Principal's Kōrero
Sunny West
Kia ora e te whānau,
Nau mai, hoki mai ki te kura mō te wāhanga tuatoru! A warm welcome back to all our tamariki and whānau — it is wonderful to see everyone’s smiling faces filling our classrooms and playgrounds once again.
A special mihi to those who are new to our kura this term; we are delighted to have you join our school whānau and we look forward to getting to know you.
Our kaiako have been working hard to plan a wide range of rich and engaging learning activities this term. For these to have the biggest impact, it is vital our tamariki attend school as often as possible. Being at school every day really does make a difference to their progress, friendships, and confidence.
We understand that winter can bring sickness, and if your child is unwell, please keep them home, seek medical advice as soon as possible, and let our office know they are away. It’s important to keep us informed so we can ensure their safety and wellbeing.
A few reminders for the term ahead:
- Please ensure your tamariki are wearing the correct school uniform. Plain black track pants, tights, and plain black jackets are acceptable. Items with print, designs, or logos other than our school monogram are not part of our uniform and should not be worn to school.
- Our Breakfast Club continues to operate each morning, offering Weet-Bix and fruit for those who would like it. From Week 2, fresh fruit will also be available in classes. We encourage you to pack extra food for your tamariki if they are unsure about eating the school-provided lunches.
- Thank you to those whānau who responded to our opt-out lunch programme notice. We now have fewer leftover lunches and are reducing unnecessary food waste — your support makes a big difference.
Farewell to a valued staff member
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our much-valued staff member and teacher, Whaea Julieanne Bull.
After nearly six dedicated years with our school, Whaea Julieanne has been appointed to a Deputy Principal position at another school, a well-deserved promotion that marks an exciting new chapter in her career.
After nearly six dedicated years with our school, Whaea Julieanne has been appointed to a Deputy Principal position at another school, a well-deserved promotion that marks an exciting new chapter in her career.
Whaea Julieanne has been an absolute treasure to have at our school. As the class teacher in Room 1, the Auraki team leader, and our Sports Coordinator, she has consistently provided our tamariki with a wealth of opportunities to engage in fun and a variety of learning options across the school. Her passion and commitment have enriched the lives of so many of our students.
A truly supportive and genuine leader, Whaea Julieanne has made a significant impact during her time with us. While we will deeply miss her presence and contributions, we are incredibly proud of her achievement and fully support her as she moves on to this next phase in her professional journey.
We wish Whaea Julieanne all the very best in her new role. The school she is joining is truly lucky to have her.
Her role will be advertised this week, and we aim to have a new teacher appointed in time for the beginning of Term 4.
Board of Trustees Elections – We Need You!
This year we will be holding our Board of Trustees elections, and we’re calling for passionate parents to consider standing. The board plays a crucial role in helping govern and shape the direction of our school.
The commitment involves one evening meeting per month (around 1–2 hours), some training, and helping lead an area such as property, finance, personnel, or strategic planning. We’ve been fortunate to have amazing parent reps in the past, and we’d love to continue that tradition.
If you're interested or curious, reach out to one of our current board members—they’d be happy to share what the role involves and how it fits into their lives.
Kapahaka Festival - NEW DATES NOW OVER 2 DAYS
Te Taitūperepere Festival is occurring at the end of this term. As we know this is a very big event and is growing in popularity. Ōhaupō School is hosting the event this year and is working in close collaboration with all schools to coordinate this for everyone to enjoy.
Due to the number of schools now participating, it is going to be held over 2 days this year to ensure everyone gets a performance slot. This will be at the event centre in Te Awamutu.
DATES: 11th and 12th September 2025.
Our school has been allocated some very important tasks and we are asking for support from all those who can offer a small amount of time on one or both of the days. This will ensure the day runs smoothly and allows the teachers to do their job of supervising and coordinating their classes during the course of the event. Please see the separate notice below to see if you are able to help us with some part of the day.
Due to the number of schools now participating, it is going to be held over 2 days this year to ensure everyone gets a performance slot. This will be at the event centre in Te Awamutu.
DATES: 11th and 12th September 2025.
Our school has been allocated some very important tasks and we are asking for support from all those who can offer a small amount of time on one or both of the days. This will ensure the day runs smoothly and allows the teachers to do their job of supervising and coordinating their classes during the course of the event. Please see the separate notice below to see if you are able to help us with some part of the day.
Until then, have a wonderful start to term and look forward to seeing you around the kura.