Kia ora koutou,
Welcome back to school everyone! We hope you had an enjoyable break and are ready for an exciting Term 3.
Last Friday we gathered to farewell Neil, our much-loved Principal. It was a wonderful day filled with warmth, heartfelt messages, and deep appreciation for Neil’s contributions to Wilson School. Over the past five and a half years Neil has been an outstanding leader—leading the school with vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to our students, staff, and whānau. While we are sad to see him go, we’re also glad he is returning to the UK and spending more time with his family. We wish Neil all the very best for his next chapter.
Recruitment for a new principal is currently underway. The Board is working closely with Dr Nicky Knight from The Education Group to ensure a thorough and thoughtful process as we look for the right person to lead our school forward.
Term 2 was full of energy and celebration. Across the school we marked many special occasions, including Matariki, Pink Shirt Day, Book Week, Support Staff Week, and a lively disco for our Junior and Intermediate classes. A particular highlight was the National Dance Challenge held at Westlake Girls High School, where students from Albany Junior High School and Glenfield College performed with confidence and flair. Their preparation and performance were outstanding, made even more special thanks to the choreography by our talented Teacher Aide, Lily, and two mainstream students at Albany Junior High School.
It was fantastic to see many of you in school last term—thank you for joining us! We hosted a whānau learning evening focused on sharing information from local organisations that provide community opportunities for our students. Thank you to all the organisations who took the time to come and meet with our whānau! We’ll be hosting another event this term, on 20th August on Welfare Guardianship, so keep an eye out for the registration form which will be sent out soon.
A reminder that we have a staff-only day scheduled for Friday, 8th August when our team will be engaged in a full day of professional development. Teachers will continue their work on the Math curriculum, while therapists and teacher aides will focus on manual handling and Dysphagia training. These sessions are vital in helping us deliver high-quality teaching and support.
We’re also excited to share that Specialist Schools Day will be celebrated for the first time this year! On 22nd August 2025, specialist schools across Aotearoa, New Zealand, will come together for a nationwide day of celebration. The theme for this inaugural event is “Exploring Through Our Senses”, and we’re looking forward to raising awareness and celebrating the diversity and strengths of our learners.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our Board for supporting the purchase of a new school vehicle. Our new 10-seater Toyota Hi-Ace arrived last week and will be a valuable addition to our fleet, helping us continue our community-based learning initiatives.
Have a great term, everyone.
Anju Raza
Acting Principal
Toe Toe whānau
Room 2
We had a busy and exciting Term 2 filled with lots of events! During Book Week. We had a great time creating our own version of Where’s Wally? — everyone dressed up as Wally, but instead of looking for him, we searched for ourselves and familiar members of staff! We also celebrated Pink Shirt Day and danced the night away at our Matariki Disco which was full of fun, laughter, and energy.
Our topic last term was all about animals in Aotearoa. We explored native, endangered, and extinct animals, as well as different habitats and the importance of caring for our environment. The students were really engaged and enjoyed learning through this topic.
This term, we are excited to dive into our new theme: Communication and Connection. We’ll be learning about different languages and cultures, with a special focus on the Pacific and other countries represented in our class. We’ll explore their traditions, languages, foods, and arts and I can’t wait to see where our learning takes us!
Room 3
Term 2 was an exciting and rewarding time in Room 3. One of the standout moments was our excursion to Bounce North Shore. The children had an amazing time exploring the trampolines, climbing structures, and obstacle courses. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their confidence and coordination through active play, and the energy and joy they brought back with them were truly infectious.
Our learning programme last term continued to focus on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. The children engaged in a variety of hands-on experiences, including letter and sound recognition, storytelling, counting games, and early maths activities. It’s been a pleasure to see their growing confidence and enthusiasm in both areas.
We also took part in regular gross motor activities through our PMP (Perceptual Motor Programme). These sessions involved climbing, balancing, jumping, crawling, and moving through obstacle courses—helping the children improve their strength, coordination, and body awareness.
We focused on developing fine motor skills through threading, cutting, drawing, using tweezers, and other small-muscle activities. These experiences have supported the children’s hand-eye coordination and prepared them for tasks like writing and self-help routines.
It’s been a joy to see each child grow and thrive in Term 2.
Room 4
During Term 2 Room 4 studied New Zealand animals of past and present. We studied the Moa bird (extinct) and the Kiwi bird, the hedgehog and the Kaimanawa wild horses!
We explored these animals through songs, art, Chia pets, and Riding for Disabled (RDA) horse riding. During book week we created a lovely Kiwi bird and ripped paper into a mural. Our featured story was, “How the Kiwi Lost It’s Wings.” Messy play is always a hit with our students, as was the intermediate Disco! More fun to come in Term 3!
