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…

22/10/2025

Student Success – Congratulations Guy!

A huge congratulations to Guy Perrett, who represented Ngaere School in combination with Auroa at the Taranaki Year 7/8 Doubles Bowls Competition, held at the Belt Road Indoor Bowling Club. Guy and his playing partner performed exceptionally, winning all five of their games to claim 1st Place overall.

What a fantastic achievement — we’re so proud of your teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship on the green.

Principal’s Pānui / Newsletter

Nau mai, haere mai ki te wāhanga whakamutunga o te tau kura –
Welcome to the final term of our school year!

Our Pepeha – Who We Are and Where We Belong

Ko Taranaki te maunga – Taranaki is the mountain
Ko Ngaere te awa – Ngaere is the river
Ko Aotea te waka – Aotea is the canoe
Ko Ngāti Ruanui te iwi – Ngāti Ruanui is the iwi (tribe)
Ko Ngāti Tūpaea, ko Ngāti Tānewai ngā hapū – Ngāti Tūpaea and Ngāti Tānewai are the hapū (sub-tribes)
Ko Wharepuni te marae – Wharepuni is the marae
Ko Ngaere te kura – Ngaere is the school

Our school pepeha connects us to the land, the people, and the stories that shape our identity as a kura (school) and community. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger — connected through whakapapa (genealogy), whenua (place), and whanaungatanga (relationships).

Tēnā koutou katoa,

It’s been wonderful to see such a positive start to the term, despite continuing to battle the elements as we head into spring. Our students have shown real resilience and good humour through the mix of sunshine, wind and rain, and it’s been heartening to see classrooms buzzing with learning and laughter regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

As always, Term 4 is a busy one — full of events, celebrations, and important moments as we head towards the end of the school year and Christmas. It’s a time when our students and staff are working hard to finish the year well, while also taking time to enjoy the many special experiences that come with this season.

It’s also exciting to see Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) alive and well at Ngaere School. Our senior students in Rooms 6 and 7 are heading away to the Hawke’s Bay for a week-long camp adventure, while Room 5 will be exploring the incredible caves of Waitomo. Rooms 3 and 4 will take part in three themed day trips — one focused on beach safety, another a mountain experience, and the third an on-site day centred around camping skills and teamwork. Meanwhile, our Junior Hub will enjoy a trip to Pioneer Village, followed later in the term by a visit to Brooklands Zoo.

A huge amount of planning, time, and commitment goes into making these opportunities possible. I’d like to sincerely thank our teachers, support staff, and parent helpers who volunteer their time and energy to ensure our students have these rich, memorable learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, our 2025 Prizegiving will be held on Monday 15th December at Stratford High School — more details will be shared closer to the time. The following day, Tuesday 16th December, school will remain open for instruction; however, teachers will be engaged in professional learning. Students who attend will be supervised by other staff and take part in an adapted, end-of-year programme.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Class lists for 2026 are currently being worked on and will be made available to parents by the end of Week 8. This allows families and students plenty of time to prepare for a smooth transition into the new school year.

We acknowledge that for some students, a longer or more personalised transition may be needed. For those students, we’ll reach out directly to whānau to discuss what this will look like and ensure the process is as positive and supportive as possible.

We have also nearly finalised our staffing structure for 2026, which will be shared with parents in the coming weeks. It’s an exciting time as we confirm teaching teams and roles that best meet the needs of our learners heading into next year.

End-of-year assessment and reporting is also well under way. Parents can expect to receive a clear and comprehensive report that includes both general comments around literacy and numeracy progress, as well as how each child is tracking against the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum.

Ngā mihi nui,
Shane Burgess
Tumuaki / Principal

Ngaere School Halloween Disco

Get ready for a spooky night of fun — our Halloween-themed School Disco is coming up on Friday 31st October in the Ngaere School Hall.

