"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora PBS whānau
Unbelievably it’s June already and Matariki, the Māori New Year, is nearly upon us. We’d love for you and your whānau to join us for a fantastic celebration on the evening of Tuesday, 25 June (pp Wednesday, 26 June). Beginning at 5.30pm, there will be performances to watch, kai to eat and a bonfire to cosy up next to. Kids will collect stamps at 9 activity stations, each representing a Matariki star (whetū). Once complete, they’ll earn a free hot chocolate (bring a mug to be eco-friendly). We also have PBS Matariki tee-shirts for purchase before the big night for just $35 (see KINDO to order).
To make this night unforgettable, we need your help!
- Can you spare an hour? We’re looking for volunteers before, at, or after the event. Every bit helps 🙂
- Egg Cartons needed – for our seedling planting activity (please send these along)
- Light Up the Night! If you have any fairy lights, outdoor lights, or floodlights, we’d be grateful to borrow them
Stay tuned – A detailed Matariki newsletter with more details is coming your way soon. Don’t miss out on this amazing whānau celebration!
Please keep reading as today’s newsletter contains information about:
- Learning Conferences – Wednesday, 3 July – school closed for instruction
- Seeking business sponsorship to repaint our pool
Before I sign off, I wanted to send our appreciation for the staff-only day last Friday. Our staff enjoyed an informative day of learning with our colleagues from Kenakena, Waikanae, Kapakapanui and Paraparaumu College. The day served as a reminder to me of the dedicated and hardworking staff all our kura have; our Kapiti Coast kids are in good hands!
Ngā mihi nui,
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
Upcoming dates for your awareness:
- Tuesday, 25 June – Matariki event at PBS (Wednesday, 26 June p/p day)
- Friday, 28 June – Matariki Public holiday
- Wednesday, 3 July – Learning Conferences – school closed for instruction
PRINCIPAL’S GREAT NEWS CORNER:
Sharing good news spreads positivity, changes attitudes and ultimately leads to more people feeling encouraged and happy
I love watching kids around the school volunteering to help with various tasks; this really shows their CREST values. Last week I counted 6 kids, at various times, helping JT rake up leaves and sweep the pathway. Tu Meke!
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Maylin – Rm 19
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/
Learning Conferences (Parent-Student-Teacher interviews) Wednesday, 3 July
This year our mid-year learning conferences will be held on Wednesday, 3 July (in the last week of the school term). Please note that school will be closed for instruction on this day, however we will offer childcare for families who cannot arrange alternative care on this day. Complete this form if you have no alternative care for your child/ren https://forms.gle/bcEPPt3iujw5BEYK9
To book your learning conference slot, see the info below.
At PBS, we recognise the importance of involving students in discussions about their learning. This enables the student to feel more ownership over their learning, be praised for their progress, and encouraged in their next steps by the important adults at home and school.
During these conferences…
- The role of the teacher is to facilitate and lead the conversation about the student’s learning
- The role of the student is to share some of their learning and join in the discussion as they feel comfortable or as prompted by their teacher
- The role of the parent or whānau member is o listen, ask questions (of their child or the teacher) and encourage their child to participate
Important information for parents:
- Parents will need to book an interview slot and bring their child/children along to school at that time. See the instructions on Skool loop (below)
- If for whatever reason you cannot make it along on this day, I encourage you to email your child’s teacher and try to set up another time or set up a zoom call on another date
- Know that the school playgrounds and library will be available for siblings to wait or play during the interview slots. This means your child can have your full focus during their learning conference slot
- Know that these conferences are not the time to raise complex social issues or sensitive matters, as it may be preferential to discuss these without your child present. You can arrange a time to do this with your child’s teacher by emailing them
- Note that there is only one interview slot per child. Therefore, we encourage parents living apart to attend together – what better way to show your child that they come first 🙂
Learning Conferences (Parent-Student-Teacher interviews) Wednesday, 26 June for Rm 5 Only
This year our mid-year learning conferences for Room 5 will be held on Wednesday, 26 June.