Room 5
We had an amazing term packed with fun and learning! We loved building confidence and coordination through Circability sessions. Our sensory messy play activities were full of creativity, letting tamariki explore textures, colours, and materials in hands-on ways. We enjoyed refreshing nature walks, picking flowers, and discovering birds along the way. We proudly took part in Pink Shirt Day, promoting kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying. Our time at the school café was a great opportunity to mingle with others and build social connections. To culminate our term, we went on an exciting trip to Auckland Zoo, where we revisited our learning about animal habitats and enjoyed seeing the animals up close. We’re looking forward to another exciting term ahead! 😊
Pohutukawa whānau
Albany Junior 15
With so many events and activities, our class was busier than bees in a flower garden in Term 2.
We had several weekly programs that were happening. First was our ongoing collaboration with mainstream, through PE and Reading Buddies, which has blossomed into a meaningful relationship. We were also able to browse and buy food at the Albany Junior High School (AJHS) Market. Second were the trikes sessions from Auckland Council. It has been a source of excitement because we get to choose from a variety of trikes to ride on, as well as being able to complete obstacle courses on the court, on the field, and to bike around the school grounds. Third, a few of us have started Lego Therapy. This promotes social skills such as turn-taking, verbal communication, and following instructions.
Over the term, we celebrated Pink Shirt Day, Book Week, Mother’s Day, and Matariki. Kevin, the therapy dog, has also popped in our room for a little bit of fun and for belly rubs. The use of the OMI projector gave us another avenue to socialize.
Our inquiry on animals of past and present has been popular with the class. In Maths, we have been discussing measurement. The start to our mornings has been much more interactive ever since we started our “Leader of the week” role. Each week, one student gets an opportunity to lead the morning greetings. We have seen incredible progress in terms of confidence, memory, and communication. Plus, our individual personalities have shined through!
We were also able to participate in Sports Day at Glenfield College. We connected with our respective teams and completed the different sports stations. After the games, we enjoyed a barbeque and received our certificates.
Finally, the highlight for the term was performing at the National Dance Challenge. We had friends from mainstream who generously shared their time and talent to teach us the choreography. Our dance practices were always such fun. When it was time to take center stage, the bright lights and big crowd didn’t intimidate us, but rather it fueled our performance! We danced our hearts out and waved to the audience; it was exhilarating! It was a long day, but it was worth it. We are very proud of ourselves.
We are looking forward to what Term 3 has in store for us.
Albany Junior 16
A fun – filled term with new experiences!
Term 2 was packed with so many fun and exciting things – it honestly flew by!
One of the best surprises was when Kevin the dog came to visit. It was such a great break from our usual routine. We loved watching him do his tricks – he was amazing! Everyone was excited and of course we made sure he got some well – deserved treats. It was a lovely visit and brought a lot of smiles to our day.
Another big highlight was tricycle sessions with Auckland Council. It was such as hit with everyone! Each week we looked forward to getting on the bikes and it was great to see how much more confident we all got with practice. It’s been awesome having that consistency and we’re hoping for a few more sessions in Term 3.
We’ve also really enjoyed spending time with the mainstream students. Joining in their PE sessions, playing social games and listening to them read books to us – it’s been such a nice way to connect. Everyone had fun and it’s been a great chance to build friendships within the community.
Looking ahead to Term 3 – there’s a lot to be excited about! We can’t wait for our Playball sessions with Coach Phil, continuing our time with the mainstream and get involved in Kapa Haka sessions. There’s a lot to look forward to and we’re ready for another term of learning and fun!
Manuka 15
With the winter weather upon us we continue to create many opportunities for Manuka 15 students to participate in activities both indoors and outdoors. In Term 2, we had so many exciting events that complemented our various curriculum areas like Matariki, ANZAC, Samoan Language Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Book Week. We also had regular sessions of Playball, Kapa Haka, Mobile Library with Trudi, and Bicycle Program with Harbour Sport.
For our Inquiry we explored different topics on “Then and Now.” We had thorough discussions about animals that are extinct, endangered and what we see at the present time. We also looked at Māori legends where the students’ favourite was the taniwha, and explored different extinct Māori birds. Over time, we realized that the students are keen to know more about dinosaurs. This paved the way for our trip to Auckland Zoo where we had the chance to explore the Dinosaur Discovery Track.
This term, our unit study will focus on learning more about the different Pasifika cultures. We will also have regular Playball and Kapa Haka sessions. We will continue to use the Better Start Literacy Program (BSLA) to support and enrich the children’s reading, spelling, writing, and oral language development. In Maths we will have a lot of hands-on experience with Numicon shapes, different counters and worksheets to refine numeracy skills. We are also looking forward to the Maths Open Day in Week 5.
