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, Vanakkam. Greetings to our school families.
This morning at the Year 6 Camp Assembly, I was reflecting on how proud I was feeling of that group, and how truly remarkable they were on a camp that was quite challenging on the weather front. Today at our assembly, some of our shyest, most nervous students, stood up and proudly told their stories in front of a packed audience. That’s one of the great strengths of camp – not only do kids learn to cope with challenges while we are there; they have memories that they want to share, and this inspires them to overcome nerves in other situations. Yet another reason to make sure that in a national curriculum that seems to be becoming ever more restrictive, we always make time for the “extras”, that in many ways are more meaningful for kids.
A quick heads up to the Year 5 parents – they are feeling very excited about their Term 4 camp on the horizon now. The holidays will be a good time to start building confidence with chats about what they have to look forward to, and maybe some practice sleepovers with trusted friends, for those who will be staying away from families for the first time.
These last few days of term are busy, busy, busy! The school diary is below, but please also check the email I sent out yesterday with adds a bit more detail about upcoming events.
Ngā mihi nui,
Kathryn Ramel
Principal
School Diary
Week 11 Mon 29 June – Fri 3 July:
- Tues 30/6 Kiwi English Exam, selected Year 5 and 6 students.
- Weds 1/7 Year 5 & 6 classes in the hall 2pm. Author James Russell (Dragon Brothers Book Series) here to present
- Wed 1/7 Parent Interviews 2:30pm to 8pm
- Thurs 2/7 Parent Interviews 3:20pm to 5pm
- Fri 3/7 Last Day of Term 2, SBS Matariki Celebration including Values Awards
Miss Ramel Study Sabbatical – Mr Morley & Mr Port Acting Principals
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, Miss Ramel will be out of the school next term on a study sabbatical. All communication with the Principal should be directed to Mr Port and Mr Morley, who will be sharing the Acting Principal role in her absence. Their email contact information is available on our website, or simply ask at the office. There will be strict restrictions on the amount of Warriors memorabilia allowed in the school, as well as Fire Brigade and Gym talk. Miss Ramel rejoins us in Term 4.
Congratulations Chief Morley!
Our first responders are the heartbeat of our community. They are the people who answer the call 24/7, often in the most challenging circumstances, and are there when we need them most. We are incredibly fortunate to have many members of our school whānau who generously give their time to serve others, and we thank each and every one of you.
One of those people is Trent Morley, who regularly arrives at school after spending much of the night responding to fires, motor vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies. After more than 20 years of dedicated volunteer service, beginning in East Auckland, Trent has more than earned his promotion to Chief of the Mahurangi East Fire Brigade.
We couldn’t be prouder of him. Congratulations, Mr Morley, on this well-deserved achievement! Here he is receiving his new Chief’s helmet from Waitematā District Commander Rochelle Martin. We know you’ll lead the brigade with the same commitment, humility, and dedication that you bring to our school every day.
SBS Matariki Celebration – all welcome. Matariki curious? Come and find out more!
We would like to extend a very warm welcome to all to come along and join in with our SBS Matariki Celebrations next Friday 3 July, from 9:10am. Whānau are welcome to attend our special assembly, and then join in as they wish in various Matariki activities in classes throughout the morning, followed by a shared lunch of hot soup and rolls at 12:30pm (extra soup in the staffroom for whanau and guests).
All Students:
All students need to bring a mug for their soup next Friday. Plastic or non-breakable is best, but we have found any mug is fine, provided they are wrapped in a tea towel or similar to transport in bags.
Food Allergy Kids:
We will be using Kings Vegetable Soup as a soup base in classes. There will be plain white buns for all in classes, and non-dairy spread. Gluten free soup, using Kings Gluten Free Vegetable soup base, and GF bread/buns will be available in the staffroom – please let your child’s teacher know if they require this, or simply send them with their preferred bread.
Other Food:
There will be plenty of soup & fresh baked buns. Whether you also choose to send additional lunch is up to you. Children will need morning tea and their drink bottles.
Leaving Early:
It is a normal school day and buses/Kelly Club will run as usual. However, if you are coming for the morning & prefer to take your child home when you leave, please just let their teacher know – they don’t need to be signed out at the office.
