Teenaa koutou e te whaanau,

This week, I have been in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) meeting with Kaahui Ako Leads from across Aotearoa. While there is speculation and various documents circulating, we will await the official Budget announcement next week to gain clarity about the future of Kaahuinga Arataki. Following that, I will be meeting with our Waiuku principals to discuss our response and next steps. No matter the outcome, we remain firmly committed to working collaboratively across our schools to share effective practice and provide meaningful opportunities for both our kaiako and ākonga.

Akonui Hui – Mid-Year Learning Conferences

Bookings are now open for our Akonui Hui – Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences. These are a vital part of our school’s approach to learning-focused partnerships and are a time to celebrate your child’s progress and reflect on their learning journey. Akonui Hui are part of our twice yearly reporting. 

 Monday 26 May & Tuesday 27 May
 School Hall
 No classes on these days however supervision is available and parents can book this via the office. 

We strongly encourage all ākonga to attend with their whānau.
 Book online: www.schoolinterviews.co.nz
 Event Code: 8nt7m

EOTC Assistance Needed – Taahuna Paa (Y8 Trip)

We urgently need adult volunteers to support our Year 8 Education Outside the Classroom trip to Taahuna Paa on Thursday 22 May. Tasks include transport, supervision, and planting. We currently have no offers of assistance.

 Depart: 9.00am
 If you are able to help, please email Ms Tate: tater@glenbrook.school.nz

William Pike Challenge

Our William Pike “Pikelets” had an incredible time at Adrenalin Forest, their second physical challenge for the year. Miss Burt is leading this programme, which fosters resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

Team Kereru Cultural Visit

Team Kereru had a rich and reflective experience at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple as part of our 3G4G Cultural Sharing initiative. Aakonga explored values such as:

• Three Acts of Goodness – Do good deeds, say good words, think good thoughts
  
• The Four Givings – Give others confidence, joy, hope, and convenience
  

Students also created lotus flowers, participated in incense and meditation rituals, sang and danced to the 3G4G song, and heard from a local police officer about kindness and community wellbeing. Check out the cool video on our facebook page. 

Staffing News

We are delighted to welcome Mrs Suzanne Stowers as our new SENCO, beginning in Term 3. Mrs Stowers is an experienced learning support leader and a former Glenbrook School parent.

We also farewell Mr Powdrell, who has resigned effective immediately, and welcome Ms Samantha Wilson, who will be teaching with us from Term 3 for the remainder of 2025 before returning to Puni School.

Pukekohe and Waiuku Schools Teacher Only Day : Tuesday 3 June

Thank you for your continued support as we adapt to the major sector shifts in curriculum and assessment. Please note that Tuesday 3 June is a Teacher Only Day.

 Glenbrook School will be hosting over 260 educators for the NZ Mathematics Curriculum Refresh.
 There will be no supervision available on this day.
 For childcare support, please contact Kids After School  www.kidsafterschool.co.nz 

Structured Literacy Update

Our dedicated teaching staff recently participated in training on Structured Literacy with Liz Kane in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton). This professional learning is grounded in the Science of Reading and supports the development of fluent, confident readers through evidence-based instruction aligned with cognitive and developmental research.

This marks an important step in aligning with the refreshed NZ English Curriculum. We are proud of our staff who gave their time and energy to prepare for this shift, and we will keep you updated as we move forward with implementation.

Ngaa mihi mahana,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

PRINCIPAL Glenbrook SchoolLEAD PRINCIPAL Waiuku Kahui Ako

M.Ed with First Class Honours, B.Ed, Dip.T, P.G Dip. Ed, B.LS