This term we look forward to working together with whānau to provide support and consistency for our tamariki as they grow in confidence and independence.
Manuka 16
In Term 2 Manuka 16 truly felt “lost in time” as we explored the wonders of the past through the theme “Then and Now.” We learned about extinct and endangered animals, the causes, and ways to protect current species. To connect everything, we created a timeline of major events, linking lessons to the theme.
In cooking class we made traditional foods like porridge and flat bread sandwiches while learning their history. In Maths we practiced reading large numbers, calendars, and learned to tell the time.
Book Week was a highlight where we decorated our classroom door related to “Ada Twist, Scientist”- a book we enjoyed in class. We did fun experiments to explore Ada’s world while learning Science. To wrap it up, we had a pajama party where we had a cozy read-aloud session while wearing pajamas and munching on popcorn, making the experience both fun and relaxing.
Our curiosity about dinosaurs took us on an adventure to the Dinosaur Discovery Track at Auckland Zoo where we saw life-sized models and excavated fossils, an unforgettable experience!
To finish the term our class participated in the Cycle Program. Some students successfully learned to ride a bike, gained confidence, and enjoyed outdoor activities.
As we reflect on last term's exploration, creativity, and learning, we are proud of the growth and enthusiasm our students have shown. We look forward to more adventures ahead.
Nikau whānau
Term 2 in Room 1 was filled with fun, learning, and meaningful experiences for all our mokopuna. Our tamariki were busy and fully engaged in a variety of holistic activities that supported their independence, communication, fine and gross motor skills, social development, literacy, and numeracy.
We explored sensory play, participated in Circability sessions, enjoyed creative art activities, and went on exciting EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) trips. We also celebrated special events like Pink Shirt Day and Matariki, helping to foster a strong sense of identity and community.
One of the highlights of the term was winning 1st place during Book Week—a proud moment that showcased the skills, capabilities, and confidence of our amazing students. We also had a blast dancing at the school disco, expressing ourselves through music and movement.
Looking ahead to this term, we are excited to continue building on our skills through music, art, Circability, and Math Week activities. Our inquiry focus this term will be on sustainability, encouraging our students to explore ways to care for our environment in everyday life.
Bayswater 1
Kia Ora Whānau, welcome to Term 3! We are excited to begin another term filled with growth and discovery. Let's take a moment to reflect on the fantastic experiences we had during Term 2.
Term 2 was packed with exciting highlights and enriching learning experiences! Our EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) adventures took us beyond the classroom, offering real-world learning opportunities. At Bounce, students learned how to interact with the community. A visit to Base Café enabled them to practice ordering and paying for their food, thereby boosting their independence, confidence, and numeracy skills. Weekly Playball sessions were a hit, enhancing students' physical skills and coordination. We also celebrated Pink Shirt Day, promoting kindness and standing up against bullying. Book Week was another standout event, featuring a variety of books, a creative window display, and a popcorn-filled reading session with our whānau at the Bayswater satellite. Our new bike program, supported by Auckland Transport, has been a fantastic addition, with students progressing from non-riders to confident cyclists under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Our learning approach remains focused on developing key competencies in conjunction with academic learning. Students engage in open-ended, creative activities, sensory and hands-on learning experiences, construction projects, cooking activities, art exploration, and messy play opportunities, all designed to inspire and nurture their growth and development.
Looking ahead, we are excited about another term filled with engaging learning opportunities. Stay tuned for more details about our Term 3 plans and upcoming events.
Thank you for your continued support of our learning journey.
Bayswater 2
Term 2 was a fun-filled and exciting time for Bayswater 2, with a strong focus on learning, exploring, and growing together. One of our key themes was time—we explored how things have changed over the years, especially with technology. In the classroom, students enjoyed examining items from the past and comparing them with modern inventions. A highlight was sharing baby photos and seeing how both students and staff have grown—stronger, taller, and more confident!
In literacy, we followed the BSLA (Better Start Literacy Approach) program, where students actively engaged in small group reading sessions. These focused on specific sounds and letters, helping develop key phonological awareness skills such as segmenting and blending words using a variety of fun strategies.
In Maths, students worked on number bonds, addition, subtraction, number values, and matched Numicon shapes to their corresponding numbers. They particularly enjoyed hands-on activities with the Numicon, which made abstract concepts more concrete and enjoyable.
Creativity was also in full swing last term. Students explored a range of art materials and techniques, learning new ways to express themselves artistically.
On Mondays, Coach Phill from Playball ran engaging sessions that focused on developing students’ gross motor skills. These were a big hit, with every child looking forward to them each week.
