Newsletter 13 November 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.

Thank you for your support of our Ministry-sanctioned Teacher Only Day today.

We have spent the day unpacking the significant curriculum changes that will be introduced in all New Zealand schools from the beginning of 2027. The most recent revisions to Science, Social Sciences, The Arts, and Health & PE were only finalised in August and September this year, so there is certainly plenty to get our heads around! Having dedicated time for teachers to develop a deeper understanding of the new expectations and consider how best to bring these learning opportunities to life for our tamariki has been invaluable.

Strategic planning for the future is also very much on the agenda at the moment. Our Board is working towards developing its new strategic plan, bringing together the important perspectives of governance, teaching and learning feedback from our staff, and the aspirations and views of our wider community.

We would really value your input. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to have your say through our online feedback form. Responses can be submitted confidentially if you wish. The form will close next Wednesday, so there’s still time to contribute. Further details can be found in your emails or below.

Ngā mihi,

Kathryn Ramel

Principal

Key Term 4 Dates

Wed 18/11 Walkathon
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 6: Mon 16 Nov-Fri 20 Nov

Mon 16/11 Mihi Whakatau in Rimu 1 @ 9.05am (only for the new students), Carols Choir with Lou Perkins – 2pm in the hall, Nikau 2 to Mahurangi East library 11:30-12:45pm
Tues 17/11 Year 3 Swimming pm, Trees for Survival Seedling Planting – Pūriri 1 @ SBS. 9.00-1.00pm
Wed 18/11 Walkathon 12pm start
Thurs 19/11 Year 4 Swimming pm
Fri 20/11 Firewise Wendy House Visit , School Assembly 2pm with Rimu 1 and 2 presenting

Week 7: Mon 23 Nov-Fri 27 Nov

YEAR 5 CAMP Wed 25/11- Fri 27/11

Mon 23/11 Camp day year 3 and 4, Carol Choir with Lou Perkins- 2pm in the hall, Interschool Cricket
Tues 24/11 Year 3 Swimming
Wed 25/11 Year 5 buses in staff carpark leaving 9:15am for camp
Thurs 26/11 Year 4 Swimming
Fri 27/11 Have a try Morning – Kindy and Day Care Visit 9am – 11am, Year 5’s returning to school 2pm

Week 8: Mon 30 Nov-Fri 4 Dec

Mon 30/11 Carol Choir with Lou Perkins – 2pm in the hall, Seniors Water Safety @ Snells Beach 11:30am – 2pm
Tues 1/12 Year 3 Swimming, Year 5 Road Patrol Training with Constable John Walker, 9.15am-11.00am, Seniors Water Safety @ Snells Beach 12pm – 2:40pm
Wed 2/12 Seniors Water Safety @ Snells Beach 1pm – 2:40pm, BOT Meeting 6pm
Thurs 3/12 Year 4 Swimming
Fri 4/12 Junior Christmas Concert 9:15am, Evening Carols in the Courtyard

Hats Please – a Reminder for Parents

We have far too many students who are still coming to school without hats. We will be restricting students from going outside in the playtimes if they don’t have one. If your child does need a new hat, you don’t need to come in – simply pay online ($17.50), email or phone the office to let us know, and we will ensure they receive it. All hats are named when they leave the office, but remember to check – with wear and tear this can fade.

Christmas Carols in the Courtyard and Markets

Keen for a stall at our Christmas Markets this year? All stall holders need their own tables. If you need power, please bring your own extension cable, but we can provide access. Vehicles can access the courtyard area 4pm – 5pm on the day for setup. To register your interest, please contact mbale@snellsbeach.school.nz

Music Lessons Starting in 2027 here at SBS

With the building remediations finally coming to a close, we will have some spare spaces back next year. This means we will finally be able to offer music lessons here at SBS. These will be individual lessons, within school hours. See the flyer below for further details.

