|
Monday 20th July | Vol 36 Issue 21 | Term 3 Week 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome back
Ava Szabo – Principal
|
|
|
It is wonderful to be back at school after a term travelling around Asia. I was lucky to explore so many incredible places, from the vibrancy of Singapore, to the colourful night markets of Vietnam, the sheer scale and energy of China, the rich cultural experiences of Japan and finally the tranquillity of Fiji. I am deeply grateful to the Wā Ora Board of Trustees for granting me this time away. Your support made this journey possible and I appreciate it immensely.
|
I would also like to acknowledge our Senior Leadership Team, who continued to guide and care for the school in my absence. Their steady direction and guidance ensured our kura remained well supported throughout the term.
|
A special thank you goes to Anna McLean, who stepped seamlessly into the Principal role. Anna led with skill, calmness and genuine dedication - I am incredibly appreciative of the care she brought to the position.
|
I would also like to thank Richard Goodyear, who brought humour, fun and expertise to the Primary DP role. Richard quickly became part of our community again - thank you all for being so welcoming.
|
We began Term 3 with a burst of energy as I joined Kawakawa this morning for the World Cup final. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together for an early morning start, share kai and enjoy some football as a community.
|
Term 3 is a time for consolidation and preparation - it is a chance for all of us to settle in, strengthen our foundations and build towards the learning and growth still ahead this year.
|
As we step into the rhythm of the term, I’m looking forward to re-connecting with you all and supporting the progress and steady momentum that this time of year brings. Thank you all for the energy, care and commitment you contribute to our kura each day.
|
It’s wonderful to be back at school ready for the term ahead.
|
|
Here are a couple of my holiday pics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING ĀKONGA AND THEIR WHĀNAU STARTING THIS WEEK...
|
|
|
|
Eleya Cotogni - Pōhutukawa
Sumaia Kempthorne - Kōwhai
|
|
|
E WHAI AKE (Coming up) . . .
|
|
|
|
Monday 20th July FIRST DAY TERM 3
|
|
Tuesday 21st July [CANCELLED] Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
|
Wednesday 22nd July Maths Club, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tāwari
|
|
Tuesday 28th July [CANCELLED] Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
|
|
Tuesday 28th July PTA Meeting, 7:30pm, Pōhutukawa akomanga
|
|
Wednesday 29th July Maths Club, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tāwari
|
|
Thursday 30th July Preschool Information Evening (Prospective Parents)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Production - The Dream Factory Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th August
|
|
PTA Disco Friday 14th August
|
|
BOT/Council Hui Wednesday 19th August
|
|
Area School MoE Teacher's Day (AREA SCHOOL CLOSED; PRESCHOOL REMAINS OPEN) Monday 24th August
|
|
Father's Day Sunday 6th September
|
|
Māori Language Week Monday 14th - Friday 18th September
|
|
BOT/Council Hui Wednesday 16th September
|
|
Peace Day Monday 21st September
|
Kawakawa Coffee House Thursday 24th September
LAST DAY TERM 3 Friday 25th September
|
|
School Holidays Saturday 26th September - Sunday 11th October
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term 3 Accounts
|
Preschool invoices and Area School donation requests have been emailed to families, as well as activities contributions. You can pay by internet, cash, or eftpos (savings/cheque) at the office.
|
|
Instalment dates are as follows:
|
|
Instal 1: due Wednesday 5th August.
|
|
Instal 2: due Wednesday 19th August.
|
Instal 3: due Wednesday 2nd September.
|
|
Please note that email addresses ending in yahoo.co.uk are currently unable to receive Board of Trustees communications from our system. Please contact Sharon to either update your email address or request her to email a copy of the most recent invoice to you manually.
|
|
|
|
|
Please check below for your eldest child’s name to attend the next working bee. Contact the office with any queries.
|
Sunday 2nd August
|
|
|
Drama Club Cancelled Term 3 Weeks 1-4
|
A reminder that Drama Club will be taking a short break for the first half of this term while I focus on our upcoming production. Thank you to all the enthusiastic ākonga who have been involved so far this year.
|
Drama Club will return in Week 5 of Term 3, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for more drama, games, and creative fun then!
|
|
Week 1-Week 4 - NO Drama Club
|
Week 5-10 - Drama Club every Tuesday 3:15-4:15
|
|
|
|
The Dream Factory
|
Tickets are now on sale for The Dream Factory!
|
|
They can be purchased from the school office and payment can be made by EFTPOS, cash or online to account number 12-3209-0438306-00 (please make sure to pay into this account).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preschool Information Evening
|
Our next Preschool Information Evening is on Thursday 30th July and word of mouth from our whānau is the best way new families discover Wā Ora.
