Kia ora parents, caregivers, and extended whanau

I won't pretend to be a faithful Warriors supporters, although I couldn't help but pick up on the hype surrounding their long awaited NRL return to New Zealand. So I tuned in. I must say that I had goosebumps when they walked onto Mt Smart stadium field on Sunday afternoon. The massive and adoring crowd resembled a sea of blue. The Warriors, clearly playing with pride and high emotion, ended their seven game losing streak by beating the West Tigers. It makes you think about how important the sense of belonging and security that being back at home in familiar surroundings brings. That alone was enough to inspire a team that only weeks before had looked like a social grade rugby league team. Clearly, they are much better than that and are very capable players, but it shows how much a positive and settled wairua has on an individual and ultimately the team collective. Their performance was symbolic of something very important and wider reaching than the sports field.

Need to know: Teacher Only Days

We have two teacher only days set for the remainder of the school year. One in term 3 and the other is in term 4. The first of which is set for the 12th of August where staff will be doing professional development on the new Aotearoa Histories Curriculum. The term 4 T.O.D is set for the 4th of November which is report writing and planning day for teachers.

Playground update

As expected, the wet weather has made the senior playground very boggy underfoot. The BOT are awaiting a quote for an extensive drainage system to be installed prior to the new playground being constructed. Work will likely commence once the worst of winter passes.

I was pleasantly surprised by my team on Monday morning. We normally have a quick hui before the bell rings to set the kaupapa for the week. Mrs Hancock announced that it is Tu Meke Tumuaki week (principal appreciation week). I had no idea, but apparently it is a new initiative from NZEI (primary educators union). So I will get to enjoy a lovely morning tea on Friday. I am looking forward to it.

Get to the library!

Please take your children to the Pukekohe library early in the holidays even after school this week and load up on reading material. You will be surprised how many books you can issue at one time (35 max per card holder), so bring a hobby cube. Better still, if you need a bit of respite, or your child needs some creative time send them to the library to participate in the holiday programme which runs everyday from 10.30-11.30am. See the programme below. Tell them I sent you, they will be expecting Patumahoe kids there.

As always thank you for your support throughout term 2. It has been the first full term of 'normal' learning for some time. We have appreciated having you in our corner as we try to make 2022 a great year of learning for your child and a positive one for you as parents. I hope you do something good for your wairua (spirit) and your hauora (wellbeing) over the term break. If you can, try to put those cellphones away or put them on silent and be totally present in whatever you are doing.

Enjoy the rest of the week and enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday break. I intend to head to the Auckland museum next week to check out the Ancient Greek exhibition.

Go well

Noho ora mai

Jade Tawhiti

Our new Tumuaki

Work is well underway for a search for our new principal and have engaged a specialist company (Edsol NZ) to manage the process. The Board still retain full decision making throughout the process. Early indications are good with a lot of interest. Part of this process was asking for feedback from the community, we thank those who were able to provide some valuable feedback. We have also asked staff and will also look for some of the students thought too. Applications will close late July with shortlisting and interviews early August.

Board of Trustee Elections

These are coming up again for 3 of the board members. The appointment is a 3 year cycle, and is staggered to help with continuity. Nomination forms will be coming out soon with election to be held in September.

School Strategic Plan

Work has begun on the new Strategic Plan for 2023 and beyond. This replaces the School Charter model that has been in place for many years. This process started in late 2021 when we canvassed the community and staff about the vison for the school. NZ School Trustee Association are helping us with this and we look forward to sharing more with you as the year progresses.

Mike Greig

Presiding member (Chairperson)

Patumahoe School Board

Parent Election Notice

Nominations are open for the election of 3 parent representatives to the school board.

All eligible voters will receive a nomination form. Use this form to nominate yourself or someone in your community. You will also receive a nomination cover letter calling for nominations. Information on who is not eligible to be a board member is provided with the nomination form.

If you need more nomination forms, contact the school office.

Nominations close at noon on 3rd August 2022 You may provide a signed candidate statement and photograph with your nomination.

The electoral roll is held at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours.

As nominations are received, there will be a list of candidates’ names kept at the school up until election day, which you can view.

Voting closes at 4pm on 7th September 2022

Signed Margaret Stormont

Returning Officer

Horse loving Calf Club helper needed to help with Pony rides. If interested to help please contact Gabrielle Drury on 021 192 1542

• 07th July - Calf Club Demo Day
• 8th July - Term 2 Last Day 2.25 pm
• 25th July- Term 3 start
• 27th July - Board of Trustees Meeting 5pm
• 3rd August - Board of Trustees Nominations close at noon.
• 5th August- Franklin Gym Sports & Franklin Tackle Rugby day @ Patumahoe
• 5th August - Bean out for calf club
• 09th August - Year 3/4 Netball
• 10th August - Year 5/6 Netball
• 11th August- Parent Interviews and mid-year reports home
• 12th August- Teacher Only Day Aotearoa NZ Histories Curriculum
• 19th August - School Cross Country
• 24th August Central Group Cross Country
• 01st September - Zone Cross Country