Teenaa koutou e te whaanau,

Term 3 continues to be a busy and purposeful term at Glenbrook School. Across our kura, teachers are strengthening the consistency of teaching and assessment, responding carefully to the new English and Maths curriculums and using learning information to identify what each student knows and needs to learn next. Alongside this important classroom mahi, our tamariki continue to enjoy sporting, cultural, leadership, community and extension opportunities that build confidence, connection and belonging.

There is much to celebrate. Our students continue to demonstrate our values of Mana, Ako, Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga, both in their learning and when representing Glenbrook beyond our school gates.

Learner Progress

Teachers are looking carefully at the progress of every learner in their class. Particular attention is being given to students who are still developing essential skills, those whose progress may have slowed, learners receiving targeted literacy or mathematics support and students who are ready for greater extension and challenge. We are also continuing to monitor the progress of other groups of learners whose outcomes we want to strengthen.

This work is not about placing labels on children. It is about understanding what each learner already knows, identifying any gaps or misconceptions and deciding what teaching will make the greatest difference. Teachers are using this information to plan targeted workshops, provide additional teaching and practice, adjust classroom programmes and create opportunities for extension. We are also checking that the interventions and additional support already in place are helping students make the progress we expect. A big thank you to our teachers for these checkpoints. 

Curriculum Change 

The gazetted curriculum continues to guide our school planning and professional learning. Our approach is measured and purposeful. We will not change effective teaching practices simply to create the appearance of implementation. Instead, we are identifying what genuinely needs to change, which current practices remain effective, where teachers require additional knowledge or resources and how curriculum learning can connect meaningfully with our local context.

Curriculum implementation takes time. Our focus remains on ensuring that changes strengthen teaching and learning while maintaining our special character, high expectations and the magic that is Glenbrook School. Teachers are working collaboratively to strengthen planning, assessment and moderation so expectations become increasingly clear and consistent across our school.

Celebrating Success

Sport continues to be a significant strength at Glenbrook School, with large numbers of students proudly representing our kura. Our recent results reflect the commitment of our students, the time and care provided by coaches and managers, and the wonderful support of whaanau.

In hockey, our Year 7&8 teams achieved 5th in A Grade, and 4th and 5th places in B Grade, while our Year 5&6 team finished 4th in B Grade. Our netball teams also achieved some excellent results, with the Year 5&6 boys winning B Grade Section 1 and the Year 7&8 Girls A team finishing second in B Grade Section 1. Our other teams competed strongly across their grades, including a 3rd finish for our Year 4 boys. We were also proud to have 35 students represent Glenbrook at the Group Cross-Country Day, achieving several top-three placings.

Congratulations to every student who participated, challenged themselves and represented Glenbrook with mana. Results are worth celebrating, but we are equally proud of the teamwork, courage, perseverance and mana shown by our students.

Team Selection Reminders

A reminder that when more students trial for a sports team than there are places available, selection will not be based solely on sporting ability or performance at the trial. Students seeking to represent Glenbrook must have attendance of at least 85%  and consistently demonstrate positive behaviour aligned with our school values.

Regular attendance is important because team members need to be available for practices, preparation and competition, while also remaining engaged in their classroom and keeping up with their learning responsibilities. Representing Glenbrook is a valued opportunity, and we expect students to show commitment both in the classroom and in sport so they can contribute positively to their team and continue making strong progress in their learning. These expectations have been in place for a while and align to the Ministry’s attendance priorities. 

Positive behaviour, teamwork and the ability to represent our school appropriately are also essential. Representing Glenbrook carries the responsibility of showing mana and being a positive ambassador for our kura.

Calf Club is nearly here!

Calf Club is one of the special traditions that captures the magic of Glenbrook as a country school. It brings together animals, gardening, baking, creativity, heritage and community, while recognising the considerable care and commitment our children put into their projects. We are looking forward to another wonderful day of celebrating our learners and our rural community on Saturday 26th September.

Please note the following important dates:

• All posters due: 9.00 am, Monday 21 September
• Heritage information session and notices sent home: Monday 21 September
• Baking boxes sent home: Monday 21 September
• PTA Kiwiana sculptures due: 9.00 am, Thursday 24 September
• Herb gardens due: 9.00 am, Friday 25 September
• Baking due: 9.00 am, Friday 25 September
• Heritage items due: Friday 25 September
• Calf Club: 9.00 am, Saturday 26 September

We would love to see photographs showing how your child’s project, garden or pet is progressing. Please send in any photographs you are happy for us to share on our school Facebook page so we can celebrate the care, learning and excitement taking place at home and highlight the wonderful magic of our country school.

If your child is unable to attend Calf Club on Saturday 26 September, please ensure that both the school office and their classroom teacher have been informed.

Arriving Ready to Learn

We continue to have a number of students arriving at school at 8.30 am or later. The beginning of the school day is important. Arriving before 8.30 am gives children time to enter the classroom calmly, organise their belongings, connect with their teacher and classmates, and prepare themselves for learning.

When students arrive late, they may miss notices, explanations, learning instructions or the beginning of a lesson. This can leave them feeling rushed or unsettled and can interrupt the learning of others as they enter after the class has begun. A calm and punctual start helps children feel secure, organised and ready to learn. Thank you for ensuring your child arrives with enough time to be settled and prepared before the school day begins.

Devices for Years 3–8

A reminder that students in Years 3–8 need to bring their device to school each day and ensure it is fully charged to use. Devices are an important learning tool and are regularly used across the curriculum. Arriving without a device, or with a device that has not been charged, can limit a student’s ability to participate fully in planned learning.

If your child’s device is not working, or your family requires a device, the school has a device rental option available. Please contact Mrs Goodall to find out more about this service and the options available.

Whanaungatanga

There is much to be proud of at Glenbrook School. From focused classroom learning and sporting achievements to the excitement building around Calf Club, our students continue to demonstrate confidence, commitment and care for one another.

Thank you for the encouragement, practical support and partnership you provide. Together, we are helping our tamariki become confident, capable and connected learners who recognise their strengths, understand their next steps and take pride in belonging to our very special country school.

Ngaa mihi nui,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Tumuaki | Principal Glenbrook School