Kia ora e te whaaanu and welcome to the end of term 3!

As we come to the end of the term, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank you, our whaanau, for the support, encouragement, and aroha you show to our tamariki and our school. Glenbrook is a special place because of the strong partnership between home and school, and we are deeply appreciative of all that you do to walk alongside us in your children’s learning journey.

This term has been filled with learning, growth, and opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our tamariki. None of this would be possible without your ongoing support, from helping at school events, sports, camps and encouraging learning at home, to simply being present for your children and our community.

As we move towards Calf Club, a highlight of our rural culture and history, we are reminded of the importance of community spirit and the aroha that goes into keeping traditions like this alive. It is always a joy to see families, staff, and students come together in celebration of who we are and what we value. We can’t wait to see all the animals, projects and plants as well as the creativity in our classrooms. 

Thank you for being such an important part of our school whānau. We look forward to sharing Calf Club with you and celebrating another successful term together.

Change of School Day Start Time  2026

From the beginning of 2026, Glenbrook School will be starting the school day a little earlier. Our new start time will be 8.30am, with same finishing time at 2.40pm. 

We are making this change to align our finish time with bus schedules and to support smooth transport arrangements for our tamariki. Finalised bus times will be confirmed with the bus company and shared with whaanau in Term 4. We believe this adjustment will strengthen both learning and wellbeing outcomes for our students and staff while keeping Glenbrook School in step with our wider community.

Teacher Only Day

We have a Teacher Only Day scheduled for Friday 24th October. This will be held at Glenbrook School and be focused on Glenbrook Curriculum. There are no classes being held on this day and there is no supervision available. 

Staffing Updates

We are pleased to confirm that Miss Samantha Wilson has now joined our staff permanently.  We are also delighted that Miss Zoe Allan will be returning in 2026, and we welcome back Ms Emma Sixsmith, who will be with us three days a week from next year. Whaea Ruth will move to two days from 2026. At the same time, we farewell Mr Edward Hurst and thank him for his contribution to Glenbrook. We wish him every success as he begins his full-time teaching journey at Waiuku Primary. Finally, we extend our warmest wishes to Mrs Sarah Howe as she begins her maternity leave and prepares for this special time with her whaanau.

Calf Club Reminders

It was lovely to see all the wonderful posters arrive this morning. What a huge commitment from our tamariki (and parents ). I know just what joy working on Calf Club posters brings, so we really appreciate the efforts from everyone.

Due Dates:

• Letterbox Projects Due: Wednesday 17th September 9AM
• Kumara / Beans Due: Friday 19th September 9AM
• Baking Due: Friday 19th September 9AM A box per whaanau will be sent today. Whanau points are awarded for each box returned. 
• Heritage Items: Friday 19th September (AM)
  This takes place during the school day. 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.

Heritage Item: Students can only choose item to make on Friday.

Floral Vaseline Saucer

Please bring on the day: A plain white saucer plate (about 12–15 cm across), Flowers from home to decorate your saucer.  Vaseline will be supplied by the school  OR

Floral Arrangement in an Unusual Container

Please bring on the day: Flowers from home, an unusual container, a jar inside if the container is not watertight.

Container conditions:  Maximum size: 20 cm wide × 20 cm high (not including flowers), must be light enough for students to carry themselves, must be stable and safe (no sharp edges).

Term 4

Term 4 starts on Monday 6th October. Our end of year prizegiving is on Monday evening the 15th December. Our last day of school is on Wednesday 17th December and we finish at 12pm. The year 8 dinner is on Friday 12th December. Akonui Hui will be held in week 7. 

Term 1 2026

Term 1 will start on Monday 2nd February 2026. 

Again, thank you whaanau for the aroha, encouragement, and partnership you bring to our school. Together we create a community where our tamariki can thrive, learn, and be proud of who they are. We are grateful for all that you do and look forward to celebrating Calf Club and the term’s successes with you.

Aroha atu, aroha mai,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Principal / Tumuaki

Waiuku Kahui Ako Lead Principal

President Franklin Principals Association