A special highlight of Term 2 was our Base Café outings in Weeks 3, 5, 7, and 9. Students had the opportunity to independently order food and drinks, pay for their items, and enjoy their meals in a real café setting. It was a fantastic way to build social and life skills—and everyone had so much fun!
We were also proud to pilot the Bayswater Bike Program this term, and it was a huge success! Every student participated with enthusiasm, and the bike rides were a clear favourite.
To top it all off, we ended the term with an exciting trip to Bounce. The students had an amazing time running, bouncing, and exploring the space. It was such a hit that we’re already planning a return visit!
Windy Ridge 1
Our students had a fantastic Term 2 filled with engaging activities and joyful learning experiences. They loved their weekly sessions with Circability, where movement and play helped build confidence and coordination. Music therapy was another highlight, offering a calming and expressive outlet. Fridays were extra special thanks to hydrotherapy, which provided our students with soothing sensory stimulation and supported their physical development. One of the most exciting outings was to Adventure Alley, where students spent the day sliding, jumping, and exploring vibrant sensory spaces. The freedom to move and explore in a safe, stimulating environment was incredibly beneficial for their sensory and emotional wellbeing. We also celebrated many special events throughout last term, including Matariki, which was marked with stories, crafts, and shared kai. During Book Week, Windy Ridge 1 proudly won the classroom display competition, showcasing their creativity and love for stories. Overall Term 2 was full of growth, joy, and unforgettable memories for our class.
Windy Ridge 2
What an exciting Term 2 it was for Windy Ridge 2! One of the absolute highlights was our awesome EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) outing to Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. The tamariki were amazed by all the beautiful sea life – from shimmering fish to graceful stingrays and cheeky penguins! It was a day full of wonder, learning, and big smiles!
Back at Base, our weekly hydrotherapy sessions were a splash hit! The students looked forward to these fun and relaxing water sessions every week – there was lots of laughing, kicking, and floating around with their friends.
Term 2 was full of adventure, learning, and connection. We can’t wait to see what Term 3 brings!
Karaka whānau
Glenfield 1 & 2
“I CANNOT - no I CAN”
Growth mindset is becoming a byword in the college classes since we started learning that as teens, we can still challenge ourselves to change and grow. And the highlights of Term 2 were opportunities for the Juniors to challenge and stretch their abilities.
Sports Day - we pushed ourselves to start and finish races and give our best shot in every event. We went home with tired legs but happy faces because we were able to participate in our teams and take part in fun challenges.
Book Week - themed “Book an Adventure”. This year’s Book Week brought our class together for an adventure. Philippa Werry’s Red Rattlers transported us to Wellington to learn about old cable cars. Her book became our inspiration in the “Decorate Your Door” challenge. We were proud to receive a special prize. The contest challenged us to think about how we can all contribute something to a common goal.
National Dance Challenge (NDC) - Term 2 finished with a blast for those who participated in the annual dance competition. More than talent, NDC 2025 showcased our hard work and dedication to memorizing dance steps on days of rehearsals. On the night of the contest, our talented dancers captivated the crowd with their confidence and graceful groves. They went home with special recognition and warm memories.
I CAN. One can say that the highlights of Term 2 for our classes were not actually the events, but every one of us who stood up to every challenge and proved that growth is possible to a mind that believes in “I can.”
Wilson Tech 1 & 2
Term 2 was full of exciting experiences and unforgettable moments. We had so much fun visiting the zoo, where we got to see all kinds of amazing animals. Over four weeks, we took part in a bowling challenge at Zone Bowling—everyone joined in and gave it their best, making it a really fun and competitive experience. Each week, we also attended work experience sessions at the Salvation Army, Glenfield Community Centre, and Windy Ridge Satellite Class, which helped us build new skills and connect with our community. But the highlight of the term was definitely the National Dance Challenge at Westlake Girls High School. We practiced all term for the big night, and it was incredible to finally perform and share our hard work with everyone.
Room 6
🌟 Celebrating Success & New Beginnings! 🌟
What a fantastic term it was in our PMLD class! Our incredible students made amazing strides in physiotherapy, showing off their strength and determination every step of the way. We had a blast with messy play, exploring textures, colors, and creativity—yes, it got gloriously messy but we loved every minute of it!
We said a heartfelt farewell to our amazing principal, Neil, whose leadership and warmth have left a lasting legacy. You will be deeply missed!
Looking ahead to this term, we’re excited to build on these achievements and continue focusing on our goals. Get ready for more progress, more fun, and more proud moments! Thank you for your continued support—here’s to another brilliant term ahead! 🎉