Years 0–4 (and preschoolers): 5:00–6:00pm
Years 5–8: 6:15–7:30pm

Entry is $2 per child, payable at the door.
Open to Ngaere School students, siblings, and preschoolers.

Come dressed in your best Halloween costume — there’ll be prizes for Best Dressed and Best Dancer.

Join us for a night full of music, laughter, and spooky fun for the whole whānau.

If you are able to help supervise the Junior or Senior Disco – please contact Karen in the school office.

Tennis Lessons

We’re pleased to once again offer tennis lessons at Ngaere School for 4 weeks this term, and another four-week block planned for next term. This programme follows a similar format to last year and provides a great opportunity for our students to build confidence, coordination, and skills in a fun and supportive setting.

• Younger students: 30-minute sessions – $40 per child per 4 weeks (minimum of four participants required)

• Older students: 45-minute sessions – $55 per child per 4 weeks (minimum of four participants required)

Lessons will be run by Ghislaine Brien, a Professional Tennis Coach (ITF2) and Tennis NZ Coach Developer.  These will take place during lunchtime on a Wednesday or Thursday.

To register your child’s interest, please contact the school office by Friday 31st October via email at office@ngaere.school.nz.

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.

 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 Friday 07th November 2025. Your child’s Art work is currently on display in the school library if you would like to call in an have a look, or use your favourite photo. With Xmas just around the corner, these make great prezzys!

SCHOOL PHOTO CODES

You should have received an email by now with a photo code to access your child/rens school photos.  Please check your Spam/Junk folder if it is not in your inbox.  The school has a master list of the codes, so if need be please contact Karen in the office if you have not received a photo code.

REMINDER:  Juicies Orders and Money are due in today to get a Juicy Juicie on Friday

Looking Ahead

October

• Thur 23 – NO SCHOOL – Teachers Strike
• Fri 24 – School Assembly 2:15pm
• Mon 27 – Labour Day – School Closed
• Wed 29 – Athletics @ Toko School
• Thu 29 – Kapa Haka Rōpū @ Puanga Festival (Waitara)
• Fri 31 – Bookclub Orders Due
• Fri 31 –  School Disco (5 – 8 pm)

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
• Mon 17 – Fri 21 – Hawke’s Bay Camp (Rooms 6/7)
• 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……

LAKE ROTOKARE EDUCATION NEWSLETTER TERM 3 2025

10/10/2025

Ngaere School – Term 4 Newsletter 2025

Welcome Back to Term 4!

Kia ora koutou whānau,

Welcome back to Term 4 — our final term of 2025! We hope everyone enjoyed a well-earned break and some family time. This term is shaping up to be full of activity, learning, and celebrations as we wrap up another wonderful year together.

Pet Day Magic

What an incredible Pet Day! The sun was shining, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the sense of community was fantastic. A huge thank-you to our amazing PTA for all their hard work — the BBQ, raffles, and stalls added so much to the day.

We’re also incredibly proud of our students, staff, and wider school whānau who helped make the event such a success. The creativity and care shown in the Pet Diaries was awesome — these will be acknowledged at our next assembly.

Congratulations to all the students and their pets who attended on the day. The results are as below:

Senior Speech Finals

Congratulations to everyone who took part in our Senior Speech Finals. The standard of writing and delivery was outstanding!

Placings:
Year 7/8 – 1st –  Toby Waite 2nd –  Molly Gribble 3 =  Tessa Savage & Alice Kerr
These students will represent Ngaere School at the Interschool Competition next week.

Year 5/6 – 1st –  Ben Waite.    Highly Commended: Melissa Espiner & Indie Kyle

Ka mau te wehi — a wonderful showcase of confidence and communication!

 Exciting Term Ahead

There’s plenty to look forward to this term:

• Room 5 → Camp Waitomo (Week 5)

• Rooms 6 & 7 → Hawke’s Bay Camp (Week 7)

• Rooms 3 & 4 and the Junior Hub → Exciting day trips – information coming soon!

