Term 3, Week 1, 14/7/2025 - 18/7/2025
From the Principal's Desk
Kia ora kotou katoa, Greetings Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to term 3! Unfortunately, we have had some wet and wild weather. This has caused huge problems with the grass areas and especially the large fields. We are in the process of getting support and hopefully some improvements. Unfortunately, until this can happen, we do need to close the fields and wait for better weather.
Mid-Year Reports and Interviews
Next Friday, we will be sending home reports in envelopes addressed to parents/caregivers. This will then be followed up with Parent/Caregiver and student interviews (catch-ups) on Monday, 28th of July. These are essential for everyone to attend to allow for better understanding of the new curriculum and new reporting expectations.
BOT Elections
The election for the new Board of Trustees (BOT) happens in September. Please be aware that we do need new members to join our team. Please contact us if interested, and you are more than welcome to come to our BOT meetings. Our next meeting date is at school in Room 3 on Wednesday, 23rd of July at 3.30 pm.
Below is information about being a BOT member and the process to nominate. More nomination forms at school.
AIMS Games Update
Our next catch-up meeting is Tuesday 22nd July, 3 -3.45 pm in Room 7.
Term 3 Overview
You should have received this last term; otherwise, this can be found on our website. SkoolLoop is being updated with new dates, information and times.
Fundraising committee
What a well-oiled machine! Firstly, a huge thanks and gratitude to the hard work of all members of the fundraising committee, special mention to Tracey for her clear guidance and vision, Melissa for managing the money/accounts, Mads for her inspirational ideas creating more revenue with the stalls and Kelly for her skills in gaining extra outside funding. This at the end of the day helps every single child at our school.
The team is making fantastic use of available funds, which are often doubled or even tripled through successful grant applications. The school currently has multiple projects underway, each requiring funding. Support from funds raised ensures we’re not constantly turning to parents to cover costs for EOTC activities, school productions, and other in-school opportunities.
In December 2024, the school secured a $200,000 grant from the Lotteries towards a court canopy. The total project cost is around $500,000, and the school is actively seeking additional funding through grants and other sources. Without an outdoor shelter, events like Athletics Day and Cross Country have been messy due to rain showers. These areas can also be used for many other purposes, including assemblies, bigger performances and a great meeting place for the wider community. The new covered space will also support school meetings and community events. Unfortunately, there will be no Ministry of Education (MoE) funding available for this project, and all maintenance and upkeep costs will fall to the school and community. A new board is about to be elected in September and this project will need to be confirmed by the board once the election process is complete.
Learning support staff continue to be a funding priority. While the school is hopeful that MoE will cover some or all of these positions, carnival funds provide a crucial buffer while that funding is being applied for and confirmed.
Another development is the sports field extension. A neighbouring piece of land has been made available. However, there are setup costs involved, including removing fencing, relocating the effluent field, and constructing new boundary fencing. We need quotes for earthworks and fencing from the community asap, and please email - principal@whenuakite.school.nz if you can help.
The school has received $150,000 from the MoE for our 5-year plan. This only covers general repairs and maintenance; it is also needed for Septic tank/Effluent and water tank upgrades/upkeep, building repairs. Most of these maintenance projects come with additional associated costs that the school must cover. This means budgets will remain tight over the next few years.
2024 Carnival Funds Requested
Funds raised at the 2024 carnival supported school shows, EOTC, teacher aides, support staff, camps, and more. While funding was initially requested for new netball and basketball hoops, these were later covered by a successful grant application. Looking ahead to 2025, carnival funds are intended to support school shows, trips, EOTC, support staff, the court cover project, and the leasing and development of the additional sports field area.
These are big projects and will need further community input, collaboration and support.
Thanks, Nga mihi, Gary Veysi - Principal
Cooks Beach Carnival Group AGM
We Still Need You!
Join the Dream Team Behind Our Biggest School Event. If interested in helping, contact Tracey 027 4773350
Our annual School Carnival isn’t just a fun-filled day of games, food, and community—it’s a vital fundraiser that raises up to $40,000 each year for our tamariki. That’s right—other principals and teachers dream of having something like this!
This incredible event helps fund the extras that truly elevate our children’s education, like new tech, sports gear, creative arts programs, shade sails, and playground upgrades. None of this would be possible without our amazing fundraising team.
We meet just once a month, and while yes, we get the job done, there’s also banter, laughs, and a real sense of fun and connection. It’s a team effort, and we need some fresh faces to help steer the ship:
Stalls Manager – Organise and oversee our epic range of stalls. You don’t need experience—just good vibes, a love for community spirit, and a stalls management system that comes with the role, plus a full handover and support until October (when most bookings are already locked in). This can totally be a two-person job—teaming up makes it easier and way more fun!
Volunteers Manager – Coordinate our incredible team of parent helpers on the day. If you’re friendly and a great communicator, this one’s for you!
Shadow Roles for Chairperson & Treasurer – Walk alongside our current team this year so you’re confident and ready to take the reins next time. It’s a smooth handover, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.
This is more than volunteering—it’s your chance to make a real difference, leave your mark, and be part of something other schools wish they had.
Even if you’re just a little curious, reach out! Let’s keep the magic (and the money!) going.
Welcome George Jennison to the team!
George Jennison is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Applied Counselling at MIT, and as part of my second-year practicum, He will be on placement at Whenuakite beginning in Term 3. Some students selected will get Information that will come home to allow them to work with George.
Being a K.I.T.E Kid Awards
Certificates presented to: -
Room 1 - Blake Thomson, Aart Laird
Room 2 - Erza Shortland, Roxy Dunn
Room 3 - Havana Gordon, Noah Probett
Room 4 -Jesse Thomson, Denny Stephen
Room 5 - Hunter Nicholson, Ruby Buchanan
Room 6 -Aila Wills, Ava Smith
Room 7 - Zeke Palmer, Ruby Bougen
Principal Awards - Indie -Rose Smith, for being an amazing ambassador for our school and helping with the trip to the Hahei Library.
Sports
Netball yr 5/6 - The Fireballs
Up against Te Rerenga Thunder this week, it was a game of 2 halves for the Fireballs. First quarter the thunder was up 4-1 with strong defence in our midcourt and circle by Emme, Ella and Ana making it difficult on the opposition. Half time it was a tense 6-1 and saw some changes for the second half for the Fireballs. Ava Smith shots were on point, but the Thunder were matching goal for goal. Great work by Flo, Ruby and Seazyn to try to hinder the Thunders onslaught but they proved to be too strong this week winning 23-7. We will get them next time Girls - great effort Fireballs! Player of the day was Emerson Orbell, for her great defence in the first half.
Yr 7-8
Networks v Tsunami
Up against strong opponents the Networks stayed focused, strong and worked hard as a team.
Player of the day went to Reiver for being "everywhere man", every ball, every position the entire game.
Hahei Library
Recently, we had a group of students visit the Hahei Library to thank them for their kind donation and support. At the same time Robyn and Pat helped the students find some new books to read.
If going to the Hahei Library, please support them with their fundraiser too!
Up and coming events
Term 3
Week 2
Tuesday 22nd of July - AIMS Games Meeting
Thursday 24th of July - George
Friday 25th of July - Mid year reports go home
Week 3
Monday 28th of July - TOD: Parent/Teacher interviews linked to the new reporting.
Tuesday 29th of July - Room 6 and 7 go planting on a local farm with the trees for the Survival programme
Out and about
Robyn and Pat are helping our students at the Hahei Library.
Some students in Room 6 students working on their maths textbooks.