Newsletter 16 October 2026

Tēnā Koutou, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Namaste, Ni sa bula, Noaia’e mauri, Fakalofa lahi atu, Kia Orana, Ni Hao, An Nyung Ha Sai Yo, Nay Ho, Hej, Hallo, Sawat Dee, Cześć, Goeie Dag, សួស្តី, Здравствуйте, Hola, Ola, 안녕하세요, Ayubowan, Greetings to our school families.

Bad news for those of you who were eagerly awaiting this newsletter’s Warriors or Fire Service update — I’m back!

A huge thank you to Trent Morley, Kyle Port and the whole SBS crew for picking up the extra workload and supporting my absence. They did a fantastic job, and I’m incredibly grateful.

During my study sabbatical last term, I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to step out of the whirlwind that is school life and set aside some time to focus on my own learning and development. However, returning to the role of principal has reminded me of just how rewarding school leadership can be. There is something special about being part of the everyday moments that make a difference — seeing children grow in confidence, celebrating their successes, supporting staff in their work and working alongside a community towards a shared vision.

Time away has certainly reinforced what I always knew — Snells Beach School is a special place, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it.

And what a time to return! Term 4 is always a wonderfully chaotic balance of busy and fun. Learning programmes shift towards assessment and reporting, before we head into the celebrations, events and special days that bring the year to a close.

There are plenty of important dates coming up, so I’ve included these below. We’ll keep them in every newsletter from now on to help everyone stay organised and keep track of what’s happening.

Ngā mihi nui,

Kathryn Ramel

Principal

Key Term 4 Dates

Mon 26/10 Labour Day
Mon 26 Oct-Fri 30 (Week 3) Book week and Book Fair
Fri 6/11 Mahurangi College Orientation Day (9.00-1.00) Year 6’s
Fri 13/11 Teacher Only Day (same as Mahurangi College)
Wed 25/11- Fri 27/11 YEAR 5 CAMP
Fri 4/12 Junior Christmas Concert (am), Evening Carols in the Courtyard (inc Kapa Haka and Yr 3 – 6 Carols Choir)
Fri 11/12 Awards Ceremony (morning, whole school) & Prizegiving (afternoon, inc Year 6 Graduation Certificates)
Tues 15/12 Graduation Evening Year 6s
Wed 16/12 Last day 2026! Finish 12:30pm

School Diary

Week 2: Mon 19 Oct-Fri 23 Oct

Mon 19/10 Carol Choir with Lou Perkins- 2pm in the hall
Tues 20/10 Cricket Skills with Liam Jones
Wed 21/10 Big Shake Out – 1.30pm
Thur 22/10 Cricket Skills with Liam Jones
Fri 23/10 Photolife Photos in the hall

Week 3: Mon 26 Oct-Fri 30 Oct

Book week and Book Fair Tues 27 – Fri 30 Oct
Mon 26/10 LABOUR DAY
Tues 27/10 Year 3 Swimming 12:45 – 2:45 pm
Thurs 29/10 Year 4 Swimming 12:45 – 2:45 pm
Fri 30/10 WORLD TEACHERS DAY, Interschool Swimming @ Mahurangi College, Book character parade 9:15am, School Assembly 2pm Kahikatea 1 presenting

Week 4: Mon 2 Nov- Fri 6 Nov

Mon 2/11 Carol Choir with Lou Perkins- 2pm in the hall, Kowhai 2 to Mahurangi East library 11:30-12:45pm
Tues 3/11 Year 3 Swimming, Jump Jam Practice, Hall 1.00-1.45
Wed 4/11 Year 5 Nikau 2 to Mahurangi East library 11:30-12:45pm, Jump Jam Practice, Hall 1.00-1.45
Thurs 5/11 Year 4 Swimming, Nikau 1 to Mahurangi East library 11:30-12:45pm, Jump Jam Practice, Hall 1.00-1.45
Fri 6/11 Mahu College Orientation Day (9.00-1.00) Year 6’s

Welcome to the newest members of our SBS Whānau – we hope you enjoy your time at our school!

Mia G, Owen K, Harrison P and Lachlan T

Cultivating a Heart of Humility in Our Tamariki

Our value this term is Humility – Tu Whakaiti

At our school, we believe that true success is measured not just by our achievements, but by how we treat one another. Humility is a quiet superpower that helps our children lift others up, listen with an open mind, and value everyone’s unique contributions. Being humble doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves; it simply means thinking of ourselves less and celebrating the success of our peers. When children practise humility, they become “friendship magnets”—they are quicker to share, more resilient when facing mistakes, and always eager to keep learning. By encouraging our kids to say a sincere “thank you,” celebrate a classmate’s win, and listen first, we help them build the strong relationships and deep empathy they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Photo Day at SBS

Next Friday 23rd October our students will have their class and individual photos with Photolife. If you have more than one child at our school you should have received an email to request a sibling photo. If you haven’t then please pop into the office or email mbale@snellsbeach.school.nz and we will give you a form to complete. (Please note, we are unable to accommodate sibling photos with preschoolers or siblings at other schools).

Car wash for Jump Jam

Mini Miss Ramel

The Juniors missed Miss Ramel so much whilst she was on sabbatical that they made their own mini-Miss Ramel in play based learning.

More photos from our SBS Cultural Celebration Day

Important Notice to all Parents and Whānau – student with extreme allergies

This is an important reminder for all families at our school, and in particular for those new to our school. In our Junior School we have a student with a severe egg allergy. This student is allergic to eggs through ingestion, inhalation, and touch.

Please ensure that:
No whole egg products are included in lunch boxes. This includes items such as hard-boiled eggs, egg sandwiches, bacon and egg pie, or eggs in rolls.
Egg used in baked goods, such as cakes or muffins, is still fine.

Thank you very much for your understanding and support in helping us keep all of our students safe.

Community Notices

Junior Surf is back for 2026/27!
Info & Enrolment Days Sunday 25 October & Sunday 1 November 9-11am
Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Season starts 8.45am Sunday 8 November
www.omahasurf.co.nz/membership-/membership-junior