Term 1, Week 8, 24/3/2025 - 28/3/2025

From the Principal's Desk

The Board of Trustees completed the final sign-off of the Analysis of Variance/School-Wide Assessment for 2024. These have been forwarded to the Government. The results were good and we are on track and improvements made, however, we are keen to ensure we see acceleration with our learners. From feedback from surveys, we have completed the 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan. This document is available for viewing from the office or on our website.

We still have a lot of learning to get through. The teachers and I have also been completing professional development as part of our strategic goals. This learning at the moment, is very much on Literacy and Numeracy.

Hockey 

We would like to thank Laura Stephenson who works for Thames Valley Hockey who came in and worked with all classes and will come back for more specific training. Our next skills - game day is Tuesday 1st of April. If parents could ensure that their child has suitable footwear - covered shoes for the day. If students don't have shoes they will not be able to join in. The students who have mouthguards and shin pads please also bring these.

Rippa Rugby

Well done to all the students and supporters who went to the Rippa Rugby at Te Aroha. We have 1 team that has made it to the finals being played in week 10. Chris will have more information out soon.

School and Community Minivan

Below is the information in regards to the raffle, next week we will be sending home packs for families to help support the selling. If families also know businesses where the tickets could be sold please let us know.

Tech/Arts for Year 7/8 students

We have been in discussions with Mercury Bay Area School about technology on Friday and with the numbers increasing we are splitting into three groups with the extra option being Performing Arts.

Future dates and events for term 2

In term 2 we will be focusing on the "Cool Schools" programme. We have a Teacher Only Day on Friday 30th of May 2025. Parents/community are more than welcome to join us, just rsvp to principal@whenuakite.school.nz. We are also looking at programmes that support positive relationships, social development and building friendships.

Thanks, Nga mihi Gary Veysi - Principal

Changes to the sports field

We are having to make changes to our field due to changes asked by Football NZ to make the field larger to meet the standards for the football teams. We have to move the rugby posts and the outdoor cover and re-position it closer to the fence. We will be lifting up the outdoor cover and putting it closer to the fence. We will be doing this in the next few weeks and any help is appreciated. Please contact Mat - Mathew@whenuakite.school.nz , or ring the school if you can help with this project

Fundraising For Our New School Minivan

A raffle has been set up to help fundraise for our much-needed new school minivan coming in July.

All of our children (and parents) will benefit from this by making school trips and weekend sports excursions more accessible and affordable for everyone.

First Prize $2000 Second Prize $500

There are 2000 tickets to be sold at $10 per ticket - you do not need to be present to win 

Many thanks to Richardsons Cooks Beach, Cleanline Building & LB Construction, and The Whitianga Warehouse for sponsoring this fundraiser.

The more tickets you sell the more money we will have for the minivan. 

We will also have lucky draw prizes and prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd most sold tickets and for Top Sellers

Things to note:

(1) Children must get approval from their parents to sell tickets.

(2) Children should never sell tickets alone - think who could help sell them.

(3) Use your amazing Whenuakite values and manners to sell tickets.

(4) Wear a school uniform (borrowed from school if needed) because it looks official.

(5) Use the information sheet attached to help you sell the tickets

 Info to explain

To Whom It May Concern

Our school’s major mid-year fundraiser for 2025 is to help us purchase a school-owned minivan. My name is................................................and I am authorised to approach businesses and individuals to sell raffle tickets. 

All profits raised go towards getting our minivan and helping to cover running costs. The raffle will be drawn on 18th June  2025 at our school’s production in term 2.  Winners will be notified by phone and prize Money to be collected from Whenuakite School

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact Marianne 022 415 8064

Kind Regards the Whenuakite Fundraising Team, Principal Gary Veysi and all the teachers here at Whenuakite.

Being a K.I.T.E Kid Awards

Certificates presented to: -

Room 1 - Leo Goodwin, Charlie Farrance

Room 2 -Tulsi Stephens, Willow Frost

Room 3 - Tui Clow, Mika Illingworth

Room 4 -Fleur Eggmann, Sophie Jack

Room 5 -Kate Walker, Ashton Auricht, Satine Jackson

Room 6 -Isla Walker, Marley Tuinier

Room 7 - Hunter nVelvin-Turner, Riley James-Rameka

Principal Awards -  Indie-Rose Smith - For being amazing and working hard to complete her work to a high standard.

Ryder Coombe - For being kind and caring and helping others

House Groups and Points

We have lots of exciting games and challenges ahead. Leaders are you ready to lead your  House into the battle for next week in House Challenges to gain extra points for the House Shield 2025!

Well done Kotare for being the first House past 500 points. There will be a special treat for you next week!

Updated House Points

Social Skills

As a school we are looking into different social skills programmes to support our students with this important learning.  

As a first step we have asked Sherie Hughes our across school Learning Support Co-ordinator to come into school to observe in classrooms and the playground.  This will allow Sherie to make some suggestions around social skills programmes that may be helpful for us.  

Sports

We are pleased to announce that the code for free entry to the Whitianga Runfest for Whenuakite School students is: WHENUAKITEKIDS.

Congratulations to the eight students who have qualified for the Thames Valley Swimming competition.

Additionally, congratulations to the Whenuakite Ben Smith's Year 7 & 8 Boys Rippa Rugby team for qualifying for the Thames Valley Rippa Rugby Finals Day.

Athletics season wrap up

Earlier in the month Noa and Louie competed at the WAIBOP Athletics Championships in Tauranga, a highly competitive event with around 400 top junior athletes from 26 different clubs.
Louie had some tough competition in his age bracket and managed to make it through to the finals in both the 100m and 200m, and finished a very close 4th in the 400m.
Noa had a big number competitors in her age group and made it through to the 100m finals, as well as coming away with a bronze medal in the 800m and a silver in the 1500m, knocking a massive 10seconds off her PB time!
It was a great end to another successful season.

Our local Mercury Bay Athletics Club also finished up the season and their prize giving was held earlier in the week.
Noa was voted Highly Commended Senior Girl, Louie won Senior Sports Boy of the Year and Highly Commended Multi Athlete.
Sophie Jack also received an award for Highly Commended Multi Athlete and Marie Jack won Junior Sports Person of the Year as well as Highly Commended Junior Multi Athlete !!
Well done to all of you!!

Soccer

Up and coming events

Week 9

Life Education Truck

Hockey Skills on Tuesday 1st of April

House Group Challenges - All week

Juicy and Moosie Fundraiser - $2

Week 10

Attendance and House Reward

Shake Shack Fundraiser