Week 1, Term 4 2025 Newsletter
Good morning team,
Please see newsletter sent out to our whaanau this morning:
Kia ora e te whaanau and welcome to term 4.
Although it has been a wet start to the term we are so very pleased to see our beautiful aakonga and staff back. A huge ngaa mihi nui to everyone for what was an extremely lovely Calf Club day. A a true celebration of our rural heritage, community spirit, and the country life that makes Glenbrook so special. It was wonderful to see our tamariki, whānau, and community coming together, showcasing animals, crafts, gardens, and baking, all under the warm spring sun.
Days like Calf Club remind us of the power of community and connection. Thank you to our dedicated staff, Calf Club Committee, judges, PTA, volunteers, sponsors, and families who helped bring the day to life. Your aroha, time, and mahi make all the difference. He raa whakahirahira moo taatou katoa, a special day for us all.
Athletics Y4-8
We are very hopeful for athletics today. A reminder that all students in years 4-8 are expected to compete. Please make sure your child has a hat, jacket, water bottles and plenty of lunch and snacks. All students across the whole school wear whaanau colours.
Teacher Only Day
Glenbrook School will be closed on Friday 24th October for Teacher Only Day. There are no classes being held on this day and there is no supervision available.
Proposed Union Strike
You may be aware of the planned strike action on Thursday 23 October 2025 by NZEI members, including support staff, as part of their ongoing contract negotiations. We want to reassure you that our school will remain open for instruction on this day. Normal class and learning programmes will continue as usual.
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 the 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.
Junior Playground
We are hoping our junior playground will be completed ready for use next week. It has been such an exciting project. A huge thank you Land & Sea Civil – Craig & Chantelle Vare, the Vogel whaanau for their donations and the efforts of our PTA and school community.
2026 Enrollments
If your child has a younger sibling who is not yet enrolled for the 2026 and you are in zone, please make sure that your have completed the enrolment form asap. If your child is already enrolled at Glenbrook School you do not have to complete another enrolment form.
New Zealand Principals Federation (NZPF)
I am deeply humbled to share that I have been elected to the New Zealand Principals’ Federation Executive for the next two years, while continuing in my role as Principal of Glenbrook School.
This is an exciting opportunity to represent and contribute a strong voice to the key issues, challenges, and opportunities within our education sector and to advocate for our profession at a national level.
I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their confidence, trust, and support. I am honoured to serve alongside such dedicated leaders who continue to make a difference for ākonga, kaiako, and communities across Aotearoa.
I also want to acknowledge and express my absolute confidence in our Senior Leadership Team: Ms Greenstock, Mrs McCartney, Miss Thorby and Ms Buchanan. Their collective expertise, capability, and commitment ensures that Glenbrook School continues to thrive and flourish while I am attending NZPF Executive commitments.
Akonui Hui
Please note the dates in the events list. Information and booking details will be shared in the next few weeks.
It has been wonderful welcoming our tamariki back to school, the classrooms and playgrounds are once again filled with laughter, energy, and the joy of learning together. We’re excited for the term ahead, full of rich learning opportunities, special events, and moments that celebrate our Glenbrook kaupapa.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we make our school a place where every child feels valued, connected, and inspired to shine.
Aroha atu, aroha mai,
Ms Lysandra Stuart
Principal / Tumuaki
Waiuku Kahui Ako Lead Principal
President Franklin Principals Association
Term 4 Events and Dates:
| Friday 10th October | Glenbrook Athletics Y4-8 |
| Tuesday 14th October | Franklin Tennis Tournament |
| Friday 17th October | Fun-Letics Y0-3 Team Piwakawaka |
| Tuesday 21st October | Franklin Touch Rugby Y5&6 |
| Wednesday 22nd October | Franklin Touch Rugby Y4, Y7&8 |
| Friday 24th October | Teacher Only Day: School Closed |
| Monday 27th October | Labour Day: School Closed |
| Tuesday 28th October | Waiuku College Transition Visit: Y8s attending Waiuku College |
| Friday 31st October | Mufti Day: Halloween: Gold coin |
| November 3rd- November 7th | Book Fair Week |
| Wednesday 5th November | Waiuku Group Day: Athletics |
| November 6th & 7th | Cycle Skills Y5&6 |
| Friday 7th November | Book Fair Mufti Day: Favourite Book Character- Gold coin |
| Thursday 13th November | Franklin Athletics |
| Monday 17th November | Akonui Hui: There are no classes on this day. Supervision available. Please contact the office to book a space. |
| Tuesday 18th November | Akonui Hui: There are no classes on this day. Supervision available. Please contact the office to book a space. |
| Thursday 20th November | Franklin Athletics (save date) |
| November 24th- November 28th | Year 6 EOTC Week |
| Tuesday 25th November | Weetbix Tryathlon |
| Thursday 27th November | Auckland Champs Athletics |
| Monday 1st December | Rainbows End Care Day: Team Pouakai |
| Monday 8th December | 2026 Transition Day: Meet your 2026 Class |
| Wednesday 10th December | Waiuku Schools Y8 Dance |
| Friday 12th December | Y8 Dinner |
| Monday 15th December | End of Year Prizegiving |
| Tuesday 16th December | G-Brook Tryathlon |
| Wednesday 17th December | Last day of the school year. Finish at 12pm. |
Ms Lysandra Stuart
PRINCIPAL Glenbrook School