Term 3, Week 3, 28/7/2025 - 1/8/2025
From the Principal's Desk
Kia ora koutou katoa, Greetings Parents and Caregivers
Another interesting start to the week with storms, floods and even a Tsunami. At these times we really need to pull together as a community to ensure there are systems in place to ensure safety for everyone.
Mid-Year Reports and Interviews
A huge thanks to the parents/caregivers who came to the interviews (catch-ups). These were important to better understand the new curriculum and reporting expectations. We will follow up with catch-ups if needed.
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, so still need more by next Wednesday, 6th of August. 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 available at school.
AIMS Games
Congratulations on the students who are practising on their fitness and skills related to the AIMS Games. It was great to hear the excitement about the fundtraising they are doing to get to help cover costs.
Tree Planting
Next Tuesday, the 5th of August or the 12th of August. We are taking Room 6 and 7 to help plant 800+ trees on local farms. Next year our aim is to plant trees and bushes around the school.
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 - Leo Goodwin, Alice Probett
Room 2 - Charlotte Hayes, Olive Hansby
Room 3 - Gihansa Perera, Billie Goodwin, Thea Pavitt
Room 4 - Brock Norriss, Aurelia McDonald
Room 5 - Hugo Popadich, Jake Brockett
Room 6 -George Roach, Isla Walker
Room 7 - Isla Bowen, Lucy Bramley
Principal Awards - Alex - A great community asset, Congratulations on being an envrio hero.
Sports
Year 7&8 Netball
The Networks game against the Comets was a challenging yet competitive game. The Comets came out on top but the Networks did take out the second quarter. Thea and Anita demonstrated great interchange in and out of the circle. Bella an amazing amount of intercepts, Reiver all over the court as always, Aila showed great timing and driving forward. Thank you to Ana and Isla for stepping up to play for the Networks. Player of the day went to Nyx for forcing an outstanding intercept, fantastic effort and attitude all year.
Yr 5/6 netball - the Fireballs, took on the Te Renenga Tui’s this week, their last Weds night of the season. Tis the season of sickness which meant the Fireballs had a few down. It was hard fought right from the get go with the wild squall kicking in just before we took the court. The Tui’s came out firing, with their shots going in with ease. Great defence by Emme, Isla and Ella, doing their best to disrupt their flow. Great midcourt action from Kaia, Ana and Flo trying their best to get the ball down to our end. Ava Smith and Kate did well too with tips leading to the fireballs getting loose ball. All round, a good effort from the Fireballs, but the Tui’s taking the win. Player of the day went to Ella for running into space and a large amount of catches and passes. Well done team!
Up and coming events
Term 3
Week 4
Monday, 4th of August - Police Education Officer, Constable Brian Connors, works with us on safety on bus runs. Helping to train bus monitors.
Tuesday, 5th of August - Tree planting for Rooms 6 and 7.
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.
Week 5
Tuesday, 12th of August - Tree planting for Rooms 6 and 7.
Rock Stars at Whenuakite!
Room 2 during writing.
Room 3 students doing a shared reading lesson with Whaea Lucy.
Room 4 students in a group reading lesson
The most famous class this week goes to Room 2 for gaining enough DOJO points to have a dress up day. A big thanks to Jen - aka "Winnie the Pooh"