These experiences help our tamariki build confidence, teamwork, and memories that last well beyond the classroom.

Attendance Snapshot – Term 3 2025

Term 3 was particularly challenging for many across our community, with illness spreading widely through the winter months. We know families were juggling work, home, and recovery — thank you for continuing to support learning through it all.

Overall, 59 % of students attended regularly (present > 90 % of the term). While this was slightly lower than last year, around 77 % of absences were for medical reasons, showing how widespread sickness was. It’s encouraging that 97 % of students arrived on time, showing great routines and commitment.

As we move into Term 4, warmer weather and settled routines should bring steadier attendance. Every day at school makes a difference — helping children strengthen friendships, grow confidence, and stay connected with their learning.

Together as a school whānau, let’s keep encouraging positive habits and celebrating the small wins that help our tamariki thrive.

Why Every Day Matters

• Each day at school builds confidence and learning momentum.
• Being present keeps friendships and routines strong.
• Small attendance improvements make a big difference over time.

Key Dates – Term 4

October

• Wed 15 – BOT Meeting 6pm

• Mon 20 – PTA Meeting (7 pm)

• Wed 22 – William Pike York Road Loop Walk

• Thu 23 – School Closed – NZEI Strike Action

• Fri 24 – School Assembly

• Mon 27 – Labour Day – School Closed

• Wed 29 – Athletics @ Toko School

• Thu 29 – Kapa Haka Rōpū @ Puanga Festival (Waitara)

• Fri 31 –  School Disco (5 – 8 pm)

November

• Wed 5 – Fri 7 – Waitomo Camp (Room 5)

• 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

• Mon 17 – Fri 21 – Hawke’s Bay Camp (Rooms 6/7)

• 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 – First Day for Students

As we head into the final stretch of 2025, I want to thank our staff, students, and families for the energy, care, and positivity you bring to Ngaere School each day. Let’s finish the year strong — celebrating effort, kindness, and all the learning that’s happened along the way.

Ngā mihi nui,
Shane Burgess
Tumuaki | Principal
Ngaere School

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR PET DAY

NZ Farmsource – Eltham Vet Services – FMG Insurance – Taranaki Vet Centre – Canter 4 Cancer – Central Taranaki Automotive –        Baldock Earthmoving Ltd – CRV – Silver Fern Farms – Farmlands – Adan Larsen Builders – Lamorna Holdings Ltd – FIL – PGG Wrightson –  BHL Feeds – Matt McDonald Real Estate

Calendar Art

Orders for the calendar art (calendars/diaries/mouse pads/note books) will come home next week.  Your child’s Art work is currently on display in the school library if you would like to call in an have a look. With Xmas just around the corner, these make great prezzys!

SCHOOL PHOTO CODES

You should have received an email by now with a photo code to access your child/rens school photos.  Please check your Spam/Junk folder if it is not in your inbox.  The school has a master list of the codes, so if need be please contact Karen in the office if you have not received a photo code.

Looking Ahead

October

• Wed 15 – BOT Meeting 6pm
• Mon 20 – PTA Meeting (7 pm)
• Wed 22 – William Pike York Road Loop Walk
• Thu 23 – School Closed – NZEI Strike Action
• Fri 24 – School Assembly
• Mon 27 – Labour Day – School Closed
• Wed 29 – Athletics @ Toko School
• Thu 29 – Kapa Haka Rōpū @ Puanga Festival (Waitara)
• Fri 31 –  School Disco (5 – 8 pm)

November

• Wed 5 – Fri 7 – Waitomo Camp (Room 5)                                                                           
• 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
• Mon 17 – Fri 21 – Hawke’s Bay Camp (Rooms 6/7)
• 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……

WANTED – Clothing Donations

12/09/2025

From the Principal’s Desk

I have just returned from the New Zealand Principals’ Conference in Wellington. It was an inspiring few days, filled with fresh ideas, thought-provoking speakers, and plenty of opportunities to connect with leaders from across the country.

