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/

05/02/2026

From the Principal’s Desk

Kia ora e te whānau,

Welcome back to another busy and exciting time at Ngaere School. Our tamariki have settled in well, and it has been great to see classrooms full of energy, learning, and connection as the year gets underway. Staff have been impressed with how positively students have returned to routines and learning, and we’re looking forward to a term of growth, challenge, and celebration together.

Bring on the rest of 2026!

Ngā mihi nui

Shane Burgess

Principal/Tumuaki

principal@ngaere.school.nz

022 451 5809

Welcome to Our New Learners

We are pleased to welcome a number of new learners to Ngaere School, including children starting with us as five-year-olds, as well as students joining us at various year levels from across Taranaki.

A warm welcome to:
Lucy Holgate, Brianna Ross-Lyall, Brooklyn Belanger, Hawaiki Carr, Jack Annabell, Maia Burgess, Beau Anderson, Skylah Frank, Charlotte Lockett, Alexx Hartley, Zachary and Archie Bevins, and Friedrich and Zoey Van Zyl.

We are delighted to have you and your whānau join the Ngaere School community and look forward to getting to know you.

Pastoral Support

Student wellbeing is a strong focus for us in 2026. This year, we have employed Mrs Vicki Caldwell full time to support student wellbeing and pastoral care, including support with behavioural needs, social skills, and emotional regulation, as well as lunchtime programmes.

Logan McDonald will also continue working with us on Thursdays under the Te Ara Pae Trust umbrella. Logan is available to work one-on-one with students to support behavioural, social, and emotional needs. This support was very popular in 2025, with high uptake. Please note that informed parent consent is required for students to access this support.

If you would like your child to be considered for additional pastoral support, please contact Shane or Penny directly.

In addition, we will be regularly gathering student wellbeing information in 2026 using the PIVOT Wellbeing Tool, which helps us understand student resilience, sense of belonging, and feelings of safety. The more we understand what’s happening for our tamariki, the better we can provide positive learning experiences.

School Assemblies

This year we will be trialling school assemblies at 9:00am, three times per term.

The first assembly will be held on 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

Uniform Update

The Board has made the decision to move to a local supplier for our school T-shirts/polo shirts. This change allows us to:

• access a wider range of sizes and better fit
• order based on need, rather than in bulk from overseas
• support a more sustainable and responsive supply process

For 2026, we will have a hybrid uniform, meaning both the current shirt and the new shirt will be acceptable. Existing stock will be sold first and will be available at the same (lower) price as current stock.

You will notice from the photos above that the new shirt is a slightly different shade of navy, while still maintaining a sharp, consistent look.

From the beginning of 2027, students will need to wear the new shirt as part of the school uniform.

Timetable Update

This term we are trialling a small change to our daily timetable structure. The aim is to create shorter, sharper learning blocks, better support curriculum coverage, and help us ensure students are receiving a full hour each day of reading, writing, and mathematics.

The revised daily structure is:

• Block 1: 8:55am – 10:30am
• Interval: 10:30am – 11:00am
• Block 2: 11:00am – 12:00pm
• Lunch: 12:00pm – 12:45pm
• Block 3: 12:45pm – 1:45pm
• Short Break: 1:45pm – 2:00pm
• Block 4: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

The effectiveness of this timetable will be reviewed towards the end of Term 1, in discussion with staff and students.

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.

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 6th February – Waitangi Day (School Closed)
• Friday 13th February – Scholastic Book Club Orders Due
• Monday 16th February – Cycle Safety (Years 3–8)
• Wednesday 11th February – Turnbull Cup Swimming
• Wednesday 18th February – Year 7 & 8 Hearing & Vision Testing
• Friday 13th February – Maize Maze Opens 
• Mon 24th–Fri 27th February – Life Education in school

March Events

• Friday 6th March – MOE-Approved Curriculum Maths Teacher Only Day (School Closed)    Monday 9th March – Taranaki Anniversary Day (School Closed)
• 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 03rd April – Last day of Term 1
• Friday 4th April – Good Friday (School Closed)
• Monday 20th April – Term 2 begins

COMMUNITY NOTICES……

05/12/2025

From the Principal’s Desk

Kia ora e te whānau,

It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into Week 9. This term has been absolutely jam-packed — from camps and events, to classroom projects, to staff planning for a big year ahead in 2026. The energy around school has been awesome, and we’re really proud of how students have kept their momentum right through to the end.

As we approach the final stretch, here are a few important updates, celebrations, and details for the end of year and the start of 2026.

End-of-Year Prizegiving – Monday 15th December

We’re looking forward to celebrating another fantastic year with you all.

