Term 3, Week 2, 21/7/2025 - 25/7/2025
From the Principal's Desk
Kia ora koutou katoa, Greetings Parents and Caregivers
WOW what an amazing week and doesn't having a bit of sunshine make life a bit easier. Last week we were stuck inside. This week the fields are open.
Mid-Year Reports and Interviews
Today, 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. This is a TOD, however if parents attend the interviews students will be marked present for the day. The interviews are only 15 minutes and we need to stick to a very tight schedule, so please be there a few minutes before we start and we will have seating outside of each room.
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 and we now have 4 nominations. Please contact us if interested, and you are more than welcome to come to our next BOT meeting at school in Room 2 on Thursday, 21st of August.
Below is information about being a BOT member and the process to nominate. More nomination forms at school.
AIMS Games
On Tuesday we had a meeting in regards to the AIMS Games. We have taken minutes and will share. Main focus now for students is fundraising, training and being up to date with their school work.
Thanks, Nga mihi, Gary Veysi - Principal
Board Of Trustees
From the Board of Trustees
In September, we will hold our 3-yearly BoT election. The BoT is an important part of our school in that it provides governance and advice to the teaching staff at our school. The BoT makes policy and financial decisions and represents the school community. A number of the current BoT members have indicated they will not be standing for election, so it is important that we get some nominations for candidates, particularly those with skill and experience in property, policy and health and safety. If you have any questions, please contact me on 027 837 6004. Nomination forms are at the front desk. Thank you for your support. Ray
Fundraising Team AGM Wrap-Up & Chairperson’s Report
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our recent Fundraising Team AGM - we were thrilled to see our best turnout yet! Your presence, questions and interest in what we do make all the difference. An extra warm welcome (and round of applause!) to those who’ve already put their hands up to join the crew - we’re so excited to have you onboard.
If you didn’t make it this time but have been thinking about getting involved… consider this your friendly nudge 😉. Whether you’ve got a little time or a lot, there’s a place for everyone, and your help really does have a massive impact on what we can achieve for our tamariki.
Below is my Chairperson’s Report from the AGM, reflecting on a record-breaking year and a truly incredible team effort.
As I reflect on the Carnival that was, it’s impossible not to start with a massive thank you. To every single person who gave their time, energy, ideas, and muscle - thank you. It truly takes an army to pull off an event of this scale, and while our team may be small, we are mighty. Together, we achieved phenomenal results that speak to the strength of our community spirit. The Cooks Beach Summer Carnival was nothing short of exceptional this year, marking our best year ever, with over $40,000 raised for our tamariki and kura. That’s not just a number - that’s real, tangible impact for our school and students. As always, the Carnival had that special buzz - the holiday magic, the laughter, the crowds, and yes, even the weather played ball. It remains a summer highlight for both our local community and the wave of holidaymakers who come back year after year. This year was also about rebuilding and re-energising the team. With some fresh faces stepping into key roles, we didn’t just stay afloat - we absolutely knocked it out of the park. Our meetings were a great mix of productivity and good banter, and that camaraderie helped build the kind of morale and team spirit that makes volunteering not just meaningful, but genuinely enjoyable. On the day, the crowd favourites delivered once again. The permanent spot for Daisy Dung Drop proved a winner, and there was plenty of buzz about how we can level it up even further for 2026, as always a massive thank you to Richardsons Cooks Beach for their ongoing support of this event. Cooks Got Talent brought the vibes and gave the Carnival that extra spark. Audience engagement went next-level thanks to the Winning Wheel, proudly supported again by the fabulous crew at CFM, whose community spirit never fails to impress. A special thank you as well to all of our amazing local businesses for sponsoring such a huge range of prizes - your support truly makes a difference. Mussel Fritters? As always, an early sell-out. Food trucks? A big hit - catering to all tastes and warmly received by the crowds. Our games area continued to be a highlight for the younger ones, though we know there’s room for refinement. But what’s exciting is the fresh energy from our new volunteers who’ve jumped in with ideas and enthusiasm, ready to make that space something really special in the years to come. Of course, no big event comes without its lessons. From streamlining school stalls to improving volunteer comms and reviewing health and safety measures - we’ve got a list, and we’re already working on implementing changes to make next year even smoother. A particular shout out goes to Gary for the initiative in organising the storage container - this truly was a game changer, sparing our volunteers the dreaded early-morning trailer runs. A small change, but a big impact. In addition to the Carnival, this year also saw us take on a special fundraising project to help purchase a mini van for the school. This van will be an invaluable asset, supporting our students and staff with EOTC trips, sporting events, and more. We were fortunate to receive a generous grant, and as a committee we raised close to $15,000 with the Board of Trustees kindly topping up the remainder. A huge shoutout to the sub-committee who moved quickly and effectively to make this fundraiser such a major success. So once again, on behalf of the entire executive team, I want to say the HUGEST thank you to everyone involved in making this the most successful Carnival in our school’s history. Our hope is that new families feel inspired to jump in boots and all and help carry this incredible tradition forward. The resources and opportunities this fundraiser provides for our kids are priceless - and something many schools only dream of.
