Kia ora koutou,
Welcome back to school! I hope you all enjoyed the break and managed to stay dry. A big welcome goes out to our new students and families who have recently enrolled.
Thank you to everyone who visited last term. It was great to see you in school for IEP meetings, our whānau BBQ, and our whānau learning workshop. The BBQ is always one of my favourite parts of the year.
We are very lucky to be supported by our School Board. Unfortunately, Charlotte Collins stepped down from our Board at the last meeting and has moved to take up a job in Australia. Charlotte has had a long-term relationship with the school and has worked as Board Treasurer, supporting us with her excellent knowledge of finance and accounting. I would like to thank Charlotte for her support and commitment to our school and wish her well in her new job. We hope to see her back in the future. We are fortunate to have been able to co-opt Kristie Taurua to the Board. Kristie already has links with the board and represents our school at the Special Education Principals’ Association Parent Advisory Group. Kristie also brings experience from working on another school board. Welcome, Kristie!
We have had a couple of changes to our school senior leadership team. Kay Gunston has stepped away from the position of Deputy Principal. Kay has helped to make some important changes within our school and has worked closely with other specialist school leaders, supporting schools to come together, share knowledge, and create networks. Kay enjoys being part of Wilson and has missed being in the classroom. She will be moving into a teaching role while still providing leadership support for Curriculum and Digital Technology. We have advertised for a Deputy Principal and were very pleased with the response to the advert. Following interviews at the start of the term, I’m very pleased to let you know that one of our Assistant Principals, Anju Raza, has been successful and will become Deputy Principal from 26th May. Anju did exceptionally well through the recruitment process, and we are very pleased. Thank you to our board members who supported with shortlisting and interviews.
Our whānau learning session this term focuses on Extra-Curricular Activities in the Community and will be held at Wilson Base School on Thursday 5th June. It would be great to see you there. I understand our new Deputy Principal will be baking for anyone who attends. 😉
Have a great term, everyone!
Neil Kefford
Toe Toe whānau
Room 2
Highlights of term 1 included getting our hands dirty in the garden, tidying up and planting a range of vegetables and flowers. We kept active with Coach Phil during Playball sessions on Monday afternoons and we had sports day which everyone really enjoyed and showed off a wide range of skills. Our inquiry topic, Origins & Connections (migration), led us to learning about our local area and all the different modes of transport in and around Auckland. The class then showed off their artistic talents in our lovely classroom display. We really enjoyed water play on a Thursday and cafe every other Friday. It’s been a great start to the year and we’re looking forward to all that Term 2 will bring.
Room 3
Nau mai hoki mai! We hope you all had a refreshing break. It has been wonderful to welcome the tamariki back to the classroom, bright faces and hear about their holidays. Whether it was going on wave pools, visiting whānau, or simply relaxing at home, each story has helped to rebuild friendships and bring a sense of belonging back into our Room 3 group.
Despite the weather, which has been a bit wet and chilly, we’ve made the most of our time indoors. The tamariki have enjoyed art, waiata (songs), and creative play, showing resilience and a positive attitude as we settle back into the learning and exploring.
We’re very proud of how well everyone has transitioned back into our daily routines. The first week has gone smoothly, and we are already seeing great signs of growth, independence, and curiosity among our learners.
We look forward to a term full of learning, laughter, and kotahitanga (togetherness).
Room 4
Fun in the Sun! Room 4 took advantage of our sunny days last term. We took many walks around the gardens here at Wilson and enjoyed water play.
Some students enjoyed showing us the fishy sides of their personality in the water. Other students enjoyed the water more remotely. Often our walks include some time to read stories in the garden.
Antonia was busy with the Wilson café. She and Delwyn went shopping at Woolworths with the café team and assisted with setting up our café. Sunyoung is helping to save the planet as part of Planet Protectors, the Wilson sustainability group.
We are a little bit sad to see the seasons change, but are looking for the silver lining on the clouds in Term 2.
Room 5
Term 1 was an exhilarating and enriching experience for everyone! We delighted in exploring the diverse wildlife that migrates across New Zealand and channeling our creativity into related artworks. Our visit to Butterfly Creek was particularly memorable, as we observed animals firsthand. Our hydrotherapy program was highly successful for some students, and we noted significant boosts in confidence during horse riding sessions with others. This term we also diligently focused on our literacy and numeracy activities such as letter identification and familiarisation with Numicon. We also enjoyed engaging in water play, participating in our physical fitness program, Circability, Crazy Socks Day, Sports Day and an exciting Easter fun day in school with friends and teachers, which provided wonderful opportunities for socialisation. Most importantly, it was a privilege to meet with parents during our IEP planning meetings to discuss and align our shared goals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents for their invaluable support and collaboration.
Pohutukawa whānau
Albany Junior 15
Term 1 done and dusted! We have made the most of the summer season by creating art outdoors, having picnic-style morning teas, and engaging in water play. We made and interpreted pictographs in Maths. Our inquiry focus was on migration - finding out who migrates (animals and humans), why (understanding the reasons), and how (mode of migration and exploring its impact) this happens. Thank you to our parents who have shared their respective migration stories, which we were able to present and talk about in class. We learned more about each other and developed a newfound appreciation of our roots. We have settled in nicely, learning class routines, looking after our space, and being kind and supportive of each other. The term ended on a high with our awesome Easter party with Albany Junior High School 16! We are ready for more experiences together.
