Kia Ora e te Whaanau,

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend MOOT in Wellington alongside other association presidents. The discussions focused on some of the biggest challenges facing schools today: sustainable leadership, teacher supply, and the implementation of the refreshed curriculum.

The Ministry of Education has recently released its National Curriculum Implementation, which sets out a five-year plan for schools. However, the rapid pace of implementation, combined with limited funding and support, is placing significant pressure on schools to adapt quickly.

Here in Auckland, we are experiencing a teacher supply crisis, and the reality of principal burnout is becoming increasingly concerning. These issues highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions to support both our educators and students.

It was also announced that there will be no further investment in an e-asTTle upgrade, and assessment tools for primary schools are currently out for procurement. This means that many schools are now in a waiting phase, anticipating further direction on the future of assessment and reporting.

As always, our focus remains on ensuring the best outcomes for our students, but these challenges will require ongoing advocacy and collaboration. We will continue to work alongside other school leaders and the Ministry to push for the resources and support our schools need. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Greenstock for her leadership of our school when I am away advocating for the needs of our children, our schools and our profession. 

Gala

Once again, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our gala. It was a truly quintessential “Kiwi” event, and we loved the opportunity to connect with our Glenbrook School whānau.

A special thank you goes to our lead organiser, Rachel Gardiner, and our dedicated committee members: Carolyn Whittaker & Jaz Lahman, Linda Hutchinson, Renee & Luke Edmonds, Anthea Abbott, Angela Tapsell, Shar Tapsell, Ivy Tapsell, Craig and Ali Buckingham, Rob Smallwood & Joanne Whittaker, and Darlene Goodall. Your hard work and commitment made this event possible.

We also want to acknowledge our incredible staff for their mahi on a Saturday and for the stunning artworks they created with our tamariki, which were a highlight of the auction. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, our gala raised approximately $20,000, which will go towards developing our playground. Ka pai, everyone,  what an amazing achievement!

Franklin MultiCultural Festival

This Saturday is our annual Franklin Multi-Cultural festival. This year is our biggest festival yet with over twenty nine performances involved. Glenbrook School Kapa Haka will be performing around 3pm. Our children have been working extremely hard this term and we can’t wait to perform. For many of our children it will be their first time on a stage. The festival starts at 11am and finishes around 5.15pm. It is being held at the Indian Hall in Pukekohe. As one of the “original” schools for this event, it is so exciting to see our festival grow. Come along and enjoy the performances, the kai and our community. 

Kapa Haka Roopu

We would like all our kapa haka children performing on Saturday to meet on the field at the PIA centre in Pukekohe at 1.30pm. Boys need to wear plain black shorts. Girls need to have their hair in a bun using a black or brown hair tie. Girls need to wear a plain black singlet. Girls in years 3&4 need to wear a plain black skort. Girls in years 7&8 are able to wear pounamu earrings. Please make sure your child has a water bottle and has eaten before we meet. 

After our performance, all students will gather back on the field as a team where we must change out of performance uniforms.  Parents are required to check their child out with a teacher before leaving. 

Polyfest 2025

This year marks a momentous occasion as Polyfest celebrates its 50th anniversary, half a century of showcasing the incredible cultural diversity of Aotearoa. As one of the largest Maaori and Pasifika cultural festivals in the world, Polyfest is a vibrant celebration of identity, language, and tradition.

Ms Tapsell and I are excited to take our kapa haka seniors to Schools Day on Wednesday, and on Thursday, I look forward to supporting Waiuku College as they take the stage on the first day of competitions.

If you have the opportunity, I highly encourage you to experience Polyfest, whether attending with whaanau or supporting our local schools. It is a powerful display of pride, unity, and the rich cultural heritage of Taamaki Makaurau. Don’t miss this milestone event!

Overdue Forms

There are a number of record update forms (pink forms we sent home) still not returned. These are imperative and urgently required to be returned. Please email or send back so we have accurate contacts and information about your child. 

ANZAC

On Friday, 11th April, we will hold our annual ANZAC school service at 10:00 am, and whānau are warmly invited to attend.

The Waiuku Town ANZAC service will take place on Thursday, 25th April, during the term break. We encourage all students and their whānau to attend this significant community event. Students are expected to wear their school uniform and will meet outside Waiuku SuperValue—we will confirm the exact time as soon as it is available. Our school will then march to the cenotaph, where two of our senior students will lay a wreath in remembrance. Poppies are available for purchase from the school office in the last week of term for a gold coin donation. A reminder that our last day of term is Friday 11th April. There is no assembly on this day due to our ANZAC service. Lest we forget.

Term 2 Heads Up

In Term 2 we have two Teacher Only Days. These dates have been guided by the curriculum professional development allocated to our school by the Ministry of Education. Our school will be closed on Thursday 15th May and Tuesday 3rd June. There is no supervision available on these days as all staff are involved in curriculum refresh. 

Akonui Hui are our mid-year reporting days. There are no classes on these days however we will have supervision available for those whaanau who need it. Please contact the office to book your child’s place. Akonui Nui are being held on Monday 26th May and Tuesday 27th May. 

We understand that school closures can be challenging for working families, and we truly appreciate your patience and support. The need for curriculum professional development is essential for our teachers, but the current limitations around this are having a significant impact on schools.

I have raised these concerns directly with the Minister of Education, advocating for better support and resources to ensure that professional development can be delivered in a way that minimises disruption for families while still benefiting our students. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work towards the best outcomes for our learners and community.

Over the coming months I will keep you updated on the educational landscape and share our vision and our direction of Glenbrook School under these changes. Have a lovely weekend whaanau and I hope to see many of you at the Franklin Multicultural Festival tomorrow.

Ngaa Manaakitanga,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Principal

Lead Principal: Waiuku Kahui Ako

President: Franklin Principals Association