Kia Ora e te whaanau,

Thank you to all our whaanau who attended Akonui Hui. 91% of our whaanau engaged in Akonui Hui. We appreciated the conversations and celebrations about your child. Please take the time to celebrate and reflect on the great year they have had. Every child has had successes and we are extremely proud of how our tamariki have grown this year.

This week we welcome Miss Charlotte Buchanan and Miss Zoe Allan back to Glenbrook School. Miss Buchanan is Team Leader of Pouakai and will lead a range of curriculum portfolios in 2026 including Te Ao Maori, Curriculum and introducing the Mitey Health and Wellbeing Programme. Miss Allan will lead our Maths No Problem programme in 2026. Both teachers will spend the remainder of this term in classes, establishing connections across the school and preparing for next year.

We are also super excited to welcome back our lovely Mrs Sue Waitai in 2026. Mrs Waitai will focus on intervention support for our senior students as we prepare them for secondary school and the new curriculum. 

Swimming
Students in years 4-8 are able to bring their togs, rash shirts and towels for swimming. A reminder that all long hair must be tied back. Girls must wear a one piece and a rash shirt. Girls who wear bikini bottoms and a rash shirt will not be allowed to swim. Boys must wear swimming shorts and a rash shirt. No t-shirts will be allowed. All swimming items must be named please. 

End-of-Year Prizegiving: Monday 15th December, 6pm
Our end-of-year prizegiving is a special occasion to celebrate our students’ achievements. All students are expected to attend. If your child cannot make it, please email the office. We do not give whaanau a heads up on who is receiving prizes. It’s all part of the surprise! 

• Students in Years 0–7 are to wear full school uniform.
• Please arrive at 5:45pm for a 6pm start.
• Year 8s are to wear tidy semi-formal dress. They need to meet in Te Rangi at 5.45pm to be formally welcomed into prizegiving. 

We look forward to sharing this memorable evening with you all!

Transition Day and 2026 Classes: Monday 8th December
Transition Day will take place on Monday 8th December. Students will meet in the hall and then spend the morning with their 2026 teacher and class, participating in team-building activities.

We remind families that class placements are based on careful consideration of academic, social, behavioural, and learning needs. As a result, changes to placements will not be made.

Year 8 students and those not returning in 2026 will spend the morning with Whaea Ruth and Ms Howell. 

Years 1-7 students not returning to Glenbrook School

If your child is currently in years 1-7 and NOT returning to Glenbrook School in 2026, please urgently email the office to confirm. We will then remove them from our 2026 class lists. 

Upcoming Events:

• Y6 EOTC Week Monday 24th November to Friday 28th November
• Team Pouakai Rainbows End Trip Monday 1st December
• 2026 Classes Transition Morning Monday 8th December
• Waiuku Schools Year 8 Dance Wednesday 10th December
• Year 8 Leavers Dinner Friday 12th December
• End of Year Prizegiving Monday 15th December
• G-Challenge Tuesday 16th December
• Last day of Term 12pm Finish Wednesday 17th December

2026: Our first day of school for 2026 will be on Monday 2nd February. 

2026 Stationery Costs
The stationery cost for 2025 is $105 per child. The Board of Governors is subsidising part of the cost to keep it at this affordable rate.

• This cost includes essential items such as books, student textbooks, pens, pencils, glue sticks, cellotape, colouring markers, outline pens, and other supplies. In years 0-3 it includes the large range of disposable items our junior tamariki use. In years 3-8 it covers access to digital platforms like Education Perfect, STEPs, Writers Toolbox and other resources used both at school and home. These stationery items support a range of learning activities, including STEAM projects that students often bring home.
  
• Both digital platforms and student textbooks are heavily subsidised by the school. To ensure equity for all students, Glenbrook School organises all stationery, and items remain at school until the end of the year. Teachers will label everything, so it’s ready for Day One of Term 1. All you need to do is make the payment!

For Years 7 & 8, there is an additional $75 Technology fee for the programme at View School. This brings the total cost for Years 7 & 8 to $180, which includes stationery and the Technology fee.

Please note: stationery costs do not cover additional activity or sports fees.

Payment Information
Stationery payments can be made at the school office or online. Payments are due by Monday 16th February 2026, but can be made anytime from now.

Payments can be made electronically to:
Glenbrook School Board of Trustees
12 3023 0503093 000
Ref: Student Last Name and Stationery 2025

2026 Dates

Term 1 for students will begin on Monday 2nd February. Our school day starts at 8.30am and will finish at 2.40pm. Term 1 will end on Thursday 2nd April. We have a Teacher Only Day on Monday 9th February where school will be closed for instruction. Term 2 starts on Monday 20th April and ends on Friday 2nd July. Term 3 starts on Monday 20th July. Calf Club 2026 is on Saturday 26th September. Term 4 starts on Monday 12th October. Our end of year date for 2026 is yet to be confirmed as we are waiting on the availability of the Ministry for our Curriculum Teacher Only Days.

Finally, thank you to everyone for your kind messages, words of celebration, and encouragement. Any success we experience is shared. It reflects the collective strength of our team and the high expectations our staff uphold every day. We are fortunate to have such dedicated, passionate people, and I am deeply proud to lead alongside them.

Aroha atu, aroha mai,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Tumuaki