Kia ora koutou,

The past couple of weeks at Puketaha School have been full of energy, achievement, and some truly heartwarming moments. It’s been a joy to see our tamariki shine in so many ways, and even more special to receive such positive feedback from those outside our school community. Here are just a few highlights worth celebrating:

Hardcourt Day- Our Year 5 and 6 students recently took part in Hardcourt Day at Minogue Park, competing in King Dodge and Oranga Touch against other local schools. Our students gave it their all and, just as importantly, they showed incredible sportsmanship and teamwork. We had some lovely feedback from people at the event, who were impressed with the way our tamariki represented Puketaha. It was one of those moments that make you feel incredibly proud to be part of this school.

Morrinsville Fun Day- We also had an awesome day out at the Morrinsville Rugby and Netball Tournament, with our Year 3–6 students taking part. It was fantastic to see some of our Year 8 leaders supporting the teams as coaches and managers. Their leadership and encouragement stood out, and once again, we heard wonderful things from the community about how well Puketaha School stood out for its positive spirit and respectful behaviour.

Chiefs Visit- One of the standout moments this term was the visit from the Chiefs players. They arrived during lunchtime, and the excitement around the school was electric. Without any prompting, our students lined the path to welcome them with chanting, singing, and flag-waving. The Chiefs were blown away by the response, they told us it was the best school welcome they’ve ever had. Their Partnership Manager also shared how impressed they were with the students’ enthusiasm and politeness. It was a day full of smiles, inspiration, and school pride.

There’s something pretty special about the way good moments seem to multiply when we take the time to notice them. In fact, research shows this is more than just a feeling. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, an expert in positive psychology, has found that when we experience positive emotions, it helps us build resilience, think more creatively, and form stronger relationships. Focusing on what’s going well doesn’t just lift our mood, it actually helps us grow and thrive.

What we choose to focus on, we start to see more of. That’s why celebrating the good, in ourselves, in others, and in our school, is such a powerful thing.

We also want to acknowledge the huge role our parents and whaanau play in this. The way you cheer your children on, celebrate their effort, and encourage a positive mindset helps set them up for success. Your support at school events, on the sidelines, and behind the scenes means so much to us. A special thank you to our amazing PTA, who braved the rain to run the sausage sizzle at the Eastern Waikato Cross Country yesterday. The community spirit here at Puketaha is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we’re truly grateful for it.

With school closed tomorrow for a Teacher Only Day, our staff will be busy engaged in professional learning, but I hope you have some nice plans for the extra-long weekend.

Ngaa mihi nui,
Nyree Olliver

The school is once again fundraising this year to support the rebuilding of the Junior Playground. Last year the school raised over $5,500, which is a significant contribution, and is hoping to reach a similar target this year.

We appreciate you and your children's support so if you feel that you can take a box (contains 36 mixed Whittakers Chocolate slabs) or two, it would be most appreciated. Profit per fundraising pack is $36.00. 

Sell for $2.50 each, Profit 85c per bar.

We suggest you sell to family members, colleagues in the workplace, at busy sports fields, friends or neighbours. If the children are involved in selling, they should do so under adult supervision, especially if selling door to door.

An order for chocolates will be placed on June 9th ready for distribution on Monday 16th June.

Please place order HERE

Thank you for your support.

PAC Rebuild
There is no significant update at this stage. The Ministry of Education is still in the quoting phase as they explore both bespoke and offsite-manufactured building options to determine the best value-for-money solution.

Kaakano 0
We have recently submitted a formal appeal to the Ministry of Education requesting the reinstatement of the classroom lost in the fire. This followed their earlier decision that we were not eligible for a replacement under current entitlement guidelines. In our appeal, we emphasised the critical role this space plays in supporting our youngest learners, the disruption to our ILE teaching approach, and the projected roll growth in our area.
We’re grateful for the strong backing we received from both the Waikato District Council Mayor and CEO. Our local Waikato MP also visited the school and expressed genuine interest in supporting us through this process.
We’re pleased to share that the Ministry has agreed to review their original decision. They are currently reassessing the information provided, including updated growth projections for the Puketaha area. We expect a response by early June and will keep our community updated.

Kaakano 1 Deck Canopy & Kaakano 2 Cloak Bay
The Board is currently in the procurement phase for a project that will install a covered deck for Kaakano 1 and a sheltered cloak bay on Kaakano 2’s front deck. Once completed, this will provide much-needed protection from the elements, enhancing outdoor learning opportunities for Kaakano 1 and improving shelter for bags and belongings at Kaakano 2.

Weathertightness Remedial Project
Work on the Administration Block will begin next week to replace three exterior walls affected by faulty materials. This project is expected to take approximately four weeks.

Junior Playground
We’re excited to share that the new junior playground is currently under construction off-site. Installation is scheduled for approximately six weeks from now—something we know our tamariki are eagerly awaiting!

Library Update
With the library being temporarily repurposed as a classroom next term, we’ve made plans to ensure our students can still enjoy access to books. A mini-library will be set up within the space, alongside a portable component that will allow us to continue issuing books to students.

To support this, we’ve purchased wall partitions to create defined areas within the room, and our team has been working hard to reorganise and clear out the resource room to make additional space for library materials.

Next week, we’ll be holding a book sale to rehome some of our surplus books, including duplicate titles.

While this arrangement isn’t quite the same as a fully functioning library, we’re pleased to have found a practical solution that keeps books in children’s hands and reading alive across the school.

Planning for 2026 enrolments is well underway with ballot applications now open.

If you have a child who is turning 5 in 2026 and you would like them to attend Puketaha School notify the School Office office@puketaha.school.nz.  This includes in zone and out of zone students. 

Silblings of out of zone students will need to make a ballot application - forms are also available from the office. 

The tentative date for the school's Agricultural Day is Tuesday 7^th of October, the first week of Term Four.

Now is the time to think about taking up the challenge of rearing an animal for Agricultural Day.  Please let us know if your child/children would like to bring an animal or if you have not been involved before and would like to find out more.

Lambs, Calves  and Kid Goats

The Lambs, Calves and Kid Goats competition.  The school can help by providing tips and advice on rearing them. Animals can also compete at North Waikato Group Day and at the Waikato Show if you choose.

If you are unsure of what Agricultural Day is about or have any questions about raising an animal, don’t hesitate to give us a call at school. Alternatively, you could visit www.waikatoaandp.co.nz.

Please email office@puketaha.school.nz if you are: 

1. Planning to have or already have an animal.
2. If you would like to know more about Agricultural Day.
3. If you would like to be kept informed about Agricultural Day

and you will be added to an email list for all future communication about this event.

Thank you