"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora PBS whānau
Your kids are wonderful! Our Matariki celebration last week was a prime example of just how awesome PBS kids are. Their artworks that decorated the hall and school grounds, their incredible performances on the big stage, their help setting up and of course their help getting the school environment tidy again, is proof that PBS kids really understand teamwork.
To the teachers and TAs who supported students to get the job done, thank you! Our immense gratitude goes out to the lead team, our whānau group parents, Hillary, David, Di, JT and Jalah, whose hard work and dedication made the night truly unforgettable.
To all our parents, caregivers, and whānau who joined us despite the chilly weather, your presence meant the world! Your support makes such a difference and shows our students, staff, and whānau group how much their efforts are valued.
On a final note, let’s hear it for science and technology! A special thanks to the five weather apps we consulted. While their predictions varied, they all agreed on one thing – the rain would clear by 4pm, allowing us to celebrate under clear skies!
If the weather plays ball again this Friday morning, you may also like to join us for our end of term assembly at 9.15am.
Please keep reading as today’s newsletter contains information about:
- Farewell to Libby Richardson and welcome to Debbie Weekes
- Kids arriving too early for school
- Joining the PBS Whānau Rōpu (group)
Mā te wā,
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
Upcoming dates for your awareness:
- TOMORROW – Wednesday, 3 July: Learning Conferences – school closed for instruction
- Friday, 5 July – Whole school assembly 9.15am if fine
- Term 3 starts Monday, 22 July and ends on Friday, 27 September
PRINCIPAL’S C.R.E.S.T CORNER:
At PBS we champion our school C.R.E.S.T values in everything we do.
Curiosity. Respect. Excellence. Self Management. Teamwork
CREST value of SELF MANAGEMENT:
Lulu and Holly from Rm 14 produced some amazing pieces of work in class over the past few weeks. One was a Matariki inspired artwork and the other was a written description about where they are from. Ka rawe korua!
CREST value of TEAMWORK:
Ka pai to our 4 chess teams who competed at the recent Wellington Regional Chess Tournaments for Years 5 & 6 and Years 7 & 8. It was a great experience for all involved. A big thank you to parents Jasmyn, Sean, Eric and Kayla for transporting the teams and supporting the students on the day.
There were some notable individual performances:
- In the Primary section Devin Direen (PBS Dragons) scored a very solid 4/6 on Board 1
- In the Intermediate section Jamie Zhou (PBS Kings) scored an impressive 4/6 on Board 2
- William Hamdan (PBS Rookies) scored a perfect 6/6 and joint winner of the Board 3 prize, a great result!
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
There were no new students this week
Have You Checked Out Our Community Notices Directory?
Do you need to advertise your business, an upcoming event, need child care, or looking for a gift or new club to join? Check out the PBS Community Directory on our website https://kapiti.pbs.school.nz/
Matariki Celebration - A Huge Thank You!
Nga mihi nui to all our amazing whānau and parents! Your support during the planning, set up, and clean up of our recent Matariki Celebration was incredible. This event wouldn’t have been such a success without your willingness to lend a hand.
Special thanks go to Ana and Ngahuia, who were rockstars right from the get-go! We also want to acknowledge our awesome sponsors for providing the sound system, dazzling lights and decorations, food, barbeques and delicious hot chocolate for the tamariki.
To our talented performers – you were the highlight! Seeing you shine on stage is what makes all the hard work worthwhile. The chilly weather might not have co-operated, but the spirit of our community certainly did. Thank you to everyone who braved the elements and joined us for a truly memorable Matariki celebration.
From the Matariki Organisers.
Farewell and Welcome!
This Thursday we farewell our incredible Accounts Manager of 6 years, Libby Richardson. Libby has been known at PBS for her positive attitude and kindness. Over her time with us, she has proven to be a hard worker, delivering her work on time and with accuracy. Our school auditors have always commented on the quality of her work and organisation, which is a reflection of Libby’s mahi and character. Thank you Libby, wholeheartedly, for all you have added to PBS; we wish you all the very best!
With Libby’s departure, we welcome Debbie Weekes to our Accounts Manager position. Debbie has been working alongside Libby over the last two weeks to ensure a smooth handover. I feel confident that Debbie will slot into our office team with ease. I know our school community will join me in making Debbie feel welcome.