Albany Junior 16
We had an amazing time joining the mainstream classes for PE at the field and gym! We got to play different sports, practice new skills and work together as a team. It was so much fun being part of the games, running around and cheering each other on. We are excited to keep building on what we learned last term!
Tricycle Camp was so much fun! Everyone had a blast riding different kinds of trikes and trying out new challenges. It was great to see many smiles, teamwork and excitement throughout the sessions. We loved the experience and are already looking forward to another awesome camp in Term 2!
Manuka 15
We hope that you had a wonderful Easter and school holiday with your whānau.
Term 1 was a blast! It was great to see the tamariki settle into the classrooms and be familiar with the class routines and the school staff. The visit to Torpedo Bay Navy Museum was a fantastic way to wrap up the term and learn the importance of voyaging in relation to the unit study topic of Migration. In term 2, the focus of our inquiry will be about Living Then and Now. We will be focusing on animals and exploring the ways of life of the past and comparing it to the present.
We will continue to use a range of books, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools and the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) to support your child’s literacy development from letter sound identification with the goal of providing solid building blocks for reading. Time, measurement and transformation will be at the forefront for Maths. For Health and Physical Education we will continue to use the outdoors, school playgrounds and access playball with coach Phil. We will weave the different curriculum areas into our program and celebrate events like Anzac, Book Week, Matariki and many more.
Lastly, Oliver joined Manuka 15, he is a great addition to our class. Please give him and his whānau a warm welcome when you see them.
Manuka 16
What an exciting term it was for Manuka 16! We kicked off the school year in style by joining the mainstream Cultural Parade, where students showcased their heritage and celebrated the beauty of diversity through national clothing. The fun continued as we participated in the Colour Run. We ran through different stations, getting splashed with water and colour powder. It was a joyful day that promoted physical activity and play.
In our Unit Study, we explored migration by sharing our own stories and mapping animal migration routes. We talked about why and how migration happens. We learned that animals migrate by flying, swimming, or walking, while people often use boats, wakas, or airplanes to travel. To help us understand, we did a rainbow milk experiment- just like the dish soap made the colours move, push factors can make people and animals move too.
To deepen our learning, we went to the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. We discovered how sailors and immigrants shaped New Zealand’s naval history. We also saw warships that protected our coast, fought in battles, and helped during crises.
We wrapped up the term with delightful Easter activities. We got creative with sensory egg art, using different craft materials to decorate our eggs. Then we went on an exciting Easter egg hunt. It was a term full of fun and learning!
Nikau whānau
Term 1 was packed with ako (learning) and so much fun in Room 1! Our tamariki loved Water Play Thursdays, the perfect way to enjoy the end of raumati (summer). We also enjoyed trips to our school café, where we tasted yummy kai and practiced our social skills. Every Wednesday, Circability brought smiles as we explored movement using props—such great tinana (body) mahi! Our inquiry into migrating manu (birds) and sea creatures came to life through art, storytelling, and a memorable visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium—a real-life moana (ocean) experience! We also had a blast on Sports Day, moving our tinana (body). Throughout the term we celebrated birthdays and shared lots of laughter. We also saw beautiful tuakana-teina relationships grow, with older tamariki supporting the younger ones through play-based learning. We wrapped up the term with a fun Easter Hunt celebration!
This term, our new inquiry ”Now and Next” will explore how people, whānau (families), transport, toys, and pukapuka (books) have changed over time. We’re especially excited for Book Week and celebrating Matariki as we continue to focus on individual learning goals. Ka mau te wehi, Room 1!
Bayswater 1
Growing Together, Learning for Life
Term 1 was a busy and rewarding time at Bayswater! Our focus has been on building essential life skills and nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
Since day one, our students (tamariki) have been immersed in structured, hands-on learning experiences. We rolled up our sleeves in the kitchen, helping students build confidence through cooking and practical tasks. These activities supported fine motor development and encouraged teamwork, independence, and communication.
Movement and mindfulness were integrated into our daily routines, providing plenty of opportunities to keep our bodies and minds engaged. Whether through outdoor play, music, or group games, our learners were consistently encouraged to embrace healthy risks and develop their confidence.
Term 1's key highlight was our migration exploration, particularly focusing on whales. We learned about how these incredible creatures travel vast distances, why they migrate, and how their journeys relate to themes of change, connection, and survival. This inquiry sparked rich discussions and produced creative responses through art, storytelling, and music.
We also placed a strong emphasis on building relationships - with one another and with our environment. Our classroom whānau grew stronger as we practiced kindness, cooperation, and inclusion. Creativity flowed freely as students expressed themselves through painting, song, and imaginative play.
Term 1 laid the foundations for a year filled with curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. We're incredibly proud of how our learners have grown, and we eagerly anticipate what the rest of the year will bring!