Timetable:
9:10am Assemble in the hall
Whole School – Ko te Manu
Senior (Year 3 – 6) Kapa Haka Roopu
- Introduction to Matariki
- End of Term Values Awards
- Lexia Certificates
Junior (Year 0-2) Kapa Haka Roopu
9:50am Return to classes
10:00am – 10:30am Matariki Activities Rotation 1 (whānau welcome to join in)
10:30am – 11:00am Morning tea (Tea/coffee/bikkies for whānau in the hall)
11:00am – 12:30pm 3 x Matariki Activities Rotations (whanau welcome to join in and move around classes as they wish)
12:30pm Shared Lunch in classes. Additional Soup and rolls in the staffroom for whānau
Kelly Club School Holiday Program
The winter holidays are always the most challenging ones for keeping the kids entertained so give yourself a break and book them in for a day at Kelly Club. Many people can receive OSCAR subsidies for this through Work and Income – the team at Kelly Club can guide you through this. Check out the program of action-packed, fun days during the holidays and book in now before spaces fill up!
Year 5 Skateboard Sessions with Young Guns Skate School
One of our Year 5 students emailed Miss Ramel requesting Skateboarding lessons here at school. It was a well written argument, which was hard to disagree with, and resulted in each Year 5 class having a fun session with the Young Guns Skate School last week. Not sponsored in any way, but we thought these guys were great – did you know they do holiday programmes and birthday parties too? Heres their details for those interested: https://www.younggunsskateschool.co.nz/
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Year 6 Camp Tongariro Photos and Movie
Year 6 parents will receive an email early next week with a link to a folder with all photos and the camp movie. Please let us know if you do not receive this.
Mahurangi College Open Day – Friday 7th August 9:30am – 11:30am
This is an open invitation for all families considering Mahurangi College, whether they have decided to enrol or are still exploring their options. Our Open Day is for parents and caregivers. Students will have the opportunity to visit the school during our Orientation Day on Friday 6 November, 9am – 1pm (they will attend this as a group from SBS).
Families who would like to discuss their child’s specific learning or pastoral needs can request an enrolment interview at our Open Day or through the online enrolment process. An enrolment interview is not intended for every student, only for ones that have specific pastoral or diverse learning needs.
The closing date for all 2027 enrolments (in-zone and out-of-zone) is Wednesday 2 September 2026.
Lunch ordering at Snells Beach School
Here at Snells Beach School we have lunch-ordering through Ezlunch available every day. Follow the link below to sign up for ezlunch and check out the menu. Sushi is available and needs to be ordered the night before whilst sandwiches/baking/other lunchbox items from New World can be ordered up to 8am of the same day. Please note, the lunch order is delivered right before our 1pm lunchtime so students still need to bring morning tea with them. Please contact the school office if you have any questions.
Rodney Community Team – Holiday Activities
Matakana Village Matariki Celebration
The SBS Kapa Haka Roopu will perform between 1-2pm across the river from the Matakana Markets so head along to the event below to support them!
Mahurangi East Library Photo Competition
Mahurangi East Library is delighted to invite students aged 5–17 years to participate in our upcoming community photography competition:
“My Visit to Highfield Donkey Reserve”
Hosted in collaboration with Highfield Garden Reserve & Donkey Park, this competition celebrates local experiences, encourages creativity, and inspires young people to explore and capture the beauty and character of this much-loved community reserve through photography.
Competition Details
Theme: My Visit to Highfield Donkey Reserve
Entries Open: 13 July 2026
Entries Close: 21 July 2026
Prizegiving Ceremony: 8 August 2026, 3:00pm
Location: Mahurangi East Library
Entry Information
- Open to children and young people aged 5–17 years
- One entry per form submitted (the link is attached to this email)
- Hard-copy entry forms can be returned directly to Mahurangi East Library
- Students are encouraged to visit Highfield Donkey Reserve and capture a photograph that reflects their experience
We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and school community. The competition is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, outdoor exploration, and community engagement during the school holidays.
If you would like entry forms, posters, or additional information, please contact Mahurangi East Library.
We look forward to seeing the unique perspectives and photographic talents of local young people.
Kind regards,
Mahurangi East Library Team
Community Notices
Staying in touch with school notices