Learning Conferences (Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews) TOMORROW - Wednesday, 3 July
Don’t forget school will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday) for Learning Conferences. Bookings closed off at 12pm today.
Kids Arriving to School Too Early
Recently, I have noticed an increase in kids arriving at school too early. PBS kids should not be arriving at school before 8.15 am. Though many local schools stipulate 8.30am as their earliest time, we understand that our kids do like lots of time to socialise before school starts. However, most teachers use the morning as prep-time so children are often required to play outside until the learning day begins.
Using the @School App
I will regularly highlight a button on the @school app. This week it is the
If you have a child in Year 1 – Year 2 it is important that you enter the @school app and look at the learning summary entries your child’s teacher has written in the ‘Blog’. When you meet your child’s teacher on Learning Conference night the discussion will be around these.
And the
If you have a child in Years 3 – Year 8 this button is important to you. This is the button where you will find a summary of your child’s learning for this half year. The learning summary (report) will be published in this space at the end of term 2.
Using Māori Language at Home
Learning another language provides many benefits including greater academic achievement, greater cognitive development, and more positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures. So, let’s give it a go and help to revitalise this unique language to Aotearoa for our tamariki. Each week our newsletter will include words or phrases that you might like to try out at your kāinga/home.
Here are some essential kupu that you may hear ia ra (everyday)
Te Huarere – The weather
Kei te aha te huarere? – What’s the weather doing?
Kei te pēhea te huarere? – How’s the weather?
Te āhua nei ka ua – It looks as though it’s going to rain
Te āhua nei ka paki – It looks as though it’s going to be fine
Te āhua nei ka whiti te rā – It looks as though the sun will shine
New Accounts Contact
Please note the new email address for our accounts department: Debbie Weekes, accounts@pbs.school.nz.
Anxiety/ADHD Survey
Auckland University is inviting parents to share their child’s experiences with support services for anxiety and/or ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The survey can be accessed at the link below. Parent shared experiences will help inform new treatment options. The anonymous online survey takes approximately 10 minutes.
Survey: https://aut.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Cip0TC9wLfEIXc
Help Make a Splash! Seeking Business Sponsorship for Our School Pool
We all know how important it is to teach kiwi kids to swim and be water-confident, right? Well, we need your support in continuing on this mission as our school pool needs sandblasting and repainting, with a quote of $16,000. Grant applications haven’t been successful, so we’re turning to our amazing community for support.
The Solution: With your help, we can reach our goal! If 16 businesses contribute $1,000 each, we’ll be able to complete the project and be ready for next summer!
Be a Part of Something Special: Sponsoring businesses will be recognised on a prominent display board by the pool, showcasing their commitment to our students’ safety and well-being.
If your business is able to contribute please email Marie on mbarfoote@pbs.school.nz and together, let’s make a splash!
A huge thank you to those businesses who have already donated 
Whānau Rōpu
Join the Whānau Rōpu!
Quiz Night - Save the Date
PBS Te Motu camp fundraiser in conjunction with Salty’s Diner is going to hold another fun quiz night on Wednesday, 7 August.
Tickets will be on sale in Term 3, so keep an eye out for further details. In the meantime, get your quiz team of 4-6 people ready to go!
Lost Property
Please remember to check for lost property from over the term. Items will be on display by the netball courts on fine days until the end of term.
Anything unnamed or unclaimed will be sent to the Koha Shed.
Recent Student Achievements
Fishing: Well done to Ryan Carter from Room 4 for winning the PBS Fishing Club trophy for the biggest snapper in the 2023/early 2024 fishing competition!
Future Student Achievements
If your child has an achievement you would like us to share in our newsletter, then please send details (and a picture if you would like) to mbarfoote@pbs.school.nz
Book Launch - by Author/Teacher, Jessie Webb
Schrödinger’s Books will be hosting Jessica Jayne Webb for the second time, showcasing the next entry in the Wilderfort series, ‘The Waiting’ – alongside a revised and republished edition of the first book, featuring a brand new cover.
Come and meet Jessie as she careens down the path of all things Wilderfort. Don’t miss out on her story reciting, and walk away with a special signed copy.
Limited swag bags available, first in first served! Limited space, $5 a ticket* and door sales available. Book your tickets here
*Ticket includes a $5 credit towards a copy ‘The Waiting’ or any other purchases made on the night. Tickets are non-refundable. Your ticket can only be redeemed on the night of the event.
