Kia ora e te Whaanau,

This week, I had the privilege of attending the Advanced Leadership Forum, where I joined a group of dedicated and inspiring principals from across the motu to collaboratively explore solutions to some of the significant challenges currently facing the education sector.

Our discussions centred around the ongoing teacher shortage, the pace of curriculum changes, and the uncertainty surrounding assessment practices. We also focused on the critical need to grow leadership capability within our schools and the importance of retaining experienced principals to ensure stability, continuity, and strong educational outcomes for our ākonga.

It was a powerful opportunity to engage in courageous conversations, share innovative strategies, and strengthen our collective commitment to leading with purpose and optimism. I look forward to bringing these insights back to Glenbrook School as we continue to grow and thrive together.

Staffing Announcement 

We are pleased to welcome Mrs Melissa Foster to our Glenbrook School whānau. Mrs Foster will be joining the Parekereke team in Term 2, and we look forward to the skills and passion she brings to our kura. We also prepare to farewell two valued members of our teaching team. Mrs Norton will finish her time with us at the end of this term, and Mrs McCulloch will be moving on in week 4 next term to join the team at Valley School. We extend our heartfelt thanks to both teachers for their contributions to Glenbrook School. In particular, Mrs McCulloch has made a significant impact on our junior team and wider school community. We wish them both all the very best in their next chapters.

We are currently advertising for a new junior teacher and an additional teacher to join our Kereru team. If you know of someone who would be a great fit for our school, please encourage them to apply.

Franklin MultiCultural Festival

We are incredibly proud of our kapa haka roopuu, who recently performed at the Franklin Cultural Festival. Their performance was outstanding and delivered with aroha, manaakitanga, and true passion. They represented Glenbrook with pride, strength, and unity.

A heartfelt thank you to all our whānau and staff who came along to tautoko our tamariki. Your presence meant so much to the performers and added to the wairua of the day.

We are thrilled to share that Glenbrook School has once again retained the Franklin Multicultural Trophy,  a testament to the dedication and excellence of our kapa haka team.

Polyfest

Our senior kapa haka roopuu had the incredible opportunity to attend the 50th Anniversary of Polyfest, a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural diversity we are so fortunate to have in Tāmaki Makaurau. It was a day filled with pride, connection, and cultural expression.

Following this, I had the privilege of supporting Waiuku College during their powerful performance on stage. It was truly inspiring to see our wider community come together to honour identity, language, and culture through performance. Ka rawe te raa! What a fantastic day of celebration and unity.

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 Friday, 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.

Snow Camp: August 4th-8th

It’s just over a term to go until Team Pouākai heads off on the much-anticipated Snow Camp! This experience is a long-standing highlight for our Year 7 & 8 aakonga, offering not only adventure and fun on the slopes but also opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and building lifelong memories. An update will be coming out shortly for final payments due, snow camp gear hire, and a reminder of the gear list needed for the trip. Please keep in contact with us if you need any help with itemsExcitement is building, and preparations are well underway to ensure this year’s camp is another unforgettable experience. Ka mau te wehi, Team Pouākai!

While there are many changes happening across the education sector, the heart of what we do at Glenbrook School remains steadfast, providing high-quality teaching and creating rich, meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for all our tamariki.

I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our incredible staff for their dedication, resilience, and hard work throughout this term. Their unwavering commitment to our learners and community is truly appreciated. We have fantastic staff here at Glenbrook School!

We wish everyone a safe and restful break. We look forward to another term of growth, connection, and learning together.

Ngaa Manaakitanga,

Ms Lysandra Stuart
Principal
Lead Principal: Waiuku Kahui Ako
President: Franklin Principals Association