• Hall opens: 6:30pm

• Students seated by: 6:50pm

• Prizegiving begins: 7:00pm

• Expected finish: Approximately 1.5 hours

Because it’s a later evening, parents are welcome to pick students up early on Monday if they feel they’ll need a rest.

School will remain open on Tuesday 16th December, but teachers will be engaged in professional learning. Students who attend will take part in a relaxed, adjusted programme with our support staff.
If your child finishes for the year after prizegiving, that’s completely fine.

End-of-Year Reporting – HERO

Reports will go live on HERO at the end of next week.

Teachers have worked incredibly hard to ensure each student is accurately assessed against the refreshed English and Maths curriculum. Alongside strengths, next steps, and photo highlights, you will see a graph showing each child’s achievement.

For some students, the graph may look as if they’ve moved backwards. This is not the case — the expectations have shifted nationally.

DON’T PANIC.

This is happening across New Zealand. Students are now being measured against higher benchmarks. We will continue to monitor progress throughout 2026 and communicate clearly with whānau.

A sporting comparison:
In 1984, Carl Lewis won the Olympic 100m in 9.92 seconds. In the last Olympics, the eighth-place finisher ran 9.91. The bar moves — not the athlete.
The same applies here.

Class Placements for 2026 – click HERE

A huge amount of thought goes into class placements — socially, emotionally, and academically. You’ll find an image below showing where your child will be placed in 2026. These will also be sent via HERO for easier viewing.

Over the next fortnight, teachers will work collaboratively to transition key information to ensure each student starts strong next year.

We’ll also be running Home–School Partnership Hui early in Term 1 to connect with whānau and set shared goals for the year.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding placement, please contact me directly.

Student Support

• Learning Support Mentor: Ms Vicki Caldwell
• Child/Youth Pastoral Care Mentor: Mr Logan McDonald
  Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour: Mrs Sonia Vind
• Learning Support Coordinator: Mrs Sue Fergus

EnviroSchools Silver Award

Congratulations to our Room 6 “Vegepods”, who have led a year of outstanding mahi in sustainable practice — designing, trialling, and refining environmental projects around school.

Yesterday, our Enviro group presented to members of the Taranaki District Council EnviroSchools team, sharing their initiatives and vision. Their work was recognised with the EnviroSchools Silver Award!

This is a whole-school achievement years in the making (Bronze was earned in 2018), supported by the dedication of Mrs Uhlenberg, Mrs Henderson, Jackie, and Gwenda.

We will celebrate this milestone at a special assembly this Friday at 2:30pm.
Nau mai, haere mai e te whānau.

Ngā mihi nui

Thank you for your ongoing support, energy, and partnership throughout what has been a massive and rewarding term. Our students have shone, our staff have worked incredibly hard, and our community continues to be at the heart of everything we do.

He whakataukī hei whakakapi:

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Shane Burgess
Principal/Tumuaki, Ngaere School

Key Dates – Term 1, 2026

Before School Starts

• Friday 30th January – Office open for uniform purchases & general enquiries

• Monday 2nd February – Term 1 begins

February Events

• Friday 6th February – Waitangi Day (School Closed)

• Monday 16th February – Cycle Safety (Years 3–8)

• Wednesday 11th February – Turnbull Cup Swimming

• Friday 13th February – Maize Maze Opens

• 24th–27th February – Life Education in school

March Events

• Friday 6th March – MOE-Approved Curriculum Maths Teacher Only Day (School Closed)

• Monday 9th March – Taranaki Anniversary Day (School Closed)

• Friday 13th March – Interschool Hockey

• Wednesday 18th 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

• Friday 4th April – Good Friday (School Closed)

• Monday 7th & Tuesday 8th April – Easter Monday & Easter Tuesday (School Closed)

• Friday 11th April – Last day of Term 1

• Monday 28th April – Term 2 begins

A huge thank you to Mike & Mandy Hansen from

THE WATERHOG LTD   https://thewaterhog.co.nz

who have very generously let the school use their truck again for the  xmas float.

REMINDER…..

Support Our School & Get Your Christmas Shopping Done!

This year, we’re partnering with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce on a fun and easy school fundraiser with the new Taranaki Monopoly board game!

For every game purchased before the end of the school year using our school’s unique code, our school receives a $10 donation (you must use our schools
unique code).
It’s the perfect Christmas gift that encourages family fun, and every purchase directly helps us fund our school projects for next year.

How to support us:

 Visit: https://taranakimonopoly.co.nz/pages/schools                                                                Add the game to your cart.

 PLEASE BE SURE TO USE OUR SCHOOLS UNIQUE CODE AT CHECKOUT:   NGA
 We then get a school donation!

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to those who have dropped items in for the Xmas Hamper raffle.  If you are yet to drop your item/s in, please do so to the school office by Friday 12th December.  Thank you.

