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Monday 29th June 2026 | Vol 36 Issue 20 | Term 2 Week 11
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Term 2 Wrap-up
Anna McLean – Acting Principal
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As we come to the end of Term 2, it is an opportune time to reflect and acknowledge the many experiences our tamariki and rangatahi have been involved in that continue to enrich their learning and support their growth.
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We were incredibly proud of the tamariki and ākonga who participated in HuttFest last week. This is the first time we have had groups represented across Preschool, Primary, and Secondary spaces - a wonderful milestone for our community. Having the opportunity to perform alongside other early childhood centres, schools and colleges in the Hutt Valley has become a highlight of the calendar year.
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A great deal of time and commitment was shown by staff and whānau to ensure each rōpū was well prepared. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, especially those who dedicated extra hours to practices and costume preparation. It was fantastic to see such strong whānau support across all events throughout the week.
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Term 2 is also a special time as we celebrate Matariki. Our first event was our Matariki concert, where the school came together to share performances from each sector in front of a supportive audience. Once again, it is an opportunity for learning in the arts to be showcased with waiata and plays representing Māori purakau being a feature.
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We also came together as a community on Saturday afternoon to take part in Matariki activities in each of the Preschool and Primary classes. These experiences brought to life the meaning and significance of the Matariki stars that make up the Pleiades, with each class exploring a different star through hands-on activities and shared learning. It provided a rich opportunity for everyone to deepen their understanding and connection to Matariki. It was unfortunate that we had to cancel our planned gathering for kai but we hope those that ordered meals enjoyed them nonetheless.
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These events provided meaningful opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi to contribute in the background, helping in many authentic ways. This time allowed us to celebrate the importance of coming together as a community and honouring values of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga. All of these experiences deepen our children’s understanding of their place within both our Montessori community and the wider cultural context of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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Thank you all for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are nurturing learners who are not only knowledgeable, but who also carry a strong sense of responsibility - to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.
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I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Richard Goodyear for the outstanding work he has done this term in the DP Primary role. His support made my transition into the Principal role significantly smoother. I would also like to thank all staff for their encouragement and support as I navigated the term - your collaboration has been greatly appreciated. We are all looking forward to welcoming Ava back next term.
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I wish you all a safe and restful holiday break.
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E WHAI AKE (Coming up) . . .
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Tuesday 30th June Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Thursday 2nd July Kawakawa Coffee House - Ancient Histories Festival, 5:30pm - 8:45pm
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Thursday 2nd July PTA Meeting, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, Zoom
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Friday 3rd July Technology - Year 7's, 8:45am - 12:15pm, Avalon Intermediate
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Friday 3rd July LAST DAY TERM 2
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Saturday 4th July - Sunday 19th July SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
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Monday 20th July FIRST DAY TERM 3
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Tuesday 21st July [CANCELLED] Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Primary Production - The Dream Factory Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th August
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PTA Disco Friday 14th August
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BOT/Council Hui Wednesday 19th August
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Area School MoE Teacher's Day (AREA SCHOOL CLOSED; PRESCHOOL REMAINS OPEN) Monday 24th August
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Māori Language Week Monday 14th - Friday 18th September
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BOT/Council Hui Wednesday 16th September
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Peace Day Monday 21st September
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Kawakawa Coffee House Thursday 24th September
LAST DAY TERM 3 Friday 25th September
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Term Accounts
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Please make sure your term accounts are settled before the end of the term. Sharon sent out statements last week to those who pay by regular direct credit to confirm account balances. If you still require a current statement or clarification of account information, you can contact her directly at sharond@waora.school.nz.
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At the end of each term, our librarian Hannah collects all Primary-issued books to ensure none are missing. We kindly ask whānau to check at home for any school library books and return them this week. The only exceptions are tamariki who are doing projects that will continue into next term OR if they are partway through a long novel. However, in both these situations they need to have a conversation with Hannah first.
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Books not returned will be invoiced to whānau in Term 3.
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Kawakawa Coffee House
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Kawawkawa whānau are invited to join us this Thursday 2nd July for Kawakawa's Ancient Histories Coffee House Festival, an evening celebrating our ākonga's learning and creativity.
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Over the past ten weeks, students have explored Ancient Greece, the Indus Valley, the Maya and Persia, alongside their Occupations projects and Tūhura (specialist) learning. Families are invited to experience presentations, performances, exhibitions and interactive displays in an open festival format, moving between spaces throughout the evening.
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The Pop-Up Café opens from 5.30pm, with a menu inspired by the ancient civilisations studied this term. From 6.30pm, enjoy Mayan Football and a hands-on Ceramics Workshop before the festival officially begins with a welcome and karakia at 7.00pm.
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Please remember to dress warmly, as the evening includes moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. We also ask whānau to help create a positive experience by keeping conversations to a minimum during presentations, supervising younger tamariki, and staying for the closing karakia at approximately 8.15 pm.
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Our ākonga have worked incredibly hard this term and are excited to share their learning with you. We look forward to celebrating together as a Kawakawa community.
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Drama Club Cancelled Term 3 Weeks 1-4
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Drama Club will be taking a short break at the start of Term 3 while I focus on our upcoming production. Thank you to all the enthusiastic ākonga who have been involved so far this year.
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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!
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Week 1-Week 4 - NO Drama Club
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Week 5-10 - Drama Club every Tuesday 3:15-4:15
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Lost Property
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Please check the rack in the hallway at the Rātā class end of the deck for any of your child/ren’s clothing. The rack is very full with various items, and unclaimed items will be donated at the beginning of Term 3.
