Tumuaki/Principal Korero
Kia ora koutou whānau,
Term 2 has flown by, and what a fantastic nine weeks it's been! I am incredibly proud of our tamariki, who continue to shine in so many diverse ways—whether it's their cultural performances, academic achievements, or sporting successes. We are committed to providing rich, varied experiences for all our students, and it's great to see them thrive in programmes like:
Garden to Table: Cultivating knowledge and delicious produce.
Assassin Squad: Our dedicated pest control experts keep our grounds healthy.
Skate Crew: Designing an exciting skate area right here at school!
Enviro Crew: The team supporting us in reducing, reusing, and recycling.
A huge thank you to our fantastic staff who care deeply about our tamariki's wellbeing and learning. Their dedication makes all these opportunities possible!
Puanga Celebrations: A Special Start to the Day
We had a truly special day celebrating Matariki and Puanga this term. Seeing our school whānau gather so early in the morning around the three braziers was heartwarming, listening intently as Rumatiki's kōrero shared insights about Matariki and Puanga. This was followed by a delicious breakfast and a day filled with wonderful, Puanga-centred activities across the school. Our celebrations concluded with waiata and a powerful performance from our kapa haka group – a memorable day for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: Term 3 Focus on STREAM
Next term, we're excited to dive into STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)! This will be a key focus for our learning, and we plan to showcase all the incredible projects and discoveries our students make throughout the term. Get ready for some innovative learning!
Staffing News: Welcomes and Farewells
We have some staffing changes to share as we head into the break.
With sadness, we say farewell to Mr. Liam Blyde, who is embarking on an exciting overseas teaching position. Mr. Blyde has been a highly valued member of our staff, and we wish him all the very best for his new adventure. Mrs. Stephanie Boyd will be taking over Mr. Blyde's class.
We are also thrilled to welcome Miss. Preeya Lundy as the new Year 5 and 6 teacher in Tokomaru. Miss Lundy is a well-known and respected member of our school community, having previously taught as a release teacher and completed two teaching practicums with us.
Additionally, we have opened a new Year 1 class with Mrs. Sarah Dombroski as the classroom teacher, and Mrs. Kylie Joyce teaching the class on Wednesdays.
Mid-Year Reports & Learning Conferences
Your child's mid-year report is available today via the HERO app. Please take some time to review it. You'll have the opportunity to discuss these reports and your child's progress at our Learning Conferences next term. Please ensure you book your preferred time through the HERO app.
Important Reminder: Phones at School
It has come to my attention that many children are bringing phones to school and not handing them in at the start of the day. This is a Ministry of Education requirement that we must strictly adhere to. Please make sure your child understands the importance of handing in their phone when they arrive.
We also continue to see issues arising from student interactions on social media platforms outside of school hours that unfortunately filter into the school day. We strongly encourage you to monitor and restrict your child's social media use to help prevent these issues.
Have a Wonderful Break!
Finally, I wish you all a wonderful and restful break with your tamariki. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday, 14 July.
Ngā mihi nui,
Juliet Vickers
Tumuaki/Principal
Panitahi Whanau - Progress Builders
Emerson Nielsen
For working hard to complete his work in a tidy and presentable manner. Ka pai!
Pouākai Whanau - LawnRite
Tyson Manu-Millar Aldworth
For your consistent effort in achieving your personal best. It is exciting to see your successes in class! Keep up the awesome mahi.
Tokomaru Whanau - Bevan Quigley Building & Joinery
Ngatai Mason
For student of the week! Ngatai embodies our REACH values, shining brightly with his leadership in sports. He sets a fantastic example for his peers, and his willingness to guide and help others grow within his teams makes him a true star! Ka rawe Ngati
Waiongana Iti Whanau - Brine Fitness
Kadence Gear
You are an absolute role model to others. You have demonstrated fantastic self-management skills and your work-ethic has been exemplary. Keep the fantastic mahi Kadence!
Puke Haupapa Whanau - Durrant & Schimanski Ltd
Lydia-Rose Battersby
For showing hauora by caring for the needs of others. You are a REACH role model. Ka Pai Lydia!
Panitahi Whanau - Progress Builders
Theo Pearse-Otene
For working hard in writing, reading and maths. Thank you for always being kind to everyone around you. Ka rawe, Theo!
Pouākai Whanau - LawnRite
Caitlyn Chapman
For consistently working hard in all areas of learning, while demonstrating REACH. Keep up the amazing mahi Caitlyn.
Waiongana Iti Whanau - Brine Fitness
Millie Curry
For being a focused, hardworking student who always shows amazing REACH values! Keep up the awesome mahi, Millie!
Puke Haupapa Whanau - Durrant & Schimanski Ltd
Marley Putt
For consistently producing mahi to a high standard and searching for feedback.
Panitahi Whanau - Progress Builders
Vayder Hemara
For settling into Moa Tau so quickly and for always popping his hand up to help others. Ka pai Vayder!
Pouākai Whanau - LawnRite
Sophie Barraclough
For writing a great story. You have tried using punctuation, spelling tricky words and editing your own work! Miharo Sophie.
Tokomaru Whanau - Bevan Quigley Building & Joinery
Asha Young
For being awesome leaders in our class and showing empathy and kindness to all of their classmates.
Waiongana Iti Whanau - Brine Fitness
Summer Wilson
For being a role model to all students by consistently completing all assignments on time and staying focused on tasks. Your commitment to excellence inspires others to achieve their best.
ParentLink News
Our next meeting with be the AGM held in the School Staffroom on Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 7pm. We look forward to seeing lots of new faces.
Please like our IPS ParentLink page to keep updated with fundraising events and meetings.
This is a fabulous group of parents supporting our school.
HERO App - Student Management System
We are delighted to launch our new communication and reporting system, Hero: an online sharing platform with a complementary smart app.
https://our-hero.com/parent-guide
Hero allows schools to customise an online environment that enables teachers, students, and families to view and share content anytime, anywhere on any device. The software is secure, easy to use and brings together all school-related information in one place.
With Hero, you have the ability to:
Read and comment on posts relating to your child’s learning.
View information on your child’s progress & goals.
Read and comment on school notices sent to the class or groups your child is part of.
Respond to school notices such as surveys and trip permission requests. View school term dates and calendar.
Notify the school if your child is absent or late.
Navigate to other school-related webpages.
Customise your account by adding a profile image.
Select how you wish to receive notifications.
Learning posts combined with syllabus information and goal-setting will form an online report that is designed to build year-on-year.
Over time, you will have access to written posts, images, video, work samples, and helpful resources all in one place.
Over the coming year, staff and students will be posting rich content to our Hero software. We are looking forward to sharing this with you, including you in your child’s learning journey.