COMMUNITY NOTICES……

20/11/2025

Principal’s Update – Approaching the End of Term 4

Kia ora e te whānau,

As we move into the final month of the school year, I want to acknowledge the incredible mahi (work/effort), resilience, and wairua (spirit/energy) shown across our kura throughout 2025. This time of year is busy and full of activity, but it is also a chance to pause and recognise the growth, success, and joy we continue to see in our ākonga, classrooms, playgrounds, and wider community.

Our tamariki make us proud every day — not just in their learning, but in the way they show manaakitanga, rise to challenges, and uphold our school values.

Ngā Haerenga – Camps & Learning Beyond the Classroom

Year 5–6 Waitomo Camp

A standout moment this term has been the Year 5–6 camp at Waitomo. Our ākonga embraced challenges and outdoor pursuits with courage and curiosity — exploring caves, taking part in adventure activities, and demonstrating teamwork and resilience. These experiences strengthen relationships, build confidence, and create memories that continue to shape their learning.

Senior Hub Camp – Hawke’s Bay

Our Senior Hub students are currently in Hawke’s Bay, engaging in rich learning beyond the classroom. They are connecting with each other, exploring new environments, and taking part in a wide range of activities that grow independence and teamwork. We look forward to hearing their stories on their return.

Rooms 3 & 4 – End-of-Year Day Trips

Rooms 3 and 4 are preparing for three special day trips over the coming weeks, including:

• Exploration up Maunga Taranaki – Monday 24th November
• Beach safety learning at Ōpunakē Beach – Tuesday 25th November
• A school-based day with tents, hands-on activities, and outdoor learning

These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities and support ākonga to explore, connect, and grow in different environments.

Junior Hub – Pioneer Village Trip

Our Junior Hub recently enjoyed a fantastic trip to Pioneer Village, where they explored what school life looked like in days gone by. Tamariki experienced sitting in a historic classroom, trying early learning tools, and discovering how children learned and lived many decades ago.
This sparked rich discussions about how things have changed — from technology to teaching styles — helping our youngest learners compare their world to the past in meaningful and engaging ways.

Acknowledgements

A huge thank you to our parents, Board, and PTA for your ongoing support. Your fundraising, organising, and hands-on involvement ensure our tamariki can enjoy these rich learning opportunities. Your commitment to our kura is deeply appreciated.

Ngā Pūrongo Ako – Reporting & Curriculum

Our kaiako are currently completing end-of-year assessments and reports. These require significant professional care and judgement.

• Reports will be available on HERO on Friday 12 December

• They align with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum

• Whānau should be able to clearly understand where their child is working in relation to expected progress/achievement

If you have pātai after reading the report, please feel welcome to contact your child’s kaiako.

Ngā Rārangi Ākonga – Class Lists for 2026

We are in the process of placing students and putting together our 2026 class lists. This involves thoughtful and careful consideration, including:

• individual learning needs

• social connections and groupings

• transitions for both individuals and groups

• wellbeing needs

• maintaining balanced, positive class structures across the kura

Class lists will be finalised and made available to whānau in the last week of the school term. This timing allows space for any end-of-year conversations that may help ensure each child is well set up for success in 2026.

We appreciate your understanding as we work through this important mahi.

2026 Connections – Home–School Partnership Hui

To begin 2026, we will hold Home–School Partnership hui early in Term 1, giving whānau the chance to meet with staff to discuss strengths, needs, and goals for the year.

Further details will be shared early in the new year.

Te Puna Kaukau – School Pool Access

The school pool is now open for student use.
Information regarding key hire for summer whānau access will be shared next week, including expectations, access times, and how to purchase a key.

Prizegiving 2025

Our Prizegiving will take place on:

Monday 15th December
Stratford High School Hall
7:00pm

If your child would benefit from a rest beforehand, you are welcome to collect them early that afternoon. We want all tamariki to arrive settled and ready as we celebrate their achievements and acknowledge our Year 8s of 2025.

Last Week of Term – 16 and 17 December

The kura will be open for instruction on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December.

• Students attending will participate in an adapted programme overseen by support staff

• Teachers will be involved in professional learning and preparing for the year ahead

Whānau are welcome to finish the year after Prizegiving if that works best for them.

Haumaru – Drop-Off and Pick-Up Safety

We have had a few near misses recently with tamariki moving quickly across the driveway at pick-up time. 

Please:

• Keep vehicles moving through the drop-off zone

• Park and walk in if you need to collect your child

• Take extra care between 3:00 and 3:15pm, our busiest period

Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.

