Te Pānui o Te Kura o Puketapu

Kia Māia - Be Courageous

Kia Manawanui - Have a Heart

Kia Kaha - Do Your Best

Kia Ora - Be Well

Tēnā tātou e te whānau whanui o Puketapu kura,

As we approach the end of another enriching and inspiring school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared together.

Academic excellence has been at the forefront of our endeavours, with both students and educators embracing new challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We celebrated this term some of the most exciting achievement results that we have seen as a school, and my thanks must go out to the leadership team and wider teaching staff for their devotion and care which has resulted in outstanding achievements across the board.

Beyond academics, the spirit of collaboration and whanaungatanga has flourished within our school. The support and encouragement that students show one another create a positive and inclusive atmosphere. From extracurricular activities like the many sporting events, Kapa Haka performances, young leaders’ conferences, Y6 & Y8 camps, dress up fundraisers and the like our students have shown a steadfast commitment to upholding the values of our school.

We bid farewell to our Year 8 trailblazers! Your adventurous spirits and willingness to explore new horizons have set you apart. As you graduate to high school, I wanted to thank you all for leading our school as tuakana this year. Remember that each day is a chance to learn, grow, and discover new things about yourself and the world around you. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never underestimate your potential. High school is your canvas—paint it with your unique colours!

As we celebrate the achievements of this term, we also express our gratitude to the parents, guardians, and families who play an integral role in the success of our students. Your partnership and involvement contribute significantly to the vibrant and supportive environment that defines our school.

I am supported by a passionate and dedicated board, and I would like to acknowledge Hayley Adams, Shannon Robinson, Steph Julian, Meg Corin and Cara Knuckey for their guidance this year. We bid farewell to Shannon who is stepping down this term; we will miss you on the board and the 20+ year association you have had as a parent at our school.

I must of course save the last word for our outgoing Principal of 7.5 years, Ngatai Walker. Ngatai has been instrumental in delivering on a new strategy for our school and ensuring that our learners remain solely the centre of everything we do. Ngatai has been an inspiration for both students and staff, helping to instil a sense of pride and belonging in our tamariki and making certain that when they leave our gates as Y8, they are prepared for a life of learning and achievement.

Beyond the professional realm, Ngatai has been a friend, mentor, and confidant to many. His unique approach to principalship and genuine interest in the well-being of everyone has created a nurturing and supportive atmosphere.

Please join me in extending our warmest wishes to Ngatai as he embarks on a new chapter. Although he will be missed, we know that his impact will resonate in the hearts and minds of our Puketapu community for years to come.

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable break, filled with peace, relaxation, and quality time spent with whānau.

Mouri ora!

Paul Rauputu (Paora)

Presiding member, Puketapu School Board

As I reflect on the past 7.5 years here at Te Kura o Puketapu, all I have to write is ‘thank you’.

Thank you for loving your kids.

Thank you for reading to your kids at night.

Thank you for taking them to touch rugby.

Thank you for welcoming me into the community.

Thank you for teaching your kids to love learning and to be curious.

Thank you for giving them fun experiences.

Thank you for helping out in your kids learning.

Thank you to everyone staff member I have ever worked with.

Thank you for role modelling good values and habits.

Thank you for keeping them kids for as long as possible.

Thank you for having boundaries for your kids.

Thank you to every student that has been at our school for the past 7.5 years for giving your best.

Thank you to everyone who makes our school a great place to be.

I am hugely proud to have been the Tumuaki of Te Kura o Puketapu and I wish everyone a great summer.

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui, kia ora

Ngatai Walker

Ngatai Walker & Kiritopa Veza. Kiritopa was the most recent student to start at Puketapu School alongside Mr Walker. Today they both finish at Puketapu School.

Mr Walker's first photo with our Senior Leaders in 2016 and again a photo on the last day of 2023 with some of our Senior Leaders.

Ngatai Walker (Ngāti Porou)

Thank you Mr Walker for all you have done for our school over the past 7.5 years.

We only need to look around the school to see the changes he has led - they are everywhere: in the buildings, grounds, gardens, classrooms inside and out, staff, students, processes, school values...

We wish him all the very best in all he does.

Katherine Pascoe (Ngāti Porou) will take on the role of Principal of our kura, beginning Term 1, 2024.