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With that in mind, the holidays are a great time to name all items of clothing, bags, drink bottles, etc., for the start of next term - and to also remind your child/ren to take care of their belongings. This really helps us return lost items quickly.
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The Dream Factory
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Tickets are now on sale for The Dream Factory!
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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).
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Entertainment Membership - Family Fun, Big Savings & Exciting Prize Draws This June
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With the school holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to start planning fun days out, family meals, local adventures, and future getaways together.
Throughout June, every Entertainment Membership purchased not only unlocks incredible savings on dining, attractions, travel and experiences, but also gives supporters the chance to win a $5,000 Entertainment Travel Voucher. Plus, every Membership purchased this year goes into the draw to win an unforgettable expedition to Antarctica.
We are also thrilled to announce that from Friday 26th June - Wednesday 1st July, we will be running a Buy One Membership, Get One Free promotion, giving supporters even more value!
For just $75, an Entertainment Membership helps families make the most of the school holidays and beyond, with thousands of offers available across Australia, New Zealand and Bali, while turning everyday spending into valuable fundraising support for your cause.
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Support Wā Ora and buy your membership here.
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Celebrating Our Alumni
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We would like to congratulate former Wā Ora Montessori ākonga Mika Hayashi (Yuuki and Nozomi's older sister), who is currently representing Aotearoa New Zealand at the World Music Championship in Kerkrade, the Netherlands, as a member of the Wellington Brass Band.
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Mika attended Kawakawa and Tāwari from 2020 to 2024, and we are incredibly proud to see her performing on the world stage.
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We wish her and the Wellington Brass Band every success as they represent New Zealand in this prestigious international competition.
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Congratulations Mika - we know our Wā Ora community will be cheering you on from home!
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Congratulations to our HuttFest 2026 Kapa Haka Rōpū
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A huge congratulations to our Preschool, Primary and High School kapa haka rōpū, who proudly represented Wā Ora Montessori at HuttFest 2026 last week.
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Our tamariki and rangatahi performed with confidence, pride and mana, sharing their hard work and dedication with the wider community. A special congratulations goes to our High School kapa haka rōpū, who took to the HuttFest stage for the very first time. This was a significant milestone for Wā Ora, and we are incredibly proud of the courage and commitment shown by them all.
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A special thank you to Michaela, Krista, Tara, Phaedra, Tenake, Sianne and Sarah-Jane for their passion, guidance and commitment to our kapa haka programme. Their encouragement, leadership and countless hours of preparation made these performances possible and helped our tamariki and rangatahi shine on stage.
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Ka mau te wehi to everyone involved, we couldn't be prouder.
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Coming Up
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Upcoming Meetings:
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Thursday 2nd July (via Zoom)
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Tuesday 20th July (in person)
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Creative Writing Workshop for 10-14 years
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The Learning Connexion - Holiday Programme
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Matariki and School Holiday Fun at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve!
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Matariki is a wonderful time for tamariki and whānau to connect with nature, reflect on the year gone by and celebrate together.
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Ngā Manu has some fun activities planned for Matariki:
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- Friday 10 July: Matariki Nature Workshop from 10am, 60 minutes
- Pot your own seedling
- Make your own pūrerehua (bush telephone)
- Make a bug hotel
- Saturday 11 July: Kiwi & Cat Mānawatia a Matariki screening, 11am, 90 minutes - Enjoy a hot chocolate and popcorn while watching 10 episodes of this iconic cartoon duo
- Sunday 12 July: The Penguin & the Sea Monster Puppet Show, 11am, 60 minutes - Join String Bean Puppets for a magical adventure featuring penguins, sea creatures and plenty of laughs.
To celebrate the school holidays, we are also offering 30% off two of our most popular experiences:
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- Kiwi Night Encounter
- Native Bird Close Encounter
When booking your experience, enter the Discount Code LOCAL30.
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Please note that the 30% discount offer is available exclusively to residents of the Greater Wellington Region and Horowhenua between the dates 4 – 19 July 2026.
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Both experiences are recommended for children aged 7 years and over.
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Naenae FC Women's Open Day
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Girls Boxing - Naenae Boxing Academy
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Inter-Zone Cross Country
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On Tuesday the 16th of June, we had 10 children from Wā Ora represent our school at the Inter-Zone Cross Country at McEwen Park in Petone. The day started off cold and wet, but warmed up and was a beautiful day. Our children ran their best and had very positive attitudes. Congratulations to Spencer Tysoe, Ahfaaz Mohammed, Charlie Humphries, Corey Parkin, Willow German, Aria Blake, Tom Tom Woodson, Jesse Horspool, Charlotte Jellicoe and Arthur Watt. We would like to say a huge thank you to Nikkie German for stepping in at last minute to help support our tamariki at this event.
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Since Jesse Horspool placed 4th out of the year 6 boys, he will be competing at Regionals this Tuesday 30th of June at Harcourt Park. Good luck Jesse!
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Badminton
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Another great match for Sophie and Benjamin this week. They both won their singles games and the doubles was point for point through much of the game, with the opposition pulling away for the win at the end. Sophie and Benjamin have had a great season and went into the semifinals in second place for their grade. Looking forward to the finals next week!
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Basketball
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This week is the finals of basketball for Term 2. It has been a fantastic term! We would like to say a huge shout-out to Kunaal Sologar, Steve Lowther and Richard Hoffman for coaching our teams. We are very excited to have all three of you as our coaches again for Term 3. We would also like to acknowledge Leah Hoffman for managing teams behind the scenes and keeping things running smoothly.
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