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 OctoberGlenbrook Athletics Y4-8
Tuesday 14th OctoberFranklin Tennis Tournament
Friday 17th OctoberFun-Letics Y0-3 Team Piwakawaka
Tuesday 21st OctoberFranklin Touch Rugby Y5&6
Wednesday 22nd OctoberFranklin Touch Rugby Y4, Y7&8
Friday 24th OctoberTeacher Only Day: School Closed
Monday 27th OctoberLabour Day: School Closed
Tuesday 28th OctoberWaiuku College Transition Visit: Y8s attending Waiuku College
Friday 31st OctoberMufti Day: Halloween: Gold coin
November 3rd- November 7thBook Fair Week
Wednesday 5th NovemberWaiuku Group Day: Athletics
November 6th & 7thCycle Skills Y5&6
Friday 7th NovemberBook Fair Mufti Day: Favourite Book Character- Gold coin
Thursday 13th NovemberFranklin Athletics
Monday 17th NovemberAkonui Hui: There are no classes on this day. Supervision available. Please contact the office to book a space. 
Tuesday 18th NovemberAkonui Hui: There are no classes on this day. Supervision available. Please contact the office to book a space. 
Thursday 20th NovemberFranklin Athletics (save date)
November 24th- November 28thYear 6 EOTC Week
Tuesday 25th NovemberWeetbix Tryathlon
Thursday 27th NovemberAuckland Champs Athletics
Monday 1st DecemberRainbows End Care Day: Team Pouakai
Monday 8th December2026 Transition Day: Meet your 2026 Class
Wednesday 10th DecemberWaiuku Schools Y8 Dance
Friday 12th DecemberY8 Dinner
Monday 15th DecemberEnd of Year Prizegiving
Tuesday 16th DecemberG-Brook Tryathlon
Wednesday 17th DecemberLast day of the school year. Finish at 12pm. 

Ms Lysandra Stuart

PRINCIPAL Glenbrook School