Good morning e te whaanau,

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to our 2026 school year. It was such a treat to see everyone yesterday. We hope you have had a lovely summer break as a whānau, and we are so pleased to welcome you back to Glenbrook School.

Thank you for getting organised for our 8.00am gates opening and 8.30am start. It has been wonderful to see our tamariki settling back into school routines so positively.

Last week all our teachers spent three days unpacking the Maths curriculum and other changes that the Ministry changed late in term 4 which has now been gazetted. We hosted over a hundred teachers and our senior leadership team has worked intensely to have the term overviews in Mathematics and Statistics for each year level ready. Our teachers begin implementing the new Maths Curriculum this week. As you are aware, there are significant curriculum changes being made within very short timelines. Each month you will receive a newsletter outlining how Glenbrook School is implementing each curriculum.

Teacher Only Day: School Closed Monday 9th February

A reminder we have a Teacher Only Day on Monday 9th February. There are no classes on this day and no supervision available. Our teachers will be learning about the Mitey Programme which will be our new Health and Wellbeing programme for the next three years. This replaces the Sexuality in Education we have previously taught. We are closed on Friday for Waitangi Day. 

2026 Stationery Costs
The stationery cost for 2026 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 2026

Parent Teacher Conferences: February 26th

Parent–Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday 26 February in your child’s classroom. Conference start times vary by class. We ask that children do not attend the conferences, as this time is set aside for you and your child’s teacher to meet and talk about your child’s aspirations, passions, and interests.

School will be open for its usual hours, with Ms Stuart organising classes. You can book your child’s Parent–Teacher Conference at www.schoolinterviews.co.nz using the code 98mp9. The link will be open today from 9am. 

Glenbrook School Uniform

A reminder school uniforms are purchased online from our supplier Uniform Works  www.uniformworks.co.nz.  You will have the option of requesting your uniform to be couriered to your home or delivered directly to the school for pickup from the office.  School hats are available online, or from the school office and cost $16. 

It is expected that all students wear the school uniform and that it is worn correctly. The following guidelines should be adhered to:

• The only jewellery allowed at school are earrings, which are to be sleepers or studs.
• Any special jewellery which is cultural can be worn only with the permission of the Principal.  A letter of explanation will aid this decision.
• Shoes should be removed when entering a classroom. 
• A change of clothes is encouraged for lunch time activities on the field during winter.
• All uniform items must be named.
• Any mufti items brought to school will be asked to be removed,  unless it is a mufti day.
• Students are not to wear nail polish, tattoos or make up to school. 
• Plain black shorts, skorts, pants and leggings. (No basketball shorts with writing etc please). 
• Hats must be worn in Terms 1 and 4.

If for some reason the uniform is not worn on a particular day, then a note or email must be sent to the teacher explaining the reason. 

If you have school uniform items that can be donated back to school we would love to have them. If you need assistance with school uniforms please let us know so we can help.

Kai Time and Takaro Time

Glenbrook School has two  Takaaro Time breaks. These are 10.30-11.00 and 12.30 -1.15. Kai time is after Takaaro Time.  During kai times we encourage healthy lunches and morning tea. Teachers will monitor kai to ensure students are eating. No sweets, lollies or chewing gum are allowed at Glenbrook school. Parents will be notified if their child has no food. 

Assemblies

Friday assemblies start at 1:40pm. Our first will be held on Friday 20th February in the hall, led by our Year 8s from Te Rangi.

PE: Swimming and Fitness

Our PE focus for Term 1 is swimming and fitness. Those students who do no swim during their swimming session will be involved in fitness activities. We want our tamariki to be strong, fit and healthy little humans. If your child is not able to participate for a medical reason, then an email needs to be sent to the teacher. 

Summer Reading Challenge

Well done and thank you to all those who have returned their Summer Reading Challenge forms. These are now due back. Remember to share your photos of us of your child reading their favourite books in their favourite places. 

2026 Term Dates 

Term dates are set by the Ministry of Education and circulated to the community.

Term 1 Monday 2nd February – Thursday 2nd April

Term 2 Monday 20th April – Friday 3rd July

Term 3 Monday 20th July – Friday 25th September

Term 4 Monday 12th October – TBC

Teacher Only Day Monday 9th February

Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday 26th February

Glenbrook Swimming Sports Y4-8 Friday 13th February

Splish Splash Day Friday 6th March

Sullivans Cup 19th March 

Franklin Multicultural Festival Saturday 21st March

Teacher Only Day Tuesday 2nd June

Calf Club is on Saturday 26th September.

There is a lot of information and a number of notices being shared over the coming weeks as we begin our school year. Please ensure you regularly check and read our newsletters, and follow up on permission slips so your child can take full advantage of every opportunity available. Staying informed helps us work in partnership and ensures a successful year together.

Once again, welcome back to our Glenbrook whaanau. We are looking forward to a positive and rewarding year ahead.

Maa te huruhuru, ka rere te manu. With feathers, the bird will fly. (Together we provide what our tamariki need to succeed.)

Ngaa mihi nui,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Tumuaki | Principal