May 28th 2025, Week 5

Principal's Message

Term 2 Week 5 2025

Wednesday 28th May

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to Ihaia to Ruru iti last week and his family who have joined us. Over the next few weeks we have a number of visits for those who are starting school soon and we know these are important for everyone to transition smoothly from early childhood to school. 

Today we had sixty children represent Northland at the Western Zone Cross Country event at Karori Park. The weather was just right and we had a number of students who have qualified for the Interzone Cross Country event.

During our Pink Shirt Day it was great to see Northland Champs in action. The Student Reps led the day with great enthusiasm and most of us had something pink to wear.

The Spaceward Bound programme was a great success. The children were able to see some amazing things inside the portable planetarium “The Mars Blueberry”.  I spoke with Hari, an astrobiologist who spent time at NASA and she had a wealth of knowledge about Mars. 

Our children asked great questions and had their curiosity stretched when Hari passed around a 3.5 million year rock sample. Rock samples and robots were enjoyed by everyone too. This experience has supported further learning across the curriculum. I hope you heard about it at home!

I am sure you are all aware, schools across the country are working through a period of curriculum change. We want to keep you informed about how this is unfolding in our school and what it means for our children and teaching staff.

Teachers were provided with the new curriculum documents right at the end of last year, with the expectation that implementation would begin in Term 1 and that reporting would follow from mid-year. For Years 0–6, this means working with two completely new curricula—English and Mathematics. For Years 7–8, the new Mathematics Curriculum is in place, while the revised English Curriculum for their level has not yet been finalised.

As a school, we are taking part in all professional development opportunities offered to support this change. At the same time, we've been working hard to ensure our teachers are able to focus on high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom and sustaining our structured literacy approaches. We are benefiting from the extensive professional development we have provided in English over the last three years. 

While public messaging has suggested that the curriculum changes come with new assessment supports, this has not yet been our experience. Some new tools are beginning to emerge, but these are arriving gradually, with limited time for teachers to explore or trial them. In most cases, we are still using the same assessment tools we’ve used previously—many of which haven’t yet been adjusted to align with the new curriculum or appropriate for our youngest learners. 

Despite these challenges, we are approaching this transition with care and a clear focus on what’s best for our learners. We’re committed to implementing these changes in a thoughtful, sustainable way, and we will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. 

We would like to invite parents to a Curriculum Evening next week on 3rd June from 7- 8:00 pm. We will outline the key aspects of the New Zealand Curriculum in English and Maths and how we are teaching at Northland School. 

During the evening we will update you on the phases in the curriculum and how these are guiding the information you will receive in your child’s report at the end of this term. 

To help us plan the evening we would appreciate you sending an email with any questions you have about the new curriculum so we can include this content during the evening. andreap@northland.school.nz 

We are looking forward to the King's Birthday next Monday 2nd June and hope for fine weather over the long weekend. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child, please follow our process:

• Classroom Teacher as the first point of contact. 
• Team Leader/ Deputy Principal if unresolved. 
• Principal (if further support is needed). This will ensure the right people can address things efficiently.

Ngā mihi

Andrea

NEW - Matariki

Matariki is a time to reflect, share stories, and plan for the New Year.

Whakatauki:
Ka puta Matariki, ka rere Whānui, ko te tohu o te tau.
Matariki appears as Whānui flees; this is a sign of the New Year

Whānui is the star Vega in the Lyra constellation. Whānui sets in the early morning of winter just before Matariki rises in the eastern sky.

Thursday 5th of June: 6.15pm to 8.00pm

• Come to Northland School and view the night sky with the Wellington Astronomical Society 
• A community event to come and use the telescopes to view stars, the moon and if you are lucky enough a planet
• At 6.15pm, there will be a short talk on how the equipment works and some information about what you may see in the night sky as Matariki approaches
• Experts will be there to assist you in using the telescopes 

Tuesday 17th of June: 5.00pm to 7.00pm

• Northland School invites you to our Matariki celebration in Te Kohanga
• A formal opening, performances of waiata (school and our kapa haka group)
• Stalls selling a variety of items (money for charities)
• Workshops with activities linked to Matariki. 
• Hot food available for purchase (a koha). 
• Farewell and waiata to end the evening

Thursday 19th of June- Hangi

• Try a piece of hangi vegetable lunch
• Each child brings 1-2  portions of a vegetable; e.g.potato, kumara, pumpkin (peeled and wrapped in foil). These will be steamed at school. 
• Thank our Whānau of Te Kura o te Orangi Kaupapa who have managed to secure a ‘hangi steamer.’ 
• At approximately 1.00pm, we will “lift the hangi’, where a karakia is said as the steam departs into the sky. This signifies for Māori the beginning of the final journey of our departed ones from the previous year. 
• At around 1.15pm we will begin to deliver to classes, kai for students to try.