Katherine brings a wealth of leadership experience, as the former Principal of Orewa Beach School, Deputy Principal and Acting Principal of Murrays Bay School and Team Leader of Browns Bay Primary School.

Originally from Gisborne, Katherine is excited to join our school community and find out how special Taranaki is.

We very much look forward to welcoming Katherine to our school whānau in 2024.

Throughout this year many of our staff have grown their families:

Nicole Perry * Tara Curtis * Laurie Edwin * Anna Proffit * Prishlena Kumar

Becky Oliver-Rose * Brittany James

Congratulations to those whose babies have arrived and we are excited for the impending arrivals of those to come.

We also say farewell and thank you to our part time / short contract teachers who have contributed so much to our year: Judie Keane, Michael Montgomerie, Joshua Moreland.

We bid farewell and good luck to Shaina Moratti who has been a learning assistant with us for 7 years and is now a qualified teacher heading to her first teaching role.

We bid farewell to long term member of staff Jay Lane who has been part of our team here for 28 years. Thank you Jay, for all you have done for so many students, staff and whānau over this time.

Your involvement has made such a positive difference to so many people and we hope to see you back at school in the future.

After 2 years with us Whaea Elle Johns is heading to Hamilton where, as well as teaching, she will further her rugby career. We have loved watching Whaea Elle grow from a newly qualified teacher into a confident, competent and well loved kaiako.

Also a big THANK YOU to Whaea Elle for inspiring our young wāhine to follow their sporting dreams.

We also say a short term farewell to Kennedy Heikell who is taking leave for a year to get married and enjoy an extended travelling honeymoon.

To our Kai team - Teresa Julian, Charlotte McGoldrick and Sharron Arbuckle - who have kept our tamariki well fed with delicious and healthy kai made with aroha.

To our Home & School for all they do for our school including their incredible fundraising efforts and support of our teachers and families.

In particular, the relentless determination they showed in getting the pool heated and resurfaced; what a wonderful asset this will be for our community.

Thank you also for your support of the school’s many activities throughout the year, in particular the efforts around the SOMADD raffles and your support of the Year 8 Graduation celebrations just this week.

All your fundraising activities take many hours of preparation and we are very lucky to have such a dedicated group of parents to help bring to life many projects around our school.

Our Breakfast Club team who have kept so many tamariki well fed and read to learn every morning of the year!

To Northpoint Church - for all the support they have offered us throughout the year, including the use of their awesome venue. In the last week alone Northpoint have hosted us for our Year 8 Graduation Dinner and our Final Assembly.

To all the sports coaches, managers, parent transport, supporters who have supported our tamariki in many competitions and codes throughout the year.

To all those who have volunteered in classrooms, on trips, in gardens and in multiple other ways to support out students, staff and school.

And to the wider community and whānau for everything they do THANK YOU.

It was a privilege to host so many parents and whānau as we celebrated the end of our year, presented trophies and certificates and celebrated our achievements.

We were delighted to announce the winners of the Puketapu Trophies:

Alan Smith Citizenship Trophy

Donated by former Principal, Mr Alan Smith, first awarded in 2006 to Misikei Fonoti.

This award is offered to the boy and girl, or boys and girls, in Year 8 who meet the following criteria:

• They exhibit a respectful attitude towards themselves, and in their dealing with others

• They exhibit high standards of personal conduct and of personal effort in their learning and in their social relationships

• They are an excellent role model to other students in the school

• They have evidence of strong school involvement

• They have a positive attitude towards the philosophies of the school and to the people they work with, teachers and students

• They exhibit the principles of ‘fair play’ in all sporting and cultural activities

• They prove to be a ‘good friend’ to their peers

Congratulations... joint winners Ella Rauputu and Taylor Harvey

Ella took on the role of Kaitiaki Kõtiro in 2023 with pride and excellence. She is a very respectful and honest student, who always looks out for others. She holds herself high, setting high expectations of her behaviour and her academic learning. Ella has involved herself in numerous schoolwide activities from Kapa haka, to sports such as netball, swimming, x-country and much more. She always has a positive attitude to everything she does, and demonstrates the school values to a high standard. She is a role model for many and a fantastic friend to others.