He Mihi Whakamutunga – Final Thoughts

As we approach the final part of Term 4, I want to acknowledge the ongoing aroha, commitment, and partnership shown across our community. We still have a month of meaningful learning, celebrations, and events ahead, and I look forward to finishing the term strongly and positively alongside our ākonga, staff, and whānau.

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa,
Shane Burgess

Principal/Tumuaki

WITH THE END OF YEAR APPROACHING…….

FREE A & P SHOW TICKETS

We still have Admit One Child tickets available for the Stratford A & P Show.  Please message or see Karen in the office.

Support Our School & Get Your Christmas Shopping Done!

This year, we’re partnering with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce on a fun and easy school fundraiser with the new Taranaki Monopoly board game!

For every game purchased before the end of the school year using our school’s unique code, our school receives a $10 donation (you must use our schools
unique code).
It’s the perfect Christmas gift that encourages family fun, and every purchase directly helps us fund our school projects for next year.

How to support us:

 Visit: https://taranakimonopoly.co.nz/pages/schools                                                                Add the game to your cart.

 PLEASE BE SURE TO USE OUR SCHOOLS UNIQUE CODE AT CHECKOUT:   NGA
 We then get a school donation!

Thank you for your support!

November

• Fri 21 – Scholastic Book Issue 8 Order & Money due 
• Mon 24 – Room 3 & 4 Trip to Hollard Gardens & Mountain
• Tues 25 – Room 3 & 4 Trip to Opunake Beach
• Tues 25 – PTA Meeting at school @7pm
• Thu 27 – Taranaki Primary Athletics

December

• Fri 5 – Enviroschools Assembly
• Thu 11 – Year 8 Leavers’ Evening (from 5 pm onwards)
• Fri 12 – 2026 Transition Day & Reports Published
• Mon 15 – End-of-Year Prizegiving
• Tue 16 – Official Last Day of School

2026

• Mon 2 Feb 2026 – Term 1 – First Day for Students

COMMUNITY NOTICES……

ELTHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2025 (Click link below)

AMP SHOW COLOURING IN COMPETITION

Copies also available from the school office

07/11/2025

REMINDER:  School Sun Hats are compulsory this Term and Term 1 next year during outside play.   New students to school receive their first hat free.  Replacement hats are available from the school office at a cost of $18.  If your child/ren do not have a hat they will be required to sit in the shade during break times.  Sunscreen is available for students to use at school.

ROOM 5 WAITOMO CAMP 

Check out the photos on HERO and the Ngaere School Facebook Page.               Looks like they are having a blast!

The Junior Hubb enjoyed dressing up in “olden day attire” during their visit to Pioneer Village on Tuesday.  A huge thank you to the parents who helped with the transport and students on the day.

WITH THE END OF YEAR APPROACHING…….

FREE A & P SHOW TICKETS

We still have Admit One Child tickets available for the Stratford A & P Show.  Please message or see Karen in the office.

Support Our School & Get Your Christmas Shopping Done!

This year, we’re partnering with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce on a fun and easy school fundraiser with the new Taranaki Monopoly board game!

For every game purchased before the end of the school year using our school’s unique code, our school receives a $10 donation (you must use our schools
unique code).
It’s the perfect Christmas gift that encourages family fun, and every purchase directly helps us fund our school projects for next year.

How to support us:

 Visit: https://taranakimonopoly.co.nz/pages/schools                                                                Add the game to your cart.

 PLEASE BE SURE TO USE OUR SCHOOLS UNIQUE CODE AT CHECKOUT:   NGA
 We then get a school donation!

Thank you for your support!

Calendar Art

Orders & money for the calendar art (calendars/diaries/mouse pads/note books) are due by today – Friday 07th November 2025. 

November

• Wed 5 – Fri 7 – Waitomo Camp (Room 5) 
• Fri 7 – Calendar Art orders and Money due                                                                         
• Tue 11 – Year 1–4 Tabloid Sports (Midhirst)
• Thu 13 – Ready, Steady, School (2 pm)
• Fri 14 – SHS Transition Day, Dry Land Water Safety & School Assembly
• Fri 14 – Assembly 2.15pm
• Mon 17 – Fri 21 – Hawke’s Bay Camp (Rooms 6/7)
• Fri 21 – Scholastic Book Issue 8 Order & Money due 
• Thu 27 – Taranaki Primary Athletics

December

• Fri 5 – Enviroschools Assembly
• Thu 11 – Year 8 Leavers’ Evening (from 5 pm onwards)
• Fri 12 – 2026 Transition Day & Reports Published
• Mon 15 – End-of-Year Prizegiving
• Tue 16 – Official Last Day of School

2026

• Mon 2 Feb 2026 – Term 1 – First Day for Students

COMMUNITY NOTICES……

Join our Whanau at Stratford Community House

For those parents who may be interested…