If you are able to help or have any questions, please contact Grant by email at granth@northland.school.nz.

NEW - School Policy Review

We use School Docs to house our school policies. This system ensures we are complying with legislation and also allows for parents and staff to have input into board policy review. 

Each term we review policies and now invite you to be part of this process. This term, we are reviewing the policies listed; Planning and Preparing for Emergencies, Disasters, and Crises; Communication During an Emergency, Disaster, or Crisis; Emergency Closure.

Follow the steps 

1. Visit the site at https://northland.schooldocs.co.nz ( note there is no www)
2. Username: northland and Password: orangikaupapa
3. Use the subtitle link ‘current review’ at the top of the page. 
4. Follow the link to the relevant policy to read.
5. Click the Policy Review button and select the reviewer type ‘Parent’ 
6. Enter your name (optional)

NEW - Thank You for Supporting Pink Shirt Day!

A big thank you to all the students who wore pink or donated money to support Pink Shirt Day! Together, we raised an amazing $226.90 for the New Zealand Mental Health Society. 

Your support helps raise awareness about bullying and shows the power of kindness and inclusion. Every pink shirt and every coin made a difference — and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved as a school! 

Let’s keep standing up for what’s right and supporting each other, every day.

- The Student Rep Team

NEW - Twins Day - Dress up - June 6th

Next Friday (6th June) we will be having a fun dress up day at school: Twins day! You could dress up in the same outfit as a friend, dress up in a group or just wear your own wacky outfit! We will be having a parade in Te Kōhanga to show off our outfits with certificates for the best outfits! This is just for fun so we will not be collecting donations.  - The Student Rep Team 

NEW - Western Zone Cross Country

On Tuesday we had almost sixty children represent Northland School at the Western Zone Cross Country event at Karori Park.

The weather was just right, after looking like it could be wet and cold in the days leading up to it.

All students performed well; exhibiting Northland Champs values in running their best and supporting their peers.

We have eight students who have qualified for the Interzone Cross Country in two weeks, by finishing in the top ten in their race. Congratulations Hendrik and Reuben for your outstanding 1st place wins and to every one else for your achievements.

Qualifiers:

Hendrik Kramar (Year 6, 1st place)

Reuben Small (Year 8 boys, 1st place)

Arlo Manning (5th, Year 4 boys)

Poppy Pringle (7th Year 5 girls),

Holly Lucas (5th Year 7 girls),

Aidan Clendon (5th Year 7 boys)

Colwell Keen (6th Year 7 boys)

Isobel Clendon (8th Year 8 girls).

NEW - School Photo Day 12th June

Next Thursday 12th June is School Photo Day! Sports team photos will also be taking place, please bring sports uniforms. More information will be sent out via HERO next week.

NEW - Parenting Evening: Jo Robertson Parenting in the Digital Era: Wed June 18th 7- 9 pm - Wellington College AGC

Tēnā koutou katoa to all our parents and caregivers,

Our Kāhui Ako is delighted to host renowned therapist Jo Robertson's expertise for an evening on Parenting in the Digital Era: how to create a safe online experience for your child, no matter their age. 

Jo is a therapist and researcher with over 17 years of experience. She has spent the last seven years researching online content and advocating for online safety for children and teenagers. 

We will all be waking away with a greater understanding of:

• Master the Art of Age-Appropriate Communication: Never again stumble for the right words, or fear saying the wrong thing to your children.
• Keeping kids safe from sexual harm - both online and offline 
• Build Unbreakable Bonds: Expert guidance helps you establish deep trust and safety with your children in the space of sexual well-being.
• Team Up with Your Partner: Bring your partner onboard and align your parenting strategies for a harmonious and united front.

The presentation will be held in the Wellington College Alan Gibbs Centre on Wednesday 18th June, from 7pm to 9.00pm. Tea coffee and light snacks will be available from 6.30pm. Please note this talk is for adults only and it is not suitable for children or teens to attend.

We hope you can join us for this important session which promises to shed light on problems many of our parents and young people are encountering. 

For further information about Jo Robertson online parenting course and other details please visit: www.trickychatsparenting.com www.jorobertson.org/parenting

NEW - Winter Illness advice - Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora

Aotearoa is at high risk of a measles outbreak

Immunisation is the best protection and will help to prevent the spread of measles in our local communities. If you are travelling and are not fully protected, you are at risk of catching the disease and bringing it back to Aotearoa. You might also pass the infection on to others and make them unwell.

