Kia ora Glenbrook Whaanau,

This week I am in Wellington with Principals’ Association Presidents from across the country as we meet with education leaders to discuss the pace of the current curriculum, assessment and reporting changes. Schools are working hard to implement a significant number of reforms, and principals are advocating for a more considered and manageable approach so these changes can be implemented thoughtfully and well. Our collective message is that schools are committed to strengthening learning outcomes for our tamariki, and that achieving this requires realistic timeframes, clear guidance and appropriate resourcing to support schools to do this work properly. I feel very fortunate to lead a school with such a supportive and engaged community as we navigate these changes together with our fabulous staff and tamariki.

Reporting to Whaanau

We began the year with a strong focus on strengthening relationships with our whaanau, and it has been a very positive start. Over 90% of families attended our Meet the Teacher conferences, which reflects the strong partnership our community values between home and school.

These early conversations are important. They allow teachers to learn more about each child’s strengths, interests and aspirations, while also helping whānau understand classroom routines, expectations and curriculum priorities for the year ahead. Establishing these connections early helps build trust and sets a collaborative tone for learning.

Thank you to all the families who made the time to attend. Your engagement and support makes a significant difference to your child’s learning journey.

Lateness

We have noticed an increasing number of students arriving at school right on, or after, the 8.30am start time. A reminder that school begins promptly at 8.30am, and we need families to aim for students to arrive by 8.15am. This gives children time to greet friends, organise their belongings, and settle into the classroom so they are ready to begin learning.

When students arrive through the gates at 8.30am or later, they often miss important instructions at the beginning of the lesson and it can unintentionally disrupt the learning of others who are already settled and ready to go. Thank you for your support in helping your child arrive with enough time to start the day calmly and prepared for learning. You are helping us teach them life long lessons about punctuality and self management. 

Staffing Update

We are currently advertising for a Year 2 teacher and a Year 8 teacher in the Education Gazette.

Due to increasing numbers in the junior school, we will be opening a second Year 2 class next to Parekereke as soon as possible. This will help ensure class sizes remain manageable and that our younger learners continue to receive strong support in their early years of schooling.

At the senior end of the school, Ms Buchanan will step into the Acting Deputy Principal role in Term 2, providing leadership support across SENCO and implementation of the various curriculum, assessment and reporting. Ms Greenstock will go on maternity leave.

We would also like to acknowledge Ms Stowers who has a won another position. Ms Stowers has shown deep care and commitment to supporting our tamariki and whaanau with additional learning needs, and we sincerely thank her for the mahi she has contributed to Glenbrook School. We wish her every success in her new role. Due to the additional teachers having to be Board funded we will no longer have a fully released SENCO.

Curriculum Update

Across Aotearoa, schools are currently working through one of the most significant periods of curriculum change in recent years. While there are a number of developments underway nationally, our focus at Glenbrook remains steady: ensuring high-quality teaching and learning for our tamariki.

Mathematics and Statistics

Students have now been learning under the updated Mathematics and Statistics curriculum for six weeks. Our leadership team spent considerable time preparing year-level planning to ensure teachers were ready for the start of the year and that learning programmes remain well structured.

We will continue to use Maths No Problem as a core programme and support materials, alongside other tools that support students to develop strong mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.

English: Reading and Writing

Structured literacy remains a key priority for our school. Programmes such as LLL, The Code and the Liz Kane approach continue to strengthen how we teach reading and writing across the school.

Teachers will also continue participating in professional learning to ensure a consistent and effective approach across all year levels. Next week we have a number of staff out for the required three days, learning about the Liz Kane programme we implemented in Term 3 last year. 

Science and Social Sciences

Teachers and students in years 5 and 7 will be participating in early trial work for the draft Science and Social Sciences curriculum. Being involved in these trials allows our school to gain early insights, give feedback and ensure we are well prepared for future curriculum developments.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Student mental health and wellbeing remains a central focus at Glenbrook School. We will continue implementing the Mitey wellbeing programme, which supports students to understand emotions, build resilience and develop positive wellbeing strategies. Thank you to Ms Buchanan and our staff who have been involved in professional development and have begun implementation. Thank you to our Board for their support. 

Keeping Whaanau Informed

To keep our community informed about curriculum developments and school initiatives, we will continue to  regular curriculum updates following Board meetings. As national guidance around assessment and reporting becomes clearer, we will also look to hold information evenings later in the year so families understand what these changes mean for our children. 

Our Focus for Our Tamariki

While there is much happening in the education sector, schools are about far more than reading, writing and mathematics. At Glenbrook we believe in providing rich, varied opportunities for our tamariki so they can discover their strengths, grow in confidence and enjoy their childhood. Authentic rich learning experiences such as camps, beach trips, kapa haka, ERPO8, sailing, surfing and the hikes we have already done are the times where our aakonga grow, FAIL and create memories.  

We want our learners to be curious, brave and willing to try, knowing that FAILs (First Attempts in Learning) are a natural and important part of growing. Thank you for the continued support you show our school and our staff. Together we create the conditions where our children can thrive.“Naau te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.” With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.

Ms Lysandra Stuart