|
If you have friends who are starting to think about preschool options for their tamariki, please consider sharing our Facebook event or tagging them in the comments.
|
We are currently accepting applications for younger tamariki turning 3, so this is a great opportunity for families who may be planning ahead.
|
|
Your recommendation means more than any advertisement. Thank you for helping us grow our community!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seeking a Part-Time Outdoor Coordinator!
|
|
Fixed Term Part‑Time Outdoor Coordinator (Primary Years 1–7) – Maternity Leave Cover
|
|
Start date: Monday 17th August, 2026
End date: Friday 2nd April, 2027
Hours: 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm (term time only)
|
We are seeking a warm, energetic, and organised Outdoor Coordinator to support outdoor learning for our Primary ākonga (Years 1–7). This is a fixed‑term position covering parental leave until the beginning of April, 2027, when the current incumbent is expected to return.
|
- Outdoor learning support — guiding and supervising ākonga (students) in outdoor environments
- Activity planning — preparing and leading games, sports, gardening, crafts, physical activities, and outdoor classroom tasks
- Environment preparation — ensuring outdoor spaces are safe, engaging, and well‑maintained
- Collaboration with kaiako (teachers) — supporting Montessori‑aligned outdoor learning experiences
- Resource management — maintaining equipment and materials used outdoors
|
Preschool Lunch Assistant Component (12pm–1pm)
|
A key part of this role includes working alongside a Preschool kaiako to supervise the lunchtime period for one of our Preschool classrooms (3–6‑year‑olds). This requires a calm, supportive presence and the ability to engage positively with younger tamariki.
|
- Experience working with children is advantageous
- Able to follow direction and take initiative where appropriate
- Mobile and agile enough to work at children’s level
- Warm, collaborative, and committed to Montessori values
- Confident supporting a range of outdoor activities
- 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm
- Term time only — no work required during school holidays
- Attendance at Teacher-Only Days and occasional after‑school meetings (timesheeted)
- Fixed term until Friday 2nd April, 2027
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand
- A competitive hourly rate is offered
- Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory safety check, including a police vet
Applications close at 3pm, Friday 24th July, 2026.
|
An application form must be completed for your application to be processed.
|
For an application pack or further information, please contact:
Jo Dyer, Office Manager
Email: joanne@waora.school.nz
|
|
|
|
|
|
P.T.A (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION)
|
|
|
Coming Up
|
Upcoming Meetings:
-
Tuesday 28th July (Pōhutukawa)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Learning Connexion - After School Art Classes for Teens & NZQA L3 Urban Art Programme
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regional Cross Country
|
|
At the end of last term, Jesse Horspool represented the Lower Hutt Region at the Regional Cross Country at Hardcourt Park. Jesse ran really well and placed 22nd in the year 6 boys’ race. Congratulations Jesse!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basketball - Matariki Volunteers
|
|
In the first week of the school holidays the Wa Ora High School basketball players played a big part in the Wainuiomata Matariki community event held on Friday 10th July.
|
On Tuesday 7th July the young men set up the gyms and the outside area for the event. On Thursday 9th July they assisted in the preparation of the free Hangi down at the Community Hall. On Friday 10th from 11am through to 8pm they were the Kaimahi for the event.
|
I would like to express my gratitude to Peter Cowan and Wainui High for allowing our young men to be part of this. They demonstrated manaaki in everything they did.
|
On Sunday 12th July we attended the Saints game as a team.
|
In October a few of the players will be attending the Hoop Nation Classic tournament in Tauranga. In preparation for this tournament, we will be holding a Garage Sale fundraising event on Saturday 8th August. We would love your support.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Climbing
|
We are delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of Kawakawa ākonga Fletcher McGrath, who has had an outstanding year in competitive climbing.
|
Most recently, Fletcher claimed the Open Boys title at the 2026 College Sport Wellington Secondary Schools Bouldering Championships, adding another fantastic achievement to an already impressive year.
|
|
In May, Fletcher travelled to Ballina, Queensland, where he won both the Lead and Boulder titles at the Australian National Championships. Earlier in March, he also successfully defended his NZ U17 Lead title.
|
It is wonderful to see Fletcher’s dedication, skill, and hard mahi recognised through these achievements. We are incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished and look forward to following his climbing journey as he continues to challenge himself and pursue his passion.
|
Ka rawe, Fletcher! What an amazing year of achievements!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rugby
|
|
HVSH vs Aotea College. HVHS Loss 27 to 17
|
Bede was awarded player of the day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