If you are not immune to measles, or you are not sure, ask your healthcare provider about getting immunised.

https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

Scabies In Children

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite which digs under the skin and lays eggs. Small blisters grow on the skin above each egg and the skin gets very itchy. Scabies will not go away without treatment, you will need to see a Health Professional.

https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/scabies-in-children

School Sores

School sores (impetigo) is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. Symptoms are red sores or blisters, which burst to leave crusty, golden-brown patches. The sores can be itchy and affect the face and hands, but they can appear elsewhere. As impetigo is very infectious, it is important any sores are kept covered until they are healed. For any skin infection, it is important you contact your healthcare provider for advice on whether your child needs antibiotics.

https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/school-sores

Head lice(nits)

Head lice (nits) are common in children because of how close they are together at school. Nits are small insects that lay their eggs on strands of hair. Scratching can be a sign that a child has them. Children with nits should stay at home from school until treatment has started.

Sore throat

You should keep your child at home if they need pain relief for their throat to feel comfortable. Pain relief includes paracetamol or ibuprofen. Make sure to give the correct dose for your child according to their weight or age.

https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/sore-throat-in-detail

Fever

If your child has a fever, you should keep them home until all of these apply:

• their temperature has returned to normal (less than 38°C) without needing to use medicine to reduce it, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• they are feeling well and happy within themselves again.

Most children with a fever can be cared for at home. However, if your child becomes more unwell or you are worried about them, get health advice urgently.

https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/fever

Sending your child back to school

As soon as your child is well enough to return to school, it is important that they attend to be with their peers and get back to learning. If your child cannot manage full days to begin with, discuss a transition plan with their school.

In general, a doctor’s certificate or clearance should not have to be provided for your child to go back to their school after being unwell.

NEW - Pizza Friday 6th June

Giving a heads up and reminder!

All pizzas MUST be ordered by 1pm Wednesday 4th of June, we are unable to process late orders. This is to help with making orders easier due to the sheer amount of pizzas arriving. 

The process is you pay online and we have paper slips in the school office to be filled in before 1pm on the Wednesday. 

We also had pizzas ordered with no payment AND payments with no order, please make sure you remember to pay AND order. 

NEW - Lost Property

We have a lot of lost property this Term. Please if you are missing any clothing or items go to the Lobby Lounge and see if it is here. What is not collected will be given to charity in School Holidays. 

REPEAT - Northland School Responding to Unexpected Behaviour

We have shared The Northland CHAMP expectations with you and we hope you have had discussions with your child about the values and our ‘ways of being’ at Northland. 

Positive behaviour for learning is focusing on the teaching of prosocial behaviours, adapting the environment, stating what expected behaviour looks like, sounds like and feels like and acknowledging the desired behaviours. We know there are no quick fixes, and behaviour change takes time. 

We have worked with staff and students to develop our ways to respond when unexpected behaviours or incidents occur.  The draft document was shared with the Board and a sample group of whānau whose children are part of the PB4L Kids committee. We have made changes based on feedback to ensure this is a clear and transparent document.

School Lunch Options

Subway  - Every Monday - order online through  www.lunchonline.co.nz

Sushi  -  Every Tuesday - order online through  www.ezlunch.co.nz

Pizza   - Once a month - available the 1st Friday of each month, $6 per pizza order forms in the school office.

Apps available for Subway and Sushi through the school website.

Term Dates

The bell rings at 8:50 am. Any student arriving after this time will need to sign in at the office and will be marked late. We encourage students to arrive by 8:30 am to meet with friends and get ready for the day. Lessons will begin at 9am. 

Before School Care available from 7:30 am -8:30 am in the Library. Please email the office for further details, office@northland.school.nz

Term 2 -  28th April - Thursday 26th June - last day of term

• Kings Birthday - Monday 2nd June
• Matariki Holiday - Friday 20th June
• Teacher Only Day - Friday 27th June - (Mathematics curriculum)

Term 3 -  14th July - 19th September

• Teacher Only Day - Friday 22nd August (Mathematics curriculum)

Term 4 - 6th October - 17th December

• Labour Day - Monday 27th October

IMPORTANT DATES

• Curriculum Update Evening  - Tuesday June 3rd  7- 8:00pm in the Library. 
• Jo Robertson Parenting in the Digital Era - Wednesday June 18th 7-9pm Wellington College 
• Wellington Astronomical Society - Viewing the Night Sky - Thursday 5th June time 6pm - 8pm
• Matariki Celebration - Tuesday 17th June 5:15- 7:00 pm

CAMP DATES 

• Year 5 / 6 Camp - Term 4 Forest Lakes 29th October - 31st October 2025
  
  

Community Notices