Bayswater 2
Bayswater 2 had a busy term 1 filled with a wide range of activities and learning opportunities. We participated in weekly swimming at the school and the students were all so excited to get into the pool, laughing and splashing away. During swimming we focused on safety in and around the pool as well as some key swimming skills like blowing bubbles and floating.
Our topic for the term was migration, focusing on marine life. During the term we learned some fun facts about all the different sea animals and what makes them so extraordinary. During our lessons throughout the term we integrated our topic through art, music, cooking as well as sensory play activities.
We visited Kelly Tarlton’s where students saw a variety of sea creatures and had the opportunity to explore a different environment. We all had so much fun.
During the term we also had a shared lunch with our whānau, celebrating the different parts of the world we come from and enjoying some delicious food together.
We ended the term on a high note celebrating Easter in the class and had a fun filled last day of school packed with Easter activities and games.
In term 2 our topic for the term will be “Things change over time”, looking at things from the past and comparing them to things from the present. We have another busy term ahead of us filled with lots of activities like café, book week and celebrating Matariki while focusing on each student’s individual goals.
Windy Ridge 1
In Term 1 Windy Ridge 1 class dove into the wonders of migration, with a special spotlight on the New Zealand Shining Cuckoo. Through engaging sensory activities, students explored the bird’s life and incredible journey across the globe. We had a blast during our Circability sessions, where students worked together and had fun with their peers. Active movement in the hall was another highlight—students enjoyed using equipment to build their fitness in exciting ways. Maths came alive through cooking and sensory play, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore numbers and measurements. It was a term full of discovery, creativity, and joyful learning. We look forward to learning more about New Zealand History this term, focusing on "Then and Now" with some school trips in store for the tamariki.
Windy Ridge 2
Welcome back to all our wonderful students and families! We hope you had a relaxing break. Term 1 was a fantastic start to the year, filled with creativity, fun, and new experiences.
Each week we looked forward to our music sessions with Chris and Bailey – full of rhythm, movement, and joy. Circability visits were another favourite, where students explored different ways to move and discovered the textures and feel of interesting objects.
Our classroom was bursting with creativity as students produced stunning artwork, and Valentine’s Day was a special time where they made heartfelt cards to share with loved ones. Weekly physiotherapy sessions were also a highlight, supporting movement and bringing lots of smiles.
We’re so proud of how engaged and enthusiastic everyone was in Term 1. We can’t wait to see what Term 2 brings – more fun, learning, and exciting adventures ahead!
Karaka whānau
Glenfield 1 & 2
TenTen. Often seen as a symbol of new beginnings or a new journey, 1010 can perfectly describe the first 10 weeks of this school year for Glenfield College Junior class. Term 1 marks countless new additions for the Juniors. New faces in a new learning environment for some of us, new goals and ways of learning things, new challenges, and the list goes on.
As we grow in number this year, we continue to meet new peers. Meeting mainstream students, especially during the Athletics Day and the meet and greet morning with Glenfield College's neurodiverse class, has paved the way for more diverse interactions. For some of us, engaging in conversations with new faces at school is quite natural. Term 1 was also about learning about our community. A regular trip to Kaipatiki Park, the community library, and the supermarket nearby has allowed us to become familiar to our new, wider environment.
Since college prepares us for Transition, we have started working collaboratively as we gain independence. One of the highlights of term 1 was virtually meeting the author of our book in shared reading. One of our classmates even volunteered to host the interview with Dr. Janice Belgrave, author of “Fledgling’s First Flights”. Preparing for the interview as a team gave us the experience of what it looks like to work together for a common goal. The Easter celebration was another opportunity to work collaboratively. What made this celebration unique was the egg hunting, where one person collected eggs for a classmate. What a reminder to think of others first before ourselves!
While term 1 presented new challenges, the teachers and staff supported us in dealing with them. Many of us have adjusted well to the robust, structured literacy program (Better Start Literacy Approach). The creative writing class has also produced entertaining comics. How cool!
While countless days were light and easy, others were provocative. Some days pushed us to our limits-- stretching our patience, and what not! But those days challenged us to make good choices, to grow and adapt.
In hindsight the first term may not be 10/10, but our experiences have taught us new lessons that we can carry onto a new beginning.
Wilson Tech 1 & 2
We have had a great start to the year at WilsonTech. Term 1 continued to see us participating in work experience at Shakespear Park, Mitre 10, Abilities, Restoring Rosedale, Glenfield Community Centre and Salvation Army. We have been moving our bodies at Glenfield Leisure Centre and Unruly Gym. We had our first podcast interview with a member of the public, keep an eye out for when that will be released. Safe to say we have had a busy term not to mention accessing the local community and a field trip to Stardome.
Room 6
Class Activities: A Journey of Growth and Joy
Our class is buzzing with excitement as students engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to support their growth and well-being. From the soothing waters of hydrotherapy to the targeted exercises in physiotherapy, each session is tailored to meet individual needs and promote physical health.
Creativity flourishes in our art classes, where students express themselves through vibrant colors and imaginative projects. The café offers a welcoming space for social interaction and skill-building, while the gym provides a dynamic environment for physical fitness and fun.
These activities not only enhance our students' abilities but also bring immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. We are proud to witness their progress and celebrate their unique journeys.
