Good morning Whaanau,

Welcome to Week 7. What a wonderful week it has been sharing poetry across our school and celebrating National Poetry Day together.

Winter Illness

We are currently experiencing a high level of winter illness like many other schools. Over the past three weeks, many children and staff have been unwell. It is important that tamariki are kept at home until they are fully recovered. When students return too soon, illness spreads quickly to others, including staff and makes it difficult to keep our school open.

As working parents, we all know how challenging it can be to juggle care and work commitments. As a single parent myself, I had to collect and care for my own child last week while also managing staff absences, so I truly understand the pressures this creates.

However, please remember: school is not a childcare facility. It is not acceptable to request that sick children remain at school, nor is it ever acceptable to verbally abuse staff. If you believe otherwise, Glenbrook School may not be the right place for your whaanau. Our staff deserve a safe, respectful workplace, and our tamariki deserve care at home when they are unwell.

Board of Governors 

Last week, we held our final meeting with the current Board. A special acknowledgement and heartfelt thanks to Paul Blue and Chelsea Cameron for their years of service. Their governance guided us through the challenges of COVID and their generosity of time and support has been invaluable.

We are excited by the calibre of whānau standing for election to our new Board. Please take the time to vote, it makes a difference.

Calf Club 

Preparations are well underway for Calf Club on Saturday 20 September. Classes are busy with calendar art and performances, and it has been a joy to see photos and videos of tamariki with their animals. Calf Club is a treasured tradition at Glenbrook, celebrating our rural identity, learning, and community spirit.

Grocery Raffle Competition

The class who donates the most items will win lunch with Ms Stuart!

• Week 1 (25–29 Aug): Canned goods
• Week 2 (1–5 Sept): Packet goods
• Week 3 (8–12 Sept): Bottles

Calf Club Due Dates:

• All Posters Due: Monday 15th September 9AM (Required for all items except lambs, calves, goats)
• Letterbox Projects Due: Wednesday 17th September 9AM
• Kumara Due: Friday 19th September 9AM
• Baking Due: Friday 19th September 9AM
  A box per whaanau will be sent home closer to the time
• Heritage Items: Friday 19th September (AM)
  This takes place during the school day and further information will be released nearer the time. Whaanau are invited to support students with the construction of their Heritage Item on this day.
  
• Calf Club Day: Saturday 20th September 2025
  A registration table for all animals will open at 8am. This includes small furries, dogs, chickens, as well as larger animals.

Disco

Our disco is being held on Friday 5.30-8pm in our hall. The theme is “Retro Glow. A reminder we do not allow secondary students to attend our discos. Parents are welcome to stay or drop students off. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Cost $2 entry $5 for a family of 3 or more. 

Term 4 Teacher Only Day

There is a Teacher only Day on Friday 24th October. School will be closed on this day. 

Out of Zone Enrollments:

The Board of Governors invites applications from parents who wish to enrol their children at Glenbrook School for the 2026 school year.

Enrolment at Glenbrook School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available at the school office, or on the website www.glenbrookschool.co.nz.

Covering letter application and enrolment forms for out of zone places must be received no later than 12pm Wednesday 8th October 2024 to admin@glenbrook.school.nz.

The Board has determined we have a limited numbers of places available in the Year 1 – 8 area of the school, and in line with the enrolment scheme guidelines, preference will be given to students who meet the criteria for Priority Two to Five, then all other applications will be considered. 

Priority Two: Siblings of current students
Priority Three: Siblings of former students
Priority Four: Children of former students of the school
Priority Five: Children of Board employees or members of the Board

If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot.  Parents will be informed if a ballot is to take place.

Parents of students who live within the home zone also need to apply by this date to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year.  Students who live in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school.

Ballot date if required Wednesday 15th October 2025

Enrolment Application forms are available from the school website or emailing admin@glenbrook.school.nz. 

Good Luck

Thank you to all our poets and artists who wrote a poem and submitted an entry to our G-Factor. Winners and finalists will be announced this week. The best of luck to our years 7 and 8 Mathex teams who are competing this Friday. We look forward to connecting with those whanau attending Thrive Tamariki on Thursday evening with Nigel Latta. 

Ngaa mihi nui,

Lysandra Stuart

Principal / Tumuaki