Book Fair and Book Parade Fun

Our book fair raised an amazing $6,626.60 for our school. We utilise this money to restock and refresh our library with new titles covering a broad range of reading levels and interests. Our books get well read, and even though we look after them, new material is much needed and appreciated. Thank you to everyone who popped in and walked away with some goodies – hopefully it helped with the Christmas shopping also.

Our Book Parade was a fun way to end the week with some super creative dress ups – here’s a few pics of our staff efforts:

Walkathon – Weds 18 November 12pm kick off

Bring:

your pledge sheet so teachers can record your laps on the day
a drink bottle
some coins for our PTA stall selling baked goods, drinks and a sausage sizzle! Lunch – sorted!
OUR PTA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT BY SUPPLYING BAKING OR HELPING TO SELL THE GOODIES!

Wear:

just your uniform OR change into house colour mufti – your pick
comfy walking shoes

Cool Prizes:

every $20 raised puts you in the draw for the following cool prizes:

MADD CARVE PRO-X SCOOTER WITH COOL TIGER DESIGN. HELMET INCLUDED.

FULLY ADJUSTABLE WARRIORS CAP AND THE RIGHT TO WEAR IT TO SCHOOL FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR #PRICELESS

A BASKETBALL, TOUCH BALL AND FOOTBALL

CLASS WHO RAISES THE MOST (AVE.PER CHILD) GETS A MOVIE AND POPCORN AFTERNOON!

Science in the Junior School

Our science topic has been materials and their properties. Today the kids had to make a waterproof house for their pet using a range of different materials. These were then then tested by a heavy rain storm (watering can). 3 out of the 4 animals stayed dry!

Strategic Planning for 2027 and Beyond

The Snells Beach School Board of Trustees is keen to work in partnership with our SBS Whānau to help shape the school’s strategic direction for 2027 and beyond. We are aiming for 100% parent and caregiver participation, as we value every voice and want to ensure our future planning reflects the aspirations and priorities of our whole school community.

This afternoon, all parents and caregivers will receive a link to a Google Form where you can share your ideas, thoughts and feedback for the Board to consider as part of its strategic planning.

If you would prefer to provide your feedback in a non-digital format, please contact the office and we will send a paper copy home with your child.

We have extended the deadline for feedback to Wednesday 18th November.

We really encourage everyone to take a few minutes to have their say. Your input matters, and together we can help shape the future of Snells Beach School.

Simply add your email to go into a draw for a $100 Little and Local Voucher.

Mobile Dental Unit visit to Snells Beach School

Kia ora koutou katoa,
We are pleased to confirm that an Auckland Regional Dental Service (ARDS) Mobile Dental Unit will soon be visiting your child’s school. We plan to visit from Monday 16th November till Wednesday 18th November. Open hours: 8:30 am till 2:30pm Monday to Friday

A priority booking model will be used to offer dental appointments, these will include:

• Children where the need for dental treatment has previously been identified
• Children who may be experiencing pain
• Those children who have been waiting the longest for a dental examination
• Children who are identified as having higher dental needs

Parent/caregivers of children on our initial priority list will be contacted via email/phone call in the first instance to advise of our intent to see their child. If you have not received notification your child is scheduled to be seen and your child is in pain or you have concerns about your child’s teeth, please phone Pakiri Niho transportable children community dental clinic 021 419 613 to speak with one of our dental team.

If you would like to update any of your child’s details, including consent status, medical history or contact details, you can contact us via: 021 419 613
• By visiting the Mobile Dental Unit when it arrives at your child’s school
• Email: wt-ards.kiwi@tewhatuora.govt.nz
• Phone: 021 908 458 or 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583)

Ngā mihi,
The Auckland Regional Dental Service.

Pre-schoolers Open Day coming up soon

Request from SBS

We desperately need some donations of used beach or bath towels for use around the school or for our school swimming. We are also running low on spare uniform shorts, if you have any around that child has grown out of, we would greatly appreciate them at the office. Mrs Browne has also requested that if you have any musical instruments sitting around the house that you are no longer using, please drop into the office.

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