Taylor is a strong, intelligent and kind-hearted Yr 8 student. He has been a fantastic Kaitiaki Tama for our school, showing pride in this role. Taylor is always respectful, trustworthy, and exhibits high standards of himself and those around him. He has been a role model for many students. Taylor has involved himself in many school activities from sports such as touch and hockey, playing in the school band, Kapa haka and much more. He always works hard in class and has a positive mindset towards his academic progress. Taylor has proven himself as a positive Puketapu citizen.

Puketapu Arts Award

Donated by former Deputy Principal Steve Wright (1997-2012), first awarded in 2012 to Parris Faapulou.

The purpose of this award is to encourage and celebrate the arts and performance. Students eligible have made an Exceptional Contribution to Performing Arts:

• Demonstrate an understanding of what a Performing Arts really is

• Be an inspiration to others and have the ability to coach younger, less experienced students in the skills of Performing Arts.

• Able and willing to take part in any formal or informal, production, concert or play.

• Confident in fronting an audience.

Congratulations to... Anika Engebretsen

Anika is confident, passionate and talented in the area of Performing Arts. Her talent has shone through during both class drama lessons and the Kauri SOMADD production. Anika sets high standards for herself and others, and lifts the abilities of those around her with her unwavering support. Her willingness to support the teaching staff and share her knowledge with others is commendable, making her an exceptional role model.

Donated by former Principal Mike Johnson (2005-2015), the purpose of this award is to encourage sporting success and attitude in our school.

• Excellence in Sports (School, Provincial, National Representative Teams)

• Participation in and out of school

• Team member – acceptance of rules and other persons

• Attitude - Giving back to sport (e.g. coaching), determination, self-drive

• Leadership qualities

• Role Model

• Fair play

• Individual commitment

• Pride in achievement

Congratulations to... joint winners Ella Rauputu and Kayden Tango

Ella has been involved in touch rugby, rippa rugby, School hockey, Taranaki U13 Hockey, Interschool Championship Swimming Sports, Interschool netball Champion, School netball, Whanau hockey, School X-Country 2nd, Omata X-Country 15th, Taranaki X-Country 19th

Kayden has been in Ross Brown Rugby, Taranaki U12 League, School Touch, City Touch, Interschool Rugby, Taranaki U13 BBall, NZ U14 BBall, Maori League, NP BBall, School BBall

Mainfreight Duffy Award for Academic Excellence

Donated by our Duffy major sponsor Mainfreight. First awarded to Jeremy McMillan in 1997.

The purpose of this award is to encourage academic success in the classroom. It will be awarded to the highest achieving Year 8 student based on their educational and academic achievements. This award is based on the following criteria:

• Achievement in school-based assessment and evaluation
• Results of standardised testing
• Demonstrate commitment to learning in all academic areas (i.e. all seven learning areas)
• Demonstrate high motivation, initiation, integrity, intellectual depth and leadership judgement
• Participation and success in external curricula events

Congratulations to... Iona Den-McKay

Iona has shown great commitment to all academic areas throughout her schooling at Puketapu. She is achieving well above her expected age band in Maths, Reading and Writing. Always demonstrating integrity, motivation and initiation while learning has helped her achieve highly in all areas of the curriculum. She is especially gifted in the areas of writing and visual arts.

Mataatua Taonga

In honour of the many years Mataatua Te Rongopatai worked with our tamariki, this award is presented to a student (Boy or Girl) from any ethnic group.

Tamariki must

• Be secure in the knowledge of his / her ancestral links

• Positively model leadership in Maori Culture through a variety of opportunities, eg tikanga, te reo Māori, Kapahaka etc.

• Demonstrate self-worth, self-esteem and personal pride in his or her attitude, behaviour or demeanour

• Display physical, spiritual and emotional well-being and knowledge and respect for him/herself and others

Congratulations to... joint winners Jahlia Manukonga and Ella Rauputu

Jahlia is a role model for our Maori ākonga here at Puketapu School. Jahlia models leadership through tikanga, te reo Māori, and Kapa Haka. In Kapa Haka Jahlia leads the by supporting the younger ones get ready for their performances, supporting the tutors on making decisions on how the performance will look and on stage, she is an outstanding performing which was evident at Tatarakihi this year with a spine tingling karanga. Her impact as a Māori leader will enrich our community and guide future generations of her hapū and iwi. Nga mihi nui ki a koe, Jahlia.

