A warm welcome to our new students: Brie Murphy, Ryley Murphy and Olive Ridder

Kia ora koutou,

Our Year 5–8 students have been working incredibly hard preparing for this year’s production. At Puketaha, our school productions are always unique and child-centred. Each year, the script is written fresh to reflect the interests, strengths, and ideas of the students involved. Our Year 7 and 8 students, in particular, play a key role in shaping the storyline and dialogue, writing large parts of the script themselves.

I want to acknowledge the extra effort our staff and students have put in this year. With no Performing Arts Centre (PAC) just yet, we’ve had to adapt to using the community hall. While we are grateful to have access to this facility and still be able to do a Production this year, unlike our PAC, the hall doesn't have a built-in projector, sound and lighting system. 

So, although this year’s production may not have all the technical bells and whistles of previous years, it’s a true testament to the resilience and creativity of our students and teachers. We’re proud of what they’ve achieved and can’t wait to share it with you.

Update on Classroom Appeal and Rebuild Plans

Recently, Puketaha School submitted a formal appeal to the Ministry of Education regarding their decision not to reinstate the Kaakano teaching space, which was destroyed in the 2024 fire. Our letter outlined many factors, including the impact the loss of this purpose-built learning space has had on teaching and learning. The appeal was supported by a comprehensive architectural assessment of the space and a strong letter of endorsement from the Waikato District Council Mayor and Chief Executive. Following a visit to the school, our local Member of Parliament was also included in the communications, along with other key community members and Ministry of Education representatives. The appeal prompted robust internal conversations within the Ministry of Education’s property team, and we are very pleased to share that the Ministry has agreed to reverse its original decision and they will reinstate the lost teaching space in conjunction with the rebuild of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). This is a fantastic outcome for our school. 

The Ministry has confirmed that while the exact design is still to be determined, the new teaching space will be included in the PAC design process moving forward. We will be meeting with the Ministry soon to discuss next steps and will keep our community informed as we learn more. This rebuild will be a permanent extension to our existing classroom block, and importantly, there is no threat to our roll being reduced due to out-of-zone students. 

Thank you to everyone for your support throughout this process. I would particularly like to acknowledge Crystal Beavis for bringing together key voices at Waikato District Council and helping to coordinate the strong letter of endorsement we received. I’m also very grateful to PeddleThorp Architects for producing such a thorough report that clearly outlined why the remaining space was not fit for purpose. The Waikato Ministry of Education Property team have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to help get this decision across the line, and we are all truly thankful for their openness to relook at the decision, their robust process, support and commitment. It is such an amazing result!

With both a new curriculum and a new reporting format in place, we’d like to provide some information to help you understand what to expect.

Te Mātaiaho: The New Zealand Curriculum

What’s Different in Reporting?

In the past, student achievement was measured against broad Curriculum Levels that spanned multiple year groups.
Now, progress is assessed and reported against a student’s specific Year Level.

The refreshed New Zealand Curriculum includes more content and is more demanding. As this new curriculum is being introduced, it’s important to understand that it may take time for students’ learning to fully align with these increased expectations.

Additionally, the Learning Objectives are now more specific. This means that at mid-year, if certain topics haven’t yet been taught, teachers cannot assess your child against those objectives. As a result, your child’s overall mid-year achievement data may appear lower, not because of a lack of progress, but simply because some areas are still to be covered or they have been filling gaps from the progression below their Year group. 

Lastly, a reminder:
There are currently no National Standardised Assessment tools that align with the refreshed Curriculum.
These are being developed and are expected to be introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2026. In the meantime, our teachers continue to use a range of ongoing assessment practices to make informed decisions about your child’s progress. This includes observations, learning conversations with students, and the marking of tasks and learning activities.

Mid-Term Reports: What to Expect 

Mid-Term Reports will be published on HERO on the last day of term.

They can be found by clicking the three dots on the left-hand side, clicking on your child’s name to open the drop-down menu, where you will see the ‘Puketaha Mid Term Report' option. You are welcome to print a copy if you wish.

(Year 1's who have had their Developmental Report, you will receive the Achievement Graphs only, please refer to their Developmental Report for learning comments).

Each report will include:

• A Powerful Learning Comment written to you, the whaanau. This highlights how your child is demonstrating the 6 C’s, as well as their attitude and social skills.
• A Reading, Writing and Mathematics comment, written to your child. These are short and focused, identifying two strengths and a next step for each area. Each comment will have a Progress Chart underneath. 

This Mid-Term Report provides a summary of key learning and complements the more detailed, ongoing updates you receive throughout the term in the Digital Learning Journal on HERO..

Please note: Progress data from previous years cannot be directly compared to this year’s report, as it is based on the new curriculum. The new curriculum includes different learning objectives and higher expectations, so assessment is based on new criteria. (Also- Year 7 and 8 are still working on the previous curriculum for Literacy, as this currently stops at Year 6)

Our Term 2 Student-Led Conferences are coming up in Week 9, and bookings are now open.

These conferences are a valuable opportunity for your child to share their learning so far this year. You’ll also have time to explore their Digital Learning Journal together and celebrate their progress. Teachers will drop in during the session to talk with you about your child’s learning and next steps. We will also give you an indication of what to expect in the end-of-year report, which will be published on Friday of Week 9 via HERO.

We strongly encourage students to lead these conversations, with support from both their whaanau and teachers, helping them take ownership of their learning journey.

Format:
Each child and their family will be booked into a 30-minute group session. Your child will have prepared specific aspects of their learning to share. Teachers will be available to guide and contribute to the conversations during this time. There will be other families in the classrooms at the same time. 