It was affirming to see that here at Ngaere School we are already doing so many of the things that were highlighted as best practice. While there are always new ideas to take on board and ways we can continue to grow, I came away proud of the mahi happening every day in our classrooms and across our kura. We are definitely holding our own amongst the very best.

Celebrations & Highlights

It’s been a busy and exciting time at school, with our students involved in so many different opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. From sporting achievements and kapa haka performances to creating stunning artwork and welcoming special visitors, there has been plenty to celebrate. Here’s a snapshot of some of the wonderful things happening across our school recently.

Tatarakihi Kapa Haka Festival

On Thursday our tamariki performed for the second time this year at the Tatarakihi Kapa Haka Festival in Hāwera. Given that our kapa haka rōpū has only been together since February, it is a huge achievement to be up on stage again so soon.
Our students were outstanding, performing Tuia, Te Waiata o Ngaere, and Toia Mai, before finishing with a powerful haka, E Kore Au e Mate — a haka of this whenua, connected to our local iwi, Ngāti Ruanui.
Ka mau te wehi, tamariki mā — we are so proud of you!

Cross Country Achievements

Our tamariki have shown fantastic effort, determination, and perseverance across recent cross country events.
They participated with great attitude and spirit at the Rawhitiroa-hosted Cross Country and again at the Central Schools event in Stratford last week. Their training and commitment have paid off, with many now qualifying to represent Ngaere School at the upcoming Taranaki Interschool Competition. Ka pai, tamariki mā!

Olympic Ambassador Visit

Last Thursday, we were lucky enough to welcome Olympian Zac Reid to our school. He is a Taranaki born and raised swimmer who participated in the Tokyo Olympics. He spoke with the Year 4–8 students about his journey as an athlete, sharing stories of determination, setbacks, and the mindset it takes to achieve big goals. We loved hearing about the Olympic values, seeing photos from life inside the Olympic Village, and learning more about Zac’s interests outside of swimming. His visit was truly inspiring and left us all thinking about how we can set and achieve our own goals.

Calendar Art

Our classes have been busy creating this year’s calendar art for the upcoming PTA fundraiser. Each class will have their work on display at Pet Day, and families will have the opportunity to place orders. A notice with details about Pet Day crafts will be sent home before the end of term, so children will be ready to start their projects on Monday of Week 1 next term.

New Carpet

You may have heard some excitement from the children recently—we have new carpet! Over the past two weeks, classrooms have been temporarily shifted into the hall or library while the work was done. The wait was well worth it. The fresh carpet looks fantastic, feels soft underfoot, and even smells new. It has given our learning spaces a bright, fresh feel that everyone is enjoying.

Learners of the Term Celebration

Our Learners of the Term from Term 2 will be celebrated on Wednesday 17 September with a special outing. They will head into Hāwera for lunch before being invited to enjoy Tawhiti School’s performance of Finding Nemo Jr.
This is a wonderful way to acknowledge their success and the effort they have put into their learning. More information will be shared with families soon.

Board of Trustees Elections

Voting for our Board of Trustees elections closed yesterday, 10 September. The official Declaration of Results will be made in six days’ time.

I want to take this opportunity to thank those who put themselves forward as candidates — it takes courage and commitment to stand for a governance role in your child’s school. I also thank all of our parents and whānau who took the time to vote.

A very special acknowledgement goes to Dave England, Stacey Clough, and Kate Machen, who are stepping down after serving the school tirelessly for over six years at a governance level. They have been a massive support to me personally in my first year as principal, and to the school community as a whole. On behalf of everyone at Ngaere School — a huge thank you to you three for your dedication and service.

We look forward to welcoming our new Board and working alongside them to continue growing and strengthening our kura over the next three years.

