Term 2, Week 2, 5/5/2025 - 9/5/2025
From the Principal's Desk
Kia ora kotou katoa, Greetings Parents and Caregivers
Attendance Matters
If your child is away, please let us know the reason, and this will help justify why they are away. If going away for more than 5 days, please write a letter to explain the reasons and how it could be linked to learning (an email is fine) to principal@whenuakite.school.nz. Then the Bot may approve this as justified off-site learning, which will then not affect your child's attendance.
Pātaka Kai
A big thanks to Katrina and Maxine from Bunnings and the Men's Shed Whangamatta for their donation of materials, goods and for making the pātaka kai.
In English, "pātaka kai" translates to storehouse or pantry, specifically a free food pantry. It's a Māori term for a place where people can leave food for others to take for free, encouraging a "take what you need, leave what you can" ethos. These pātaka kai are often community-led initiatives that help reduce food waste and provide access to food for those in need.
Pink Shirt Day
Next week we have our Pink Shirt Day, which looks at anti-bullying. This will link into some fun activities for students to be involved in to get House points. At the same time, we are working towards becoming a Peace Foundation member and running the Cool Schools Programme. Please provide a gold coin donation so we can pass it on to the Pink Shirt foundation. We will not be having a sausage sizzle at this event.
Music Lessons
We welcome Rata McMillan, who will be organising music lessons at the school. Please see the information below and contact her if you would like your child to take individual or small group lessons.
Lost Property
We are trying a new strategy with clothing/shoes going into a basket, and then Room 6 students taking any extras around the classrooms after lunchtime. Please name all clothing, as this helps get it returned to the owners.
Yummy Stickers
We are starting the Yummy Sticker fundraiser again, allowing us to get sports equipment and save money for other school areas. Information below to print off if needed, or gain extra recording sheets from the office.
MiniVan Update
The School and Bot are working on new policies/procedures, getting insurance and understanding how it can be maximised for the school. We will keep everyone updated when we have it ready to go for Whenuakite School groups. So again, keep working hard on the Raffles, your support has helped us get it!
Please be aware that due to insurance liabilities, at the moment we will be unable to hire the van to outside groups.
Thanks, Nga mihi Gary Veysi - Principal
Job advertisement at School
Learning Support Assistants
We are looking for kind and energetic people to support our learners and join our team. Specifically to support the transition of younger children into our school, and another role to work at different levels.
The two roles
1. fixed-term position until the end of the year, Monday to Wednesday, 9.00-1.00 pm. This position may also lead to full-time work.
2. fixed-term position until the end of the year, Monday to Friday, 9.00 - 3 pm
Preferred start date would be as soon as possible, but we are open to negotiation.
Please send an email of interest to nicola@whenuakite.school.nz by Friday, 23rd of May 2025.
Yummy Stickers
Fundraising For the Minivan
Thanks to everyone who have sold or returned your raffle ticket books. If you are having a hard time selling them, please bring them back to the office in the minivan box so other people can try to sell them. Payments can be made cash or by online banking in the following account: Whenuakite School Fundraising Team 031578001599100. Please make sure your 4-digit book number included as a reference. Thank you from the fundraising team.
A big thanks to the Whitianga Warehouse who has given us prizes, spot prizes and giveaways as incentives for the students/families to help keep us motivated as we sell tickets. We will do these at Friday's assemblies.
Being a K.I.T.E Kid Awards
Certificates presented to: -
Room 1 - Alice Probett, Yuhansa Wijesiriwardana
Room 2 - Huia Gemmell, Charlotte Hayes
Room 3 - Taj Yates, Fae Charles, Billie Goodwin
Room 4 - Arlo Guilford, Sparrow Sheriff
Room 5 - Hazel Matson, Kahu Gemmell
Room 6 - Charlie Bowen, Oscar O'Kane
Room 7 - Louie Jensen, Jesse Barnes, Whole class
Principal Awards - Luke - excellent ideas for his woodwork creations.
Iyla, Lucy, Sophie, Marie at the dawn parade at Cooks Beach
A big thanks to Iyla and Lucy who researched, wrote and delivered their speech at the ANZAC ceremony.
Asset disposal - Help please
As part of the financial audit we go through and dispose of some assets that are no good for school use. This is normally equipment like technology/furniture and ICT equipment that could be maximised by outside groups and or families. See below, we have 3 large TV screens and portable trolleys. If you know of anyone who would want them, please email principal@whenuakite.school.nz
Electives
The electives have started with a variety of activities for everyone. Students excited at the activities.
Technical design and drawing with geometrical shapes.
Leigh and Cecile working with our Enviro - Gardening group.
Students working with Matt and Neville doing woodwork projects.
Pataka Kai - Outdoor Pantry
Mihi Whakatau for our new visitors.
Pātaka Kai set up at the front of the school - ready to be used. Check every day for food that gets delivered!
Volunteers from the Whangamatā Men's Shed and some of our leaders are having kai after the mahi.
Up and coming events
Term 2 Week 3
Wednesday 14/5 - Pink Shirt Day