The Whenuakite School Fundraising Team
Pet Day Wednesday 17th September 2025
School Carnival 2026 - Pet Day, Local Farming Families - Daisy Dung Drop – Can Your Calf Help?
Our much-loved Daisy Dung Drop raffle is one of the biggest fundraisers at our School Carnival, helping to support valuable resources and opportunities for our kids.
This year, we’re on the lookout for a friendly calf to take centre stage at the carnival – and with Pet Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to find one!
If your child is raising a calf for Pet Day, it could be the next Daisy! We’d love families to consider whether their calf might be suitable for the big event. After Pet Day, it’s important to keep up the care and handling so your calf stays friendly and calm for carnival day.
Thank you for your support – it really makes a difference! Contact April if you can help 0274224988
Being a K.I.T.E Kid Awards
Certificates presented to: -
Room 1 - Mabel Drewitt Fisher, Maddie Spyve
Room 2 - Billy Dozell, Kaiser-Ray James-Tairua
Room 3 - Lochlann Riddle, Emme Stephens
Room 4 - Zoe Dalgety, Kassie Pearce
Room 5 - Olivia Goldsworthy, Gavin Perera
Room 6 - Archie Hansby, Catliya Wickrama Arachchige
Room 7 - Alex McLean, Israel Matson
Principal Awards - River - Giving 100% and supporting our school to be a better place.
Sports
U10s Red Rockets. - This week we traveled over to Thames to play the Thames Dragons. It was a tough game with Thames taking the win 6-1.
Year 3/4 Netball Tournament Te Aroha - All the girls had an amazing day playing in Te Aroha. They all had lots of fun & their confidence & skills shone throughout the day. Featuring Hot Chocolates in the Campervan between games. Thank you to Leigh & Lucy for making this opportunity a success. Lacey Fraser, Kassi Pearce, Indi Haywood, Thea Pavitt, Olivia Goldsworthy, Emme Stephens
Yr 5/6 netball - The Fireballs - had a bye this week, but used the time wisely with drills and half court! I pity the team up against these girls next week, they are pumped and amping to finish this season on a high!
Flames Netball Team year 7&8 - What a game! The Flames showed incredible teamwork in tonight’s match. After a tough first quarter, the team steadily clawed their way back each quarter to take a thrilling 16–15 win.
There were standout defensive intercepts, slick midcourt movement with excellent space creation, and confident, accurate shooting thanks to sharp circle feeding. It was fantastic to see the team putting their training into action on game night!
Players of the Day was shared between Charlie, for her outstanding feeding and shooting stats, and Pippa, for her impressive defensive turnovers. A well-earned win and a performance to be proud of – go Flames!
The Networks Team year 7&8 - The Networks showed resilience in a game of two halves, coming back strong after a tough first half to win the second, holding MBAS Comets to just five goals. Key moments included sharp intercepts by Reiver, dynamic drives from Thea and smart plays from Anita in the circle. Aila Wills earned Player of the day for her outstanding defensive pressure at WA, disrupting the opposition's feeds and forcing turnovers.
Whenuakite U12s - Due to the school fields being too wet the U12s shifted their home game against Hauraki Plains to to Cooks Beach Central Reserve. A fantastic morning was had by all, with Whenuakite taking the 4-1 win. A big thank you to all who came and supported our team, it was fantastic to see members of the wider community come out to cheer the kids on. We have shifted our home game for this Saturday to Cooks Beach again with a 9am kick off against Mercury Bay, hope to see you all there!
Pony Club
On Sunday 3 Whenuakite Kids attended the Mercury Bay Pony Club Prizegiving. They did amazingly well. All 3 achieved trophy placements in the junior division with some ex whenuakite students (Casey Ramage, Sarah-Kate Lusby & Talia Coory) in the intermediate and college divisions.
Ana van Beynen won the MBPC Junior Dressage and Show jumping cups
Raewyn won the Junior turn out & attendance. Also attended Ballendene event
Isla Walker won the First Year Rider trophy after a noted challenging year
Working with ponies is rewarding, fun, but at times challenging with even the best riders/ponies. So well done on your achievements team.
AIMS games HipHop fundraiser
We have our first HipHop crew entered into the AIMS games this August. The crew are having a stall this Saturday 26th July, 9am–1pm at the CoroClub Hangar, located near the Whitianga Airfield. Proceeds will go towards their trip.
Up and coming events
Term 3
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 Survival programme. We need parent help for this trip.
Thursday 31st of July - Electives - 2nd Rotation
Week 4
Wednesday 6th of August - Nominations Close for the Board Of Trustees
Thursday 7th of August - Electives - 3rd Rotation
Mercury Bay Area School Cross Country for age 8 -13
Music with Rata
Music lessons are now available Monday and Tuesday. If you would like your child to be involved please pop in and see Rata in the LSC space.
Mr Veysi's Rock band
Jaxon, Hunter and Alex are helping us fill up the potholes.