What’s On Next Week

Monday 15 September – Friday 19 September (Week 10)

• Wednesday 17 September – Learners of the Term Celebration – Lunch in Hāwera and trip to see Finding Nemo Jr.

• Friday 19 September, 2:15pm – Whole School Assembly led by the Senior Hub. Whānau welcome!

• All Week – Last week of Term 3.

It’s hard to believe that we are heading into the last week of Term 3 already. This has been a term full of great achievements, balanced with the challenges of battling the elements and the usual winter ills.

A huge thank you goes to our staff, who continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our tamariki despite the busy pace and seasonal challenges. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated and passionate team here at Ngaere School.

Ngā mihi nui,
Shane Burgess
Principal / Tumuaki

Student Leaders Take Action
Our student leaders have shown incredible initiative by launching a non-perishable food drive to support the Eltham Food Bank. This was fully their own idea, driven by a desire to make a difference in our wider community. It is wonderful to see our leaders of the future thinking of those in need and taking practical steps to support them.

ePRO8 Success
Over the past two weeks our students have shone in the ePRO8 engineering and problem-solving competitions. Our Year 7/8 team of Izzy, Mila, Riley, and Guy came out on top of the entire Taranaki region, securing first place in their category. Not to be outdone, our Year 5/6 team — Emerson, Indie, Jett, and Oliver — also achieved an outstanding result, bringing home second place.
These results are a credit to the teamwork, creativity, and perseverance shown by all students involved. Ka mau te wehi!

Room 5 Learning Highlights

Room 5 has been super busy this term! We’ve been writing our speeches, learning new spelling rules, and even trying out cursive handwriting (which is harder than it looks!). In maths, we’ve been practising multiplication strategies and took part in the TTRockstars Times Tables Challenge. It was really fun, and everyone got a lot faster with their times tables.

We’ve also been creative with our aboriginal-inspired dot paintings, which look really colourful and awesome. In science, we got to try out some cool experiments with the House of Science kits, and in P.E. We trained hard for cross country. It was tough, but we gave it our best.

We also had new carpet put in, and it’s nice to be back in our own classroom again. We’ve had a great term, and we’re excited to see what adventures Term 4 will bring us…including CAMP!!!

Tutaki Strength and Conditioning

This term Room 5 has been working with the team from Tutaki on a weekly “strength and conditioning” programme. Dane and Trint have put us through fun but challenging 30-minute workouts, and we’ve already noticed improvements in our fitness, strength, and discipline. The sessions have been a highlight of our week, and it’s been great to see everyone push themselves and grow in confidence.

Looking Ahead

• Monday 6 October – Start of Term 4.

• Wednesday 8 October – Pet Day. More information will come from the PTA very shortly — watch out for a pānui in the coming week.

• 2026 School Calendar Dates – These will be published early next term.

PET DAY WEDNESDAY 08th OCTOBER 2025

There are still a couple of outstanding Pet Day trophies.  Could we please have these returned to school asap.  Thank you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. If each family could please donate one (or two) of the following items to be raffled – Non perishable grocery items for the grocery raffle – a scratchie for the scratchie raffle – a bottle of “something” for the Mystery Bottle.
2. A plate will come home at the beginning of term 4 for baking to be sold at the Cake Stall.  Any donations of baking is very much appreciated.  If the baking donations could please be dropped at the school office before 9am Wednesday 08th October.
3. Pet Entries are due back at school before the end of Term (Friday 19th September).  There are spare entry forms available from the school office. All entries will be given a Pet Diary in the last week of term, which is to be completed over the school holidays and returned to school by Tuesday 07th October for judging.
4. Pet Judging begins at 9.15am, Lamb Judging begins at 10am, Calf Judging begins at 10.30am. Please arrive and have your pet ready to go at least 15 minutes prior to the Judging start time.
5. There is no eftpos available, so cash will be required for the day.
6. Any questions about this day – please ask.

Below is an attachment for everything you need to know about the day.