Tēnā koutou e te whānau whānui o Te Kura o Puketapu,

The end of the school year is upon us and I am sure you are all looking forward to a well-deserved break over Christmas. I have been fortunate this year to continue as board chair and I am well supported by a passionate and dedicated board. I would like to acknowledge our outgoing board member, Marnie Reinfelds for her commitment to our board over the past three years and welcome Meg Corin to the team. I am grateful to be surrounded by the talented, caring group of parents that make up our board.

Although the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities subsided slightly this year, we saw a dramatic increase of sickness in general, affecting not only our children but staff as well. I must commend our senior leadership team for constantly juggling learning spaces and teachers to help keep as much consistency as possible for our learners.

I also acknowledge those students whom are leaving Puketapu this year. Everything that has a beginning must have an end; a few years back, you all came to our kura as charming, enthusiastic and little students and now you’re leaving as matured almost-teenagers willing to face any real-world challenge. Be yourself, whatever the circumstances will be. Watch the company you will have. Choose your friends wisely and be diligent in pursuit of your passions. Last but not least, wherever you are continuing your schooling, kia kaha, kia ora, kia māia, kia manawanui!

This is not just a week to acknowledge our graduating class but also to celebrate the parents, family and friends who work so hard to make sure their children succeed. We are extremely lucky to have such a supportive group of parents and caregivers who are dedicated to our school.

On behalf of the board, I wish to extend my gratitude to the Acting Principal Corinne Sattler for her dedication in leading our school in what has been a challenging year. Miss Sattler quietly goes about her mahi inspiring and nurturing and for this we should be thankful. To the senior leadership team and all our teachers and support staff, our school continues to deliver on its strategic plan, continues to grow leaders of tomorrow and to provide a healthy place for learning; we are grateful to have you all.

To our community of Puketapu School, be kind to one and another, enjoy the summer break and we look forward to welcoming you all back in 2023 – mauri ora!

Paul Rauputu

Presiding member, Puketapu School Board

After 4 years of being at Puketapu School I have decided to move back into high school teaching, and will be working in the art and technology departments at Spotswood College in 2023, as a year 9 and 10 kaiako.

I have had an amazing time at Puketapu School and it has been an absolute privilege to create the Design Technology program within the school. I have had lots of help and support along the way, from my colleagues, the senior leadership team, the board and some amazing parents that have come along for the ride. The program that I have run really would not have been as good as it has been without the help of these people, so thank you!

While it is sad to say goodbye to the tamariki at Puketapu School, I will be joining 5 of our current year 8 students, and many more from the last 3 years. I am excited that I will be able to see how they have grown into young adults and help celebrate their successes. I hope to see many more Puketapu kids in the future when they come to Spotswood College.

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind"

It is sad to come to the end of my Puketapu journey. I have enjoyed growing and developing over these last four years and look forward to the next chapter. I appreciate all the support given through all my health challenges and study. Puketapu has been a special part of the journey, and I have made many special memories and connections.

Ngā mihi nui David.

After a whirlwind 12 months at Puketapu, I’ve decided to move on so I can be closer to home and give more time to my wife and children and their extra curricular activities. This will see me moving to Vogeltown Primary School to take up a position teaching Year 5 & 6 students. I have really enjoyed my time here and have learnt so much in such a short time. I’d like to thank the staff, students, and Puketapu community for being so welcoming and supportive and I would like to wish everyone the very best for their future endeavors.

Until next time,

Arohanui, Mr Goodwin

Recently I was asked by a new student what the kids at Puketapu School call me. Well, I replied, Miss Sowman, Whaea Kim, just Whaea, Mum, Aunty Kim and sometimes just Kim. Ahh he said. I think I'll just call you Multi Named Miss... and he does.

What a privilege it has been to be all of those things to so many beautiful children over the past 10 years. Luckily, even though my years of teaching at Puketapu School are coming to an end I will still be a part of the Puketapu whanau as Erin's mum. Many of my memories at Puketapu involve yummy food, glitter, mud, crazy dancing and bubbles but my best memories involve lots of hugs and feeling loved. Thank you for all your kindness over the years and I will definitely see you around.

Donated by former Principal, Mr Alan Smith, first awarded in 2006 to Misikei Fonoti.

This award is offered to the boy and girl, or boys and girls, in Year 8 who meet the following criteria:

• They exhibit a respectful attitude towards themselves, and in their dealing with others

• They exhibit high standards of personal conduct and of personal effort in their learning and in their social relationships

• They are an excellent role model to other students in the school

• They have evidence of strong school involvement

• They have a positive attitude towards the philosophies of the school and to the people they work with, teachers and students

• They exhibit the principles of ‘fair play’ in all sporting and cultural activities

• They prove to be a ‘good friend’ to their peers

Congratulations... Tayla Gorrie

Puketapu Arts Award

The purpose of this award is to encourage and celebrate the arts and performance. Students eligible have made an Exceptional Contribution to Performing Arts:

• Demonstrate an understanding of what a Performing Arts really is

• Be an inspiration to others and have the ability to coach younger, less experienced students in the skills of Performing Arts.

• Able and willing to take part in any formal or informal, production, concert or play.

• Confident in fronting an audience.

Congratulations to... Kingston Benton

• Excellence in Sports (School, Provincial, National Representative Teams)

• Participation in and out of school

• Team member – acceptance of rules and other persons

• Attitude - Giving back to sport (e.g. coaching), determination, self-drive

• Leadership qualities

• Role Model

• Fair play

• Individual commitment

• Pride in achievement

Congratulations to.... Poutama Murray

Mainfreight Duffy Award for Academic Excellence

Donated by our Duffy major sponsor Mainfreight. First awarded to Jeremy McMillan in 1997.

The purpose of this award is to encourage academic success in the classroom. It will be awarded to the highest achieving Year 8 student based on their educational and academic achievements. This award is based on the following criteria:

• Achievement in school-based assessment and evaluation
• Results of standardised testing
• Demonstrate commitment to learning in all academic areas (i.e. all seven learning areas)
• Demonstrate high motivation, initiation, integrity, intellectual depth and leadership judgement
• Participation and success in external curricula events

Congratulations to... Nate Stainthorpe

Mataatua Taonga

Tamariki must

• Be secure in the knowledge of his / her ancestral links

• Positively model leadership in Maori Culture through a variety of opportunities, eg Tikanga, te Reo, Kapahaka etc.

• Demonstrate self-worth, self-esteem and personal pride in his or her attitude, behaviour or demeanour

• Display physical, spiritual and emotional well-being and knowledge and respect for him/herself and others

Congratulations to... Māhinarangi Rutene and Harper Sutherland

• Always comes to their Design Technology (DT) class open to learning
• Enthusiastic about DT and learning DT through a variety of methods
• High interest in Food Technology
• Goes above and beyond - continues to learn and practice cooking (and/or other technologies) at home
• Helps others in class

Congratulations to...Marcel Engels

The purpose of this award is to acknowledge and recognise the involvement in the corporate life of the school and the contributions these students in these year groups make.

• Excel in modelling and living all our school School Values (Kia Manawanui, Kia Māia, Kia Ora, Kia Kaha)
• Demonstrate intrinsic behaviours in Class, Whānau Groups and School opportunities.

Congratulations to... Adelle Robinson and Lachlan Waldron

From clay to flowers, weaving, modelling, painting and poetry, we have loved learning and exploring this theme and it has been wonderful to show off our creations to our whanau.

Open your Hero app, select the childs name, select learning Rimu/Totara/Kowhai or Kauri - here you will be able to view your childs 2022 report.