20/02/2026

From the Principal’s Desk

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

What a fantastic start we’ve had to the year at Ngaere School. There has been a real sense of positive energy across our kura, and it’s been wonderful to see our tamariki settled, focused and highly engaged in their learning.

All classes now have their programmes fully up and running. Routines are well established, expectations are clear, and students are already showing pride in their progress. When relationships are strong and learning feels purposeful, our kura thrives.

Strengthening Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

A key focus for us this year is strengthening the way we support student wellbeing.

Under the leadership of Mrs Vicki Caldwell, we are providing a wider range of structured break-time options in both the library and the hall. These spaces allow students to find connection, calm, structured activity, or simply a quieter environment to recharge. This helps us cater for a wider range of needs across the school.

We are also pleased that Logan McDonald continues to work with us on Thursdays as our Child and Youth Mentor. Logan supports students with wellbeing needs and works alongside whānau when appropriate. If you feel your child may benefit from this support, please get in touch.

Music at Ngaere School

Karl Anderson’s music programme runs at school on Wednesdays. It’s great to see students exploring their musical talents and building confidence. If your child is interested in learning an instrument, please contact the office for further information.

Attendance Matters – Every Day Counts

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students are present, they:

 – Build strong relationships

 – Stay connected to their learning

 – Grow in confidence

 – Strengthen their sense of belonging

This year we start the implementation the STAR – Stepped Attendance Response approach.

Our expectation is clear:

Students attend school every day unless genuinely unwell or there are exceptional circumstances.

Our attendance bands are:

• Good (90%+) – Less than 5 days absence per term

• Watching (Around 80%) – Up to 10 days absence per term

• Concerning (Around 70%) – Up to 15 days absence per term

• Serious Concern (Below 70%) – 15+ days absence per term

Where attendance patterns begin to form, we will connect early with whānau to understand what support may be needed. Our approach is grounded in partnership and clear expectations.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Ngaere School. It is a privilege to woth with you, your children and the community.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Shane Burgess
Principal | Tumuaki
Ngaere School

School Assemblies

A reminder that this year we will be trialling school assemblies at 9:00am, three times per term.

The first assembly will be held tomorrow  – Friday 20 February, just after morning drop-off.

For whānau who are unable to attend in person, we will provide a private livestream link via Google Meet, which will be shared ahead of time. The Google Meet link has been sent out via HERO.

Request for Spare Board Games & Puzzles

We are seeking donations from whānau who may have board games, jigsaw puzzles, or packs of cards at home that are no longer being used.

The support room off the hall is being set up as a breakaway classroom designed to better support students with neurodiverse needs. This space forms part of Vicki’s role, as we explore different ways to support and engage learners who find the more formal classroom model challenging.

If you are able to donate, items can be dropped off at the school office. Thank you for helping us create flexible, supportive learning spaces for our tamariki.

Perfect Maze Weather This Weekend!

The forecast is looking just right — not too hot, not too cold — which means ideal conditions to come and conquer the Maize Maze!

Fresh air, plenty of twists and turns, and a fun challenge for the whole family.

• Saturday & Sunday
• 11am–3pm
• Cash only at the gate

Pop it on your weekend list and come support our awesome school fundraiser 

See you at the maze!

Tickets for this event are also available from the School Office: $10 per person, under 5’s free entry, $35 Family Pass.

Key Dates – Term 1, 2026

February Events

• Friday 20th February – School Assembly 9am – 10.00am
• Saturday 21st February – Maize Maze Open 11am – 3pm
• Sunday 22nd February – Maize Maze Open 11am – 3pm
• Mon 23th–Fri 27th February – Life Education in school
• Friday 27th – Maize Maze Glow Night 5pm onwards
• Saturday 28th February – Maize Maze Open 11am – 3pm

March Events

• Sunday 01st March – Maize Maze Open 11am – 3pm
• Friday 6th March – MOE-Approved Curriculum Maths Teacher Only Day (School Closed) 
• Monday 9th March – Taranaki Anniversary Day (School Closed)
• Friday 13th March – School Assembly 9am – 10.00am
• Friday 13th March – Interschool Hockey
• Monday 16th March – Cluster Swimming Sports (Years 5–8)
• Tuesday 31st March – Rural Cluster Athletics (Years 1–4)

Hui & Whānau Engagement

• Week 3/4 – Home–School Partnership Hui (dates to follow)

April Events & Term End

• Thursday 2nd April – School Assembly
• Thursday 02nd April – Last day of Term 1
• Friday 4th April – Good Friday (School Closed)
• Monday 20th April – Term 2 begins

COMMUNITY NOTICES……

https://www.facebook.com/kidsconcert/