|
Monday 31st August | Vol 36 Issue 27 | Term 3 Week 7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update from the Board of Trustees
Maryann Robertson - BoT Parent Rep
|
For those I haven't met yet, I'm Maryann Robertson, a parent representative on the Wā Ora Board of Trustees. This is my first newsletter piece, so I thought I'd start by saying kia ora and sharing a little about why you'll be hearing from the Board over the coming weeks.
|
One of the things I really value about Wā Ora is that we're not just a school; we're a community. Our tamariki, whānau, kaiako and staff all bring different experiences, perspectives and aspirations to that community, and those voices should help shape where we go next.
|
"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind."
|
I love this idea because it reminds us to look beyond what's happening for our children today and think about the people they're becoming, the communities they'll be part of, and the world they'll help shape.
|
That's something the Board has been thinking about carefully, especially with Ava's recent announcement that she'll be departing. As we begin the search for our next Principal, and continue to look ahead, your voice matters more than ever in helping us understand what our community needs from its future leadership. We don't want to do that thinking alone.
|
In the next couple of weeks, we'll be sending out our Community Engagement Survey, giving everyone in our community the chance to have your say about what matters to you.
|
We'll be asking about your hopes and aspirations for your tamariki — what you want them to gain from their time at Wā Ora and what skills, values and qualities you hope they develop. We'll also ask about your experience of our school community: what makes you feel connected and that you belong, how you'd rank our priorities as a school — from teaching and pastoral care to our bicultural partnership and our Montessori approach — and where you think we could grow.
|
You don't need to have perfectly formed answers or big ideas. We simply want to hear from you.
|
If you have been a part of Wā Ora for years or have only just joined us, your perspective matters. I'm really looking forward to hearing what our community has to say, and to helping bring those voices together as we think about what's next for Wā Ora.
|
|
|
|
E WHAI AKE (Coming up) . . .
|
|
|
|
Tuesday 1st September Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
|
|
Wednesday 2nd September Maths Club, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tāwari
|
|
Friday 4th September High School Tour, 10am - 11am
|
|
Saturday 5th September Working Bee, 9am - 12pm
|
Sunday 6th September Fathers Day
|
|
Tuesday 8th September Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
|
|
Wednesday 9th September Maths Club, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Tāwari
|
|
Friday 11th September Whānau Hui, 5pm - 7pm, Tōtara
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please check below for your eldest child’s name to attend the next working bee. Contact the office with any queries.
|
Saturday 5th September
|
|
|
|
|
Library Now Open on Thursday Mornings
|
|
The library will now be open from 8.30am - 9am on Thursday mornings before school. If you would like to come in with your child (or without them), you're welcome to come and check out our library space.
|
|
|
|
Primary Parent Education Evening
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tournament of Minds - Saturday 29th August 2026
|
This is the first time that Wā Ora has entered a team into this problem-solving tournament and there was a lot to learn! There are two aspects to the tournament: a 6 week challenge and a spontaneous challenge on the day. The team, the Creative Conquerors, was made up of Year 7 and 8 ākonga, but there were Primary and Secondary teams participating too.
|
Richard chose the team in Term two and did some spontaneous challenge training. This term was focused on the 6 week challenge which had to be completed by the team without adult input. The team chose The Arts as their discipline and creatively presented a M.C. Escher inspired 3D model integrating aspects of their chosen non-visual artist Roald Dahl. There was lots of team work, nerves and thinking outside the square!
|
Spencer - It wasn’t easy but it was definitely worth the work. I learnt about team work and groups skills. More speed less haste - doing things thoroughly along the way.
|
Elliotte - my TOM experience was fascinating and interesting. I really enjoyed performing our 6 week challenge.
|
Aria - it was hard making the model and it took up a bit of time. In the end it was fun - the performance was really fun.
|
Esra - It was challenging and fun but I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to doing it again next year.
|
Willow - it was fun and challenging and in the long term challenge it was really nice to see all the gears turning like well oiled machine and I thought we had really good teamwork throughout the day.
|
|
Lexi - for the spontaneous challenge I liked that we made a company that sold cacti and I really liked our slogan - “Our Spikiest Services for our Spikiest Customers”
|
|
|
|
|
Choir Camp in Napier
|
Last weekend, the High School’s choir went on Wā Ora’s first choir camp, to Napier. We were lucky enough to be able to collaborate with Napier Boys' Choir and the talented accompanist, and conductor of Altissime, Shawn Condon. We had the best time rehearsing at Napier Boys, exploring Napier, enjoying the various activities at Kennedy Park Resort, performing at the beautiful St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, and building a stronger sense of connection within our choir. Thank you Michael, Lottie, and Tanya, for organising and providing us with this opportunity. I hope we do it again next year!
|
Check out the photos and videos of us below!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P.T.A (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION)
|
|
|
Coming Up
|
Upcoming Meetings:
-
Tuesday 13th October, 7:30pm (location TBC)
|
|
|
|
|
Sonic Boom - A Concert for Families
|
Introducing SONIC BOOM! After SELL-OUT shows in the upper North Island - we are hitting the road and heading to Upper Hutt!
|
A high-energy live concert experience delivering the ultimate family night out! SONIC BOOM brings the excitement of a real rock concert to young audiences, packed with epic singalongs, huge dance moments, and nonstop fun.
|
Featuring some of New Zealand’s most experienced musicians, the band has decades of combined experience performing across New Zealand and around the world at festivals, major events, and live venues—bringing world-class musicianship and rockstar energy to every show.
|
Expect flashy guitar solos, bold costumes, big crowd interaction, and a show bursting with colour, surprises, and feel-good moments that kids (and parents!) will love.
|
The concert also stars 10-year-old drumming sensation Indy Monroe, fresh from performances at Christmas in the Park, Balloons Over Waikato, and the Americana Festival. Indy brings serious talent, big personality, and inspiring young-star energy to the stage.
|
Got a little one who loves to sing, dance, or air guitar? Come and give them an unforgettable first concert experience!
|
𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥!
K-Pop Demon Hunters
Katseye
Bruno Mars
Taylor Swift
Pharell Williams
Minions
Queen
Katy Perry
Chappell Roan
Bruno Mars & Rose
Cotten Eyed Joe - Rednex/ Minions
SING
Shakira
And more..!!
|
𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
Approx 1 Hour 15mins
|
𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧:
Tickets from $24 plus booking fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term 4 After School Sports Sign Up
|
Netball Years 1-4 (Includes preschool tamariki who have turned 5)
|
Touch Rugby Years 1-8 (Includes preschool tamariki who have turned 5)
|
Floorball Years 1-8 (Includes preschool tamariki who have turned 5)
|
|
|
|
Weetbix Kids TRYathlon 2027
|
We will be entering a school team into next year’s TRYathlon.
|
Distances are approximate and are as follows;
|
- 6 year olds 50m swim / 1.5km run
- 7 year olds 50m swim / 4km cycle / 1.5km run
- 8 – 9 year olds 100m swim / 4km cycle / 1.5km run
- 10 – 15 year olds 150m swim / 8km cycle / 1.5 km run
- Splash & Dash - 6 year olds only. Swim and run.
- Individual TRYathlete - 7-15 year olds. Swim, cycle and run.
- Teams of Two - 7-9 year olds (Juniors) and 10-15 year olds (Seniors). One team member does the swim, the other does the cycle, and both do the run.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
