“What Are They Learning?” – Reporting

You will be receiving the last of the Timely Comments as the year draws to a close. Tamariki will have a comment for literacy (reading and writing), maths and ako (which is about their strengths, an area of focus, something to highlight). There will be comments for each of these from the first half of the year, and the second half of the year.

At the end of the year, you will receive information on where they are working within the Curriculum Phases. This will look the same as it did at mid-year.  All of this information forms the school report. You can download and print this from HERO if you want to. Tamariki love to see the comments you have written too. 

If you have any questions, please ask kaiako, they know your tamait's learning best. 

T G Macarthy Trust Thank You:

We have received a $4,000 donation from the T.G. Macarthy Trust.  This is most welcomed and the money will be used to purchase new books and further enhance our Library and Information Network.  We are very appreciative of receiving this grant every two years to support our library. 

Health, Safety and Attendance

Tamariki must attend school every day.  The target for all schools is 90% of tamariki to attend 80% of the time.  We are not near this target, and the learning of tamariki is suffering as a result.  Unless your tamaiti is unwell, they need to be at school.  

Our Vision in Action

At the heart of everything we do is our school vision:
Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai – Building the Best Learners.

Yesterday all tamariki, kaikao and kaimahi went to Aku Tangi for a 'Fun Day'. Tamariki were exposed to a range of sports, some that we offer at school and some that are new. The staff at Aku Tangi supported all the sports and activities, so everyone understood the rules!

Thanks to Jo G, who did all of the background work with organising this day, it was amazing. Thanks to FoLBS, who funded the day, so generous. Thanks to whānau who were able to join us, we love seeing you. Thanks to all tamariki, you showed our values of pākiki, hiranga, whakapono, and manaaki throughout the day. 

You can see more photos on our FaceBook page.

Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai Building the Best Learners

Board update

The Board are keen to hear from you. This is a link to a survey Lyall Bay School - Whānau survey  – Fill out form  so the board can hear your perspectives. Alternatively, you can meet the board and chat on Monday at 3 pm on the field (wet day alternative is the staff room), or at The Botanist, 6pm - 7.30 pm. 

With the recent legislative changes removing the requirement for schools to “give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” we know some in our community may feel uncertain about what this means for our kura.

As your Board we want to offer clarity and reassurance.

Our values and commitments have not changed.
While national policy settings may shift, the foundations that guide our school do not have to.  We remain firmly committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our governance, planning, and decision-making — just as we have done for many years.

We do not see this commitment as burdensome.  In fact, Te Tiriti provides a clear pathway for building an inclusive school grounded in respect, partnership, and belonging for all.

Keeping Te Tiriti at the heart of our kura means:
•  Māori students feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are.
•  All students deepen their understanding of our shared history and culture.
•  We strengthen our relationships with Te Āti Awa / Taranaki Whānui as mana whenua.
•  Every child grows up knowing they belong in Aotearoa and that their identity is valued.

These outcomes sit at the centre of our aspirations for all tamariki at Lyall Bay School.

Our ongoing relationship with mana whenua is especially important to us.  This partnership enriches our identity as a kura and supports our journey to grow cultural capability, reflect the whenua we stand on, and strengthen the connection our tamariki have to the land, stories, and people of this area.

Like many kura across Te Whanganui-a-Tara, we believe Te Tiriti provides a historical foundation for Aotearoa and a pillar for an education system that truly includes and uplifts all children.

Therefore, the Board has formally reaffirmed that Lyall Bay School will continue to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, guided by our values, the aspirations of our whānau, and our responsibility to ensure every learner can achieve to their highest potential.

We know public discussion on this kaupapa can bring out a range of emotions and perspectives.  We welcome open, thoughtful, and respectful kōrero from our community.  If you have pātai or whakaaro you would like to share, please feel free to contact the board directly (bot@lyallbay.school.nz)

Together, we will ensure that Lyall Bay School remains a place where all students feel included, supported, and empowered to thrive, now and into the future.  'Waihangatia ngā Ākonga Tino Pai Building the Best Learners'.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa for your continued trust and support.

Nā mātou,
The Lyall Bay School Board

October Meeting

The board gathered for the October meeting. All board members were present.

The current policies under review were passed. If you want to look at any policies, go to schooldocs.co.nz , click Search for your school, type in Lyall Bay School, user name is lyallbay, and the password is maranui. 

The board decided to move the Health Consultation to 2026 and design it around Te Whare Tapa Whā. This survey will be shared in the middle of term 1 for your feedback. 

The board approved opening the ballot for 2026. This is advertised in the newspaper, on our website and in the newsletter. 

The board had an induction meeting on the Saturday before this meeting. NZSBA came along to share the basics of a board. The board continued the meeting, hearing about the school, the history, and the reasons for different pedagogical approaches. The board shared what they had taken away from the day.

Strategic Planning was a big topic. The board decided that they would prefer to gather more data for the strategic plan, so they will be devising some ways for the community to connect and get some more feedback. 

The board read a document about Play Pedagogy to understand this at a higher level. 

The board congratulated the school on its involvement with Ākonga Māori Writing Innovation and the recognition of the results, that Lyall Bay School was one of six schools reinterviewed in a 2024 writing review involving 147 schools. 

The principal's report was read, and information about target learners was shared. Portfolios were assigned as an initial trial, so all board members can share what the portfolio covers. 

The next board meeting was held on 24 November, with the first one for 2026 on 16th February. You are welcome to come along to any meeting. 

Friends of Lyall Bay Update:

Whiria te tāngata – Weave the people together

It’s been another busy year, and we want to thank you for being part of such a wonderful school community.
We hope you all enjoy a safe, happy December and a well-earned summer break.

A special thank-you to everyone who supported us this year—those who baked, helped at events, and made generous financial contributions. Every bit counts, especially in tough times, and your support truly makes a difference.

2025 Fundraising Totals

• Mathathon: $5,885.10

• Car Boot Sale: $3,123.90

Huge thanks to:

• Howard and the team at Evans Bay Intermediate School for the use of their wonderful space for Summer in the Bay.

• The WLG Community & Environment Fund for supporting Summer in the Bay and our school garden.

• Eastern Suburbs Sports Trust for their generous grant towards new sports equipment.

Raffle Prize Donors
Kaffee Eis • Interislander • Spruce Goose • Puku Pies • Maranui Café • Wonderland Chocolate •
Commonsense Organics • Mediterranean Food Warehouse • Padel House • Burkes Cycles •
The Children’s Bookshop • Mane Fitness • Wellington Cable Car • Bonobo • The Botanist •
Pick a Posy • Shelly Bay Baker • Palmers Miramar • Lighthouse Cinema

Raffle Winners

• 1st place: Jo Williams

• 2nd place: Maria Taumoa – $100 Spruce Goose voucher

• 3rd place: Adam Burtnick – $75 Puku Pies

• 4th place: Hannah – $50 Maranui Café

• Spot prize: Neela Parsotam – Pick a Posy flowers

🥰 Please support our local businesses—so they can continue supporting us.

Looking Ahead to 2026

• Summer in the Bay

• Quiz Night

• Pie Fundraiser

• Roller Disco

• Car Boot Sale

We’d love more helping hands next year!
Connect with us on Facebook or email friends@lyallbay.school.nz

Friends of Lyall Bay School