxophone🎷 and violin🎻 lessons! Now's the perfect time to learn the music you’ve always wanted to play. Whatever style, whether it’s classical, jazz, or pop, our experienced & qualified teachers will help you reach your goal while having fun along the way! We teach students both theory and practical skills, and we also offer opportunities to experience performing in front of others throughout the year.
We are now taking enrolments for Term 2. All ages welcome! Contact us by emailing info.jamms@gmail.com to reserve your spot today or to find out more!
See the Harlem Globetrotters:
The NBL, in partnership with Lyall Bay School, have partnered for a unique fundraising opportunity. If you use the code GLOBETROTTERS95 when purchasing tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters at Wellington - TSB Arena - 16th July, you will be raising funds for Lyall Bay School! For each ticket purchased using the codeword - our school will receive 10% of each ticket sold.
Get your tickets now - it’s The 100 Year Tour and not something you’re going to want to miss. See you there!"
Ticketmaster
TSB Arena: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006384D72F3A32?did=specialoffer
After School Drama Classes:
My name is Jody and I am an actor. I recently starred in Mamma Mia the Musical at the St James in Wellington.
I’m thrilled to be able to offer after school drama classes to students - the classes will be held at the Miramar and Maupuia Community Centre on Mondays or Newtown on Thursdays at The Polish Association.
Below is my website for more information about the classes and my performing arts school,
Coaching With Alex (she/her):
I'm looking for parents to coach. Coaching is future focussed and can support you to do something differently, take the next step, or find clarity. Coaching empowers you to find your own answers. Coaching is a partnership, we work together and you set the agenda. Coaching is not therapy.
The first two coaching sessions are free as I work towards accreditation with the International Coaching Federation. Further sessions are offered for an exchange of services, or a koha, cash or in kind payment (suggested cash range starting at $40).
First coaching session
We begin with building a shared understanding of what coaching is, any aims you have, and agree how to work together. This will include discussing the number (e.g. 2,4,6) duration (e.g. 30,45,60 mins), and frequency (e.g. weekly, fortnightly, monthly) of sessions. Sessions take place online unless an alternative meeting space is arranged.
Contact me to arrange your first coaching session. I have weekend, evening, and some weekday availability: leavesoflifenz@gmail.com or call 022 625 1270
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About Alex
I whakapapa to the UK with Welsh, Scottish, and English ancestry. I was born in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and spent my childhood and youth in Cornwall and Devon. I have returned to Aotearoa during various seasons of my life and have also spent time in Italy. I am most at home close to the ocean, walking through open landscapes, and in kōrero with people close to me. I am a parent and a shiatsu practitioner in training. My qualifications include BSC Psychology, MA Youth and Community work, TESOL certificate, PhD Public Health, Diploma Health Sciences, Certificate in Shiatsu, Certificate in East Asian Medicine.
My coaching style is inclusive, and strengths based. I believe there is no one way of being or finding our way, and that we all have strengths to offer ourselves and the world, while still acknowledging what’s hard. I have supported, facilitated, and worked with people in many settings, from government, to academia, to youth and community work. I look forward to meeting you.
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