Tēnā koutou katoa e te whanau. Ngā mihi o te tau hou – Happy New Year

Welcome to our first week of 2024, Term 1. What a beautiful start to the term we have had today. It really is lovely having our akonga (students) back at school and a big thank you to our Whanau Leaders who assisted Mrs Greenstock and I at the gate this morning. 

We welcome all our staff back and a warm welcome to our new and returning staff: Miss Simnor in Te Kauri, Mrs White in Te Rakau Nui and Mrs Howell in Team Pouakai. 

This week is about whanaungatanga and setting up classroom expectations. Next week, our classes will begin their term programmes. We want to wish all our whanau the very best for 2024. 

Takaro and Kai Time

The Takaro and Kai time structure has begun well. Please make sure your child has enough kai to eat at school. If you need support please let us know. Kai Time allows akonga to slow down and pause after Takaro, regulate their emotions and be in a ready to learn space emotionally. We will keep you updated on our observations. As akonga get use to being back at school, they will get use to their eating times. In the interim and especially if they are swimming or playing in the sprinklers, they will be extra hungry, so some kai might be needed. Please do not forget to send their water bottles in.

Swimming

We are definitely blessed to have a pool. A reminder that akonga are not allowed to swim if they have open cuts or school sores. Years 4-8 are able to have fun swims during Takaro Time, however if a student does not swim during their class lesson they will be unable to join in the fun swim on that day. Team Piwakawaka are able to play in the sprinklers during afternoon Takaro Time.

All students must bring suitable togs and a rash shirt for swimming. All students with long hair need to have it tied back. Girls must wear a one piece. If students are not able to swim, please send in a note or email to the class teacher explaining why. Please make sure school uniforms are named. We have already had clothing mix ups today as clothes were not named.

Splish Splash Day for Team Piwakawaka is Friday 8th March

School Swimming Sports for Years 4-8 is Friday 23rd February.

Stationery

Stationery for your child has already been organised and named. Payment details for stationery are below. The stationery cost for 2024 is $95 per child and is due by Thursday 8th February 2024.

The stationery cost can be paid at the school office or online. All stationery items stay at school until the end of the school year. They are not covered. 

Years 7 & 8 students have an additional cost for Technology of $75. This is for the Technology programme at View School. The total cost for years 7 & 8 which includes Glenbrook stationery and Technology fees is $170. Technology is on Thursdays. Year 8s have Technology on February 8th. 

Please note that stationery payments do not include additional activity and sports costs.

Payments can be made electronically to:

Glenbrook School Board of Trustees  
A/c 12 3023 0503093 000
Ref: Student Last Name and Stationery

2024 Meet the Teacher 

Our Meet the Teacher is on TOMORROW (Thursday)  5pm- 6pm at our school pool.  This is an informal gathering where you can meet our teachers, meet other whanau, our Board and your children can enjoy a sausage sizzle and a swim in the pool.

2024 Beach Camp

Beach Camp starts in week 3. Years 5&6 will attend Monday 12th February to Wednesday 14th February. Students will arrive back around 4.00-4.30pm Wednesday 14th. Years 7&8 will attend Wednesday 14th February to Friday 16th February. Students will arrive back around 4.00 -4.30pm Friday 16th. The cost of camp is $450 per person. This will be due February 1st 2024. (If you need to set up a payment plan please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Goodall to set one up goodalld@glenbrook.school.nz )

Automatic Payment:

Please write your child’s name in the first reference field, followed by 2024 Beach Camp

 School Bank Account Details:  Glenbrook School BOT. 12-3023-0503093-00

Kapa Haka

Kapa Haka begins next Wednesday. Please email your child’s teacher if they would like to join Kapa Haka. Franklin Cultural Festival is on Saturday 16th March. We will have at least two wananga before then. More information will be sent out after Beach Camp. 

A reminder that next Tuesday is Waitangi Day and the school will be closed for the public holiday. 

Don’t forget to check your Team newsletters.  Team newsletters inform you about the ako in your child’s Team and are sent out by our Senior Leaders. Our Glenbrook Information for 2024 is attached. You can also find information on our Glenbrook School Website and our facebook page. Digital Citizenship, Bus Agreements, BYOD Agreements and Information Detail Update forms are being sent home this week. Please return asap. Assembly
Our first assembly is on Friday and is being led by our Whanau Leaders. It starts at 1.40pm. All whanau are welcome to attend. Students are not to be collected during assembly time. If you need to collect your child earlier on Fridays, then please contact the office and students will wait at the office. We will not be disrupting assemblies so students can be collected to leave early. Please help us in respecting the classes leading assemblies.  

Enjoy the rest of the week Glenbrook whanau, Tātou ako tonu ai, We are forever learning. 

Noho ora mai rā,

Ms Lysandra Stuart
Principal: Glenbrook School
Lead Principal: Waiuku Kaahui Ako