
Newsletter | Term 1, Week 10
Monday, 7 April 2025

Principal's Panui
Kia ora e te whānau,
As Term 1 comes to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support. It’s been a fantastic start to the year, and we’re so proud of how well our tamariki have settled into their routines, connected with their teachers, and embraced our school values.
Ka mau te wehi!
Swimming Sports 🏊♀️
Our Swimming Sports was a real highlight this term! Ngā mihi nui to Sarai and our awesome kaimahi for all the hard mahi leading up to and during the day. Sarai did an outstanding job organising the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. It was heartening to see so many students give it a go—whether it was racing down the pool or cheering from the sidelines. He rawe ngā tamariki!
Our prizegiving assembly for the event will be held in the first week of Term 1, on Friday 2nd May. Looking ahead to next year, we're already thinking about how we can encourage even more of our tamariki to take part. We’d love to create a more inclusive and confidence-building experience for all students.
Music Afternoon 🎶
Last Friday afternoon, we were treated to a live musical performance by the Epic Music band. Our ākonga had a blast learning about different beats, rhythms, and musical styles. It was a vibrant and energetic session, filled with dancing and laughter—an awesome way to end the week! We have received many forms from whānau to enrol their child in this amazing musical opportunity!
New Library Space 📚
Junior Playground Upgrade
Exciting news—the Junior Playground upgrade is well underway! Our equipment is being made by Playground Centre and while we’ve had a few unexpected delays, we are hopeful that the new equipment will be installed by mid-Term 2. We know how much our younger students are looking forward to having a new place to climb, slide and play. Thank you for your patience—kei te haere tonu te hanga!
📱 Facebook Page
We’ve launched a new Facebook page for Awapuni Primary School! Please give us a follow to stay up to date with the latest pānui, snapshots of daily life at our kura, and important reminders. It’s a great way to stay connected with what’s happening and celebrate the amazing things our tamariki are doing every day. Here is the link for your convenience. Awapuni Primary School.
Have a safe and restful break! See you in a few weeks!
Ngā mihi maioha,
Ms. Russell
Tumuaki | Principal
Awapuni School
Upcoming Events
Friday, 11th April
- Term 1 Ends, 3:00pm
Monday, 28th April
- Term 2 Starts, 9:00am
Monday, 12th May
- Board Meeting, 4:30pm
Friday, 30th May
- Teacher Only Day – School Closed 🚫
Monday, 2nd June
- King's Birthday – School Closed 🚫
From the School Board
Principal Recruitment Consultation
The school board has begun the principal recruitment process with the help of a consultant. An important part of this process is seeking feedback from our staff, students, and parents/caregivers about the key skills, qualities, and attributes you feel are important for the principal role at our kura.
We encourage our school community to take part in this consultation and let us know what's important to your whānau by completing the survey below.
Winter Sickness
Please keep sick tamariki home!!
Please remember if your child is away from school due to vomitting, they should not return to school until 48 hours (2 days) after vomiting has ceased.
We have had a few bugs going around recently, and want to keep any illness from spreading especially as we head into the cooler months!
Headlice
If your tamariki need lice treatment shampoo, please see Whaea Hayley in the school office. The recommended treatment is 4% Dimethicone lotion, which can also be prescribed at no cost from your GP or local pharmacy.
Office Reminders
Student Payments (stationery, music lessons)
There are a number of outstanding accounts that will need to be paid before the end of term!! Please contact the office if you would like to arrange a payment plan or have any student billing queries.
You can view your child’s statement anytime using the Hero app. Payments can be made by direct credit to the school's bank account number: ASB | 12-3142-0505673-00
Absences
Parents/caregivers need let the school know if your child is going to be absent for each day they are away during the school term. You can let us know in the following ways, please include the reason for absence so we can record this correctly in our system:
- Hero: Report an absence function
- Phone: 06 358 1735 (absentee line)
- Email: admin@awapuni-primary.school.nz
Hero Parent App
We strongly recommend parents download the Hero app to stay in the loop with Awapuni School. This is how we share important school messages with parents and keep you informed about new learning posts from your child/ren.
Please click here to download the Hero app and login – Follow the steps to sign up with the email address you provided the school. If you are having any issues, please contact the school office to ensure we have the correct email in the system.
Community Notices
Epic Music Holiday Programme
Bounce Academy
April Holiday Camp & Term 2 Registrations Open!
With only a few weeks left in Term 1, we’re excited to announce that registrations are now open for Term 2 and our April holiday camp! Visit www.bounceacademy.nz to register
Our holiday programmes focus on skillsets, fundamentals, games and team skills for boys and girls aged 5 - 15 years old.
Dates: 14th & 15th April, 9am - 3pm
Cost: $80 for Yr 1 - 10 (both days)
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Going overseas for the school holidays? Everyone travelling into New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration, including returning New Zealand passport holders.
Its FREE and you can do it on the online form or on the NZTD app.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information and aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. It replaces the paper card you used to fill out on the plane.
To make your arrival easier, do your digital declaration before your flight back to New Zealand. Head to travellerdeclaration.govt.nz today!
Bunnings Easter Family Night
It’s that time of year again where Bunnings puts on a FREE family event for our community! We would love to invite you to come along and enjoy an evening full of Easter fun and games. We have lots of hands on crafts, interactive games and activities going on in store. Including a wide range of community groups, with activities, information tables and raffles, as well as a free sausage sizzle and popcorn throughout the night.