Ella has a strong sense of who she is and where she comes from. She is a proud descendent of her tipuna from Ngati Maniapoto and Ngāpuhi. Every day at our school Ella displays respect for herself and others and this is evident in our Kapa Haka sessions where she plays a leading role in making decisions about how our bracket will look and how we can become better. Ella leads our group onto the stage with her karanga and leads our haka with mana. We are proud of Ella’s impact at our kura and look forward to her, as a future leader for Māori, being a guiding light for her generation of her hapū and iwi. Tau kē tō mahi, Ella Rauputu.

Donated by the Stainthorpe Family, this award was first presented in 2022. It is presented to a Year 7 or 8 student who has showed the following:

• Always comes to their Design Technology (DT) class open to learning
• Enthusiastic about DT and learning DT through a variety of methods
• High interest in Food Technology
• Goes above and beyond - continues to learn and practice cooking (and/or other technologies) at home
• Helps others in class

Congratulations to...Parekaiuru Tuturu o te Atiawa

Parekaiuru always shows dedication and a professional approach to her design technology class activities.

She is always supporting other students and she displays good knowledge in both food and design technology lessons. Parekaiuru is very supportive with other students in the class.

First presented in 2020, donated by former Board Chair Mike Warring and former teacher Fiona Warring, this award is offered to two Year 6 students who meet the following criteria:

The purpose of this award is to acknowledge and recognise the involvement in the corporate life of the school and the contributions these students in these year groups make.

• Excel in modelling and living all our school School Values (Kia Manawanui, Kia Māia, Kia Ora, Kia Kaha)
• Demonstrate intrinsic behaviours in Class, Whānau Groups and School opportunities.

Congratulations to... Ava Falaniko and Harleyah Kipa

Ava and Harleyah, you both receive this award as a recognition of your excellence, leadership, and shining presence in our school. Your vibrant contributions have enriched our community here at Puketapu in many far-reaching ways. From your success academically as learners to your strength and skill in sports, you are both without a doubt worthy recipients of this award!

You both bring a big heart and a sense of humor to every interaction. You two are a true example of our values Kia Kaha, Kia Māia, Kia Manawanui, and Kia Ora. You're both great leaders, role models and inspirations to not only your friends but all of us here at Puketapu.

Their exceptional qualities, paired with their magnetic personalities, have not only made them cherished members of our classroom but also our entire school and community beyond. You are both true taonga of our school. Congratulations!

Rather than "Head Boy" and "Head Girl" our Kaitiaki Tama and Kaitiaki Kotiro are our elected student guardians for the school.

If they are keen to take the position, aspiring Year 7 leaders apply to the senior leadership team, detailing how they live our school values and what they will do as kaitiaki at our kura.

This year we have had an impressive 15 applications for Kaitiaki Tama me Kotiro! We will use the first three weeks of 2024 to continue the applications process before announcing who will win the positions for 2024.

OTHER STUDENT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

In Week 3 of Term 1, 2024, students will have the opportunity to apply for the other student leadership positions in our school: Whānau Leaders, Sports Leaders, ICT Leaders, Environmental Leaders, Kapa Haka Leaders, etc (new positions could potentially be added also). These leadership positions will be confirmed early in Term 1

Each classroom teacher had the unenviable challenge of selecting just one student from each class for each value. It was a very tough decision in many classes! The winners are:

Kia Māia

Asher Greenfield * Campbell Luke * Elias Merdj * Euan Robinson * Fletcher Bublitz * Hadley Smith