To book your learning conference slot, see the info above as for the rest of the school.
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 (quoted at $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! Imagine if 16 businesses contributed $1,000 each, we’d be able to complete this 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!
Newsflash! Matariki T-Shirts
Our community now has the opportunity to order Matariki t-shirts, designed by one of our talented Whānau Rōpū members, Ngahuia for just $35. Simply visit KINDO to place your order. Orders close 10 June. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Print Mighty cannot guarantee the t-shirts will arrive by the Matariki event. However, they will do their best to get our order through.
Every Matariki t-shirt sold will help fund new Kapa Haka uniforms for our kura. Don’t miss out – order yours today!
These high-quality, locally printed t-shirts are available in the following sizes:
- Kids sizes: 2 – 6
- Youth sizes: 8 – 16
- Adult sizes: XSM, SML, MED, LRG, XLG, 2XL, 4XL and 5XL
Please note: There has been a change in design and colour of the t-shirts. See new design below:
Using the @School App
I will regularly highlight a button on the @school app. This week it is
This button has more relevance in Years 5 to 8. This button takes you to the Spotlight learning space your child uses at school. It gives you access to the menu shown below. If you haven’t already explored this space get your child to show you.
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)
Puanga
Many iwi actually observe the rise of Puanga to mark the new year instead of Matariki as it made more sense to their geographical settings.
Puanaga (the star Rigel) is the brightest star in the Orion Constellation in the late autumn and early winter sky. The iwi of Taranaki, Whanganui, parts of the far North, parts of the South Island and the Chatham Islands observe Puanga.
Matariki
Around the end of May or early June in New Zealand, the Pleiades cluster of stars can be seen low on the north-eastern horizon just before dawn. This cluster carries the Māori name, Matariki. The rise of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon during June/July mark the Māori New Year.
Over the next few weeks we will look at ngā whetu (the stars).
Matariki: is connected to wellbeing, and at times Matariki was viewed as an omen of good fortune and health. The shade green reflects health and growth, nature and wellness.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi: is connected to the promise of a prosperous season. This tradition is similar to the notion of wishing upon a whetu (star), or a New Year’s resolution.
Kid's Quote
Principal to students coming to show her great work: “Sorry my desk is messier than a kid’s bedroom!”
Student: “It’s okay, my teacher’s desk is way messier.”
Mid-Week Munchies
Midweek munchies are on this Wednesday outside Room 16 at Morning tea time. Come and get yourself a delicious treat!
Junior Cross Country Results
Hoodies - Fundraising for Te Motu Syndicate School Camp
Payment is due by 14 June and can be paid on Kindo or by correct cash to the office.
Tough Guy and Gal Challenge - Year 5-8 Conquer the Course!
Congratulations to our awesome Year 5-8 students who tackled the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge last week! They braved the mud, conquered the obstacles and proved they’re the toughest tamariki in the school. Their grit and determination were truly inspiring!
Huge thanks to our wonderful parents who volunteered their time and vehicles to transport the team. We couldn’t have done it without you! A special shout-out also goes to Matt and Sam who stepped up to manage the team at the event. This was gratefully appreciated.
Te Ara O Ngā O Whetū O Matariki
Follow The Stars Of Matariki
Together P.B.S. and the Whānau Rōpū are excited to collaborate on creating a special Matariki celebration on Tuesday, June 25th (PPD Wednesday, June 26th). This event will be a chance to connect, reflect and celebrate the Māori New Year with our school community.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about Matariki traditions, share kai and enjoy whanaungatanga.
We’d love your help! If you’d like to be involved in this event, please contact Hillary Houston at hhouston@pbs.school.nz or Rae Bolton at raeraeboldini@hotmail.com
Together we can make this Matariki celebration one to remember!
Delicious Authentic Hāngi for Sale
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