Because time is limited in this format and the focus is on the child leading and having ownership of their learning, for more in-depth or sensitive discussions, we will be offering 1:1 parent-teacher interviews early in Term 3 for those who are interested. 

Student-Led Conferences Booking Details: BOOK IN HERO

• Roopuu Kaakano 1 and 2: Booking options are preset with your child's Kaitiaki teacher.

• Roopuu Maahuri and Puaawai: Booking options are preset with your child’s Literacy teacher.

Please ensure you book a time – it means a lot to the children to share their learning with the most important people in their lives. 

Thanks to those who braved the wild weather on Tuesday night to come along to our last meeting.

It is a bit of a mad time of year, there seems to be a lot going on pulling people in all directions so we appreciate the support we get from our school community.

We have attached the flyer for this year’s quiz night.  Save the date! Prizes for best dressed so get your costume ideas flowing. Tickets will go on sale the first Monday of Term 3. We are still accepting prizes for raffles or auction items, please hand into the office if there is something you have to donate.

New World have another sticker promotion for bakeware. If you have stickers that you will not be using please can you donate them to us!  We collate them to get some freebee prizes. Same goes for Yummy stickers from your apples. Please collate them onto a sticker sheet ( from https://www.yummyfruit.co.nz/schools/  ) and hand them into the office.

Nothing much else to report on. It is going to be a busy term 3 instead .

Kind regards,

Merynn Connors

PTA Chairperson

E: pta@puketaha.school.nz  M: 027 6296820

Wednesday 18th June - Performance Day

Community Hall

Gold Coin Donation for entry

Matinee

Years 5 and 6: Starts 9.45 am until approximately 10.45 am

Years 7 and 8: Starts 11.20 am until approximately 12.50 pm

Evening Performance

Years 5 and 6 

Students arrive at school at 5.30 pm, please, and go to Roopuu Puaawai 5/6.

The show starts at 6 pm and ends at approximately 7.00 pm.

Year 7 and 8

Arrive at school at 7.00 pm please, and go to Roopuu Puaawai 7/8.

Show starts at 7.30pm and ends at approximately 9.00pm.

We expect it to be very cramped in the hall, and we might not have seats for everyone. People are welcome to stand at the back if all the seats are full. 

MOE Weather Tightness Project

In the next week, our office staff need to move into the resource room area to allow for work to be completed in the admin block. Just let them know if you are at the office and no one is around (there is a bell on the counter).  

Mini Library/ Kaakano 0 Classroom

We will be starting to dismantle the library as it currently is and preparing to set up our mini library. We are clearing out the adjoining resource room to create more mini library space and will be putting up partition walls to separate the mini library from the new Kaakano 0 space. This will mean the library will close down before the end of the term to allow time for this to be set up. 

The plan for the mini library is for small groups at a time to access the books for weekly issuing, as well as a portable library system for our Kaakano 1 and 2 tamariki that will come to their class. 

At Puketaha School, we are committed to creating a positive and balanced food and drink environment that supports the nutrition, wellbeing, learning, and focus of all our tamariki, as well as healthy teeth.

In line with our school’s Food and Nutrition Policy, we encourage nutritious food choices throughout the school day. We appreciate your support in helping us promote healthy habits in a way that is inclusive, practical, and respectful of individual needs.

To help with this, we ask that you please:

• Adhere to our Water Only policy at school
• Please- No Lollies or Chocolate Bars to school 

• Also, avoid sharing food with other students, including during or after school events or sports games, as we want to respect dietary needs, allergies, and family preferences.

• Try to avoid including high-sugar or highly processed foods in lunchboxes. We encourage nourishing options that support students' energy and learning.

When celebrating at school, such as class events, team gatherings, or shared lunches, we encourage healthy and inclusive options. While occasional treats may be part of special occasions or fundraisers, we aim to model choices that support our students’ well-being and offer choices. If you are organising a team celebration or providing food-based prizes, please check in with your team about any allergies, dietary needs, or parental preferences. This helps ensure all tamariki feel included.

The tentative date for the school's Agricultural Day is Tuesday 7^th of October, the first week of Term Four.

Now is the time to think about taking up the challenge of rearing an animal for Agricultural Day.  Please let us know if your child/children would like to bring an animal or if you have not been involved before and would like to find out more.

Lambs, Calves  and Kid Goats

The Lambs, Calves and Kid Goats competition.  The school can help by providing tips and advice on rearing them. Animals can also compete at North Waikato Group Day and at the Waikato Show if you choose.

If you are unsure of what Agricultural Day is about or have any questions about raising an animal, don’t hesitate to give us a call at school. Alternatively, you could visit www.waikatoaandp.co.nz.

Please email office@puketaha.school.nz if you are: 

1. Planning to have or already have an animal.
2. If you would like to know more about Agricultural Day.
3. If you would like to be kept informed about Agricultural Day

and you will be added to an email list for all future communication about this event.

Thank you

Kaakano 1 Resources Wanted

If anyone has toys that your children have grown out of Kaakano 0 is looking for the following to start the new term:

• Wooden blocks         
• Wooden train & tracks  
• Toy Cars

Please see Hayley in Kaakano 1 or drop them in to the office.

Piano & Keyboard Lessons

Lessons are available next term for Puketaha students during school hours.

Jenny Spark has taught piano and keyboard for nearly 20 years and is looking forward to bringing the joy of music to Puketaha kids. Enrolments will be separate from Music House so please enquire directly: sparkj@gmail.com 020-4009-570