Halo Makiri-Watson * Hanale Adams * Harleyah Kipa * Kiritopa Veza * Kyran Lilly

Levi James Hotene * Lucian Hosking * Macy Donaldson * Madison Webby

Savannah Tunnicliff-Jury * Vinnie Luke * Whakairi Rangi

Kia Manawanui

Addyson Chaloner * Adelle Robinson * Amarni Cooper * Anika Engebretsen

Avia Mortensen * Charlie Ryan * Charlotte Mangin * Erika Asai

Hayzyn Ruakere * Imogen Papprill * Jahlia Manukonga-Te Uira

Kierah Graham-Moore * Leysa Wall-Colvin * Maria Wano * Piia Simpson

Skye Blair * Waimirirangi Adams * Xavier Leaf

Kia Kaha

Alexis Gorrie * Amalia Engebretsen * Ava Jones * Blake Kenny * Chloe Lepper

Cohen Robinson * Harrison Spark * Harry Perkinson * Hoani Adams

Kobie Wilson * Lucy Nicholas * Lydia Walthew * Maleah Ruwhiu * Marlia Cooper

Pavihi Ekeroma * Taylor Urlich * Zia Azad * Zoe Jones

Kia Ora

Ava Falaniko * Ben Engels * Cairo McLeod * Darcy Walthew * Ethan Cross

Hudson Ryan * Iona Den-McKay * Jack Dudley * Jaytee Tangiia

Kian Devonshire * Kupa Brider * Lucia van Embden * Natalie Corin

Sophie McGovern * Summer Greenfield * Summer Wilkinson

Taaj Prestney * Theo Connole

Rimu Award Winners

Tōtara Award Winners

Kōwhai Award Winners

Kauri Award Winners

It was our pleasure to celebrate the graduation of our Class of 2023 on Tuesday evening at the Graduation Dinner.

Thanks to Chelsea from Cora Creative for our Balloon Display.

Huge thanks to Smok'n Comrades for providing all the food for more than 150 people!

Thanks also to our Home and School for supporting the kitchen, serving and cleaning up.

What an absolute blast!

It was an amazing feeling to see our community reunited on the school grounds after the challenges posed by COVID and weather disruptions over the last couple of years.

Our tamariki were outstanding as always - huge applause to them! Thanks also to all the teachers who went above and beyond to deliver the show.

Thank you everyone for making the SOMADD concert an unforgettable experience.

As always, the raffles at SOMADD on Friday evening we amazing!

A massive thank you goes out to our fantastic Home and School Committee for their efforts in organising raffles and ensuring there was delicious food available on the night. Home & School raised over $3500.

Thank you to the generosity of our school community and local businesses who contributed so much to help raise funds for our school and make some lucky winners very happy!

End of Year Reports are available on Hero.

Open your Hero app, select the child's name, select learning Rimu/Tōtara/Kōwhai or Kauri - here you will be able to view your child's 2023 report.

(You can still see previous years' reports via Hero.)

Our first day of school in 2024 is Wednesday 31 January 2024

On this day we have our Head Start Hui

These are short meetings for every student, when the student, parent(s) and teacher meet together to get the school year off to a great start:

• To build a partnership of learning between whānau and school (whanaungatanga)
• For our families to share the strengths and dreams for their tamariki
• For our teachers to listen to and get to know their akonga

Each hui will last about 15 minutes. Book at time that suits you through Hero - bookings open in January - parents keep an eye out for the Hero notification that bookings are open.

The purpose of these meetings is whakawhanaungatanga - building strong relationships together. Children come to school with their whānau for their meeting then go home for the rest of the day. The purpose of these meetings is to get to know each other, establish great lines of communication, set some learning goals and get the year off to the best possible start for your child.

What a great way to start the new year!

Lists for all 2024 classes are available now on https://www.myschool.co.nz/puketapubb

Don’t wait until mid-January when everyone comes home from holiday - order now and avoid the back to school rush.

OfficeMax have Laybuy*, so you can pay in 6 weekly, interest-free instalments - and still get your order right away. Or you can pay by internet banking, credit card or debit card.

When you shop on https://www.myschool.co.nz/puketapubb you’ll receive free delivery on orders over $46*. You will also help our school earn school rewards* that we use to purchase much needed extra resources for our school.

* Terms & Conditions apply, see myschool.co.nz for details.

If you prefer, you can purchase your stationery from The Warehouse, Office Products or any other supplier. The major suppliers have our lists and a full list is available on our website. Please make sure you get the correct books, as the line spacings and blank vs lined pages in those listed are important to your child's specific programme.

On behalf of all at Puketapu School, we wish you a safe, fun and refreshing holiday break and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

Pre-season office hours will be:

• Thursday 25 January - 10.00-2.00
  
• Friday 26 January - 10.00-2.00
• Monday 29 January - 10.00-2.00
• Tuesday 30 January - closed (Staff Only Day)
• Wednesday 31 January - normal hours 8.30-3.30

Email: office@puketapu.school.nz
Website: www.puketapu.school.nz
Location: Dillon Drive, Bell Block, New Plymouth, New Zealand
Phone: 06 755 0973