Teenaa koutou e te whaanau whaanui o Glenbrook School,

Glenbrook Speech Finals: A Celebration of Voice and Confidence
We were thrilled to see so many of our whaanau and friends join us for our Glenbrook School Speech Finals on Raahina, 16 o Hune. It was a fantastic evening of beautiful  oratory, confidence, and connection. Congratulations to all our finalists! Your courage and clarity of thought were inspiring.

Winners:

• Year 4: 1st – Rhea Yazbeck, 2nd – Eli Boustridge, 3rd – Anna Jones
  
• Years 5 & 6: 1st – Arapeta Tepania, 2nd – Benjamin Heine, 3rd – Emilia Blue
  
• Years 7 & 8: 1st – Emmersyn Reatere, 2nd – Willow Gutierrez, 3rd – Jonathan Carr

Representing Glenbrook Beyond Our Gates
A special ka pai to Emmersyn Reatere, who represented Glenbrook School at the Waiuku Speech Finals on Rāapa, 18 o Hune, and took out first place! Emmersyn now advances to the Franklin Year 7 & 8 Speech Finals on Raatuu, 24 o Hune. Araa! Maaia! to Arapeta Tepania, who will represent Glenbrook at the Franklin Year 5 & 6 Speech Finals on Raapa, 25 o Hune. We are so proud of you both, haere whakamua me te maaia!

Glenbrook Matariki Concert – Maanawatia a Matariki!

On Raapare, 19 o Hune, our kura was filled with the light, colour, rhythm, and wairua of our Matariki Concert. This year’s theme, “Matariki heri kai – the bearer of food”, reminds us of the importance of sharing, hospitality, and nourishing our people not only with food, but with aroha, learning, and connection.

Each class gifted us with a performance inspired by the diverse cultures of our school whaanau. Our tamariki showed deep respect and joy as they danced, sang, and celebrated traditions from around the globe, representing our whanaau. Some highlights included:

• Tirohanga sharing a graceful Niuean dance honouring Tagaloa
  
• Parekereke bringing the Cook Islands to life with music and dance
  
• Te Moana energising us with Siva and Sasa from Samoa
  
• Te Whenua performing a Fijian Meke with beautifully crafted fans
  
• Te Marama spreading smiles with a German song full of playful movement
  
• Uenuku SJ sharing Japanese strength through the coal miners’ dance Tankoo Bushi
  
• Te Rakau Nui dazzling us with energetic Indian Bhangra and Bollywood performances
  
• Uenuku KM celebrating Afro-Peruvian rhythm through El Festejo
  
• Sheppard stepping in sync with the Mexican folk dance La Raspa
  
• Ngata honouring the Kingdom of Tonga through respectful cultural performance
  

We were deeply moved by the way each performance expressed whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kotahitanga. Our heartfelt gratitude to every parent, caregiver, and extended whaanau member who supported our tamariki,  whether through costume creation, coaching, or clapping loudly in the audience. If you would like to lead a club or group and share your beautiful culture with us, please contact us. I know some whaanau are already planning next year!

He mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.
Your support made this event a truly memorable and successful celebration. Our concert was more than a performance,  it was a powerful expression of identity, culture, and unity. What wonderful lessons to teach our aakonga and on how to embrace our community. 

Matariki is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. As a kura, we honour our stories, our whakapapa, and the learning journey ahead.

Maanawatia a Matariki!
May this season of Matariki bring renewal, joy, and deep connection to you and your whaanau.

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