COASTAL TARANAKI SCHOOL

Office Hours

8.30am-4pm

Hours of Instruction

8.40am - 3.00pm

Email: office@coastaltaranaki.school.nz
Website: https://sites.google.com/coastaltaranaki.school.nz/coastaltaranakischool/home
Location: 92 Carthew Street, Ōkato, New Zealand
Phone: (06)7524022 - 027 320 1267
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastaltaranakischool

Kia Ora Tatou

Welcome to another busy new term, and a very special welcome to new families. I hope you had a wonderful break, and the opportunity to spend lots of quality family time.

The holiday break definitely came at the right time, with a large number of Students and Staff struggling last Term dealing with various strains of flu and illness. We are hoping that the holidays break the cycle, and everyone has now recovered, is fit and well, and ready for an exciting Term ahead.

Although there were a number of highlights during the holidays, the weather wasn’t one. It seems the weather right across the Country was wet, and at times miserable. Typical Spring weather perhaps, but the rate of grass growth must be a fillip for farmers, and hopefully provides some security for the summer ahead.

This term is crucial for all students, but in particular those doing NCEA. External exams begin in Week 5, and the challenge for our students is to ensure that they are well prepared, and focused on putting their best foot forward for these.

As with all new beginnings, this term promises much. The start of any new term is a very important time, and it is essential that students, parents, and teachers get things right, and begin the term in a positive manner. A positive support system at home, will reinforce good habits and attitudes at School

I hope that you were able to take the opportunity in the holidays to talk to your child/children about their schoolwork, provide plenty of positive encouragement, and help set some goals for what remains of the Year.

From a Teachers point of view, one of the delights of an Area School is the opportunity to observe Students grow and develop, and then finally transition into life beyond School. This is a very exciting time particularly for those at the Senior end of the School.

We have a great deal to look forward to, and hopefully plenty to celebrate, as we continue our efforts to develop this excellent School, and provide our students with a range of tools and skills essential for learning and life.

We have had a very busy start to Term 4 with Pet Day yesterday. Coastal Taranaki School really excels when it comes to extra-curricula events and activities, with Pet Day a Prime example. It is a shame that many Schools have moved away from some of the traditional events that have long been an integral part of School life in New Zealand.

It was quite uplifting to see children turn up with their Pets, and Craftwork, and the pride they took in preparing and presenting these, and themselves. Owning and caring for a Pet is virtually a right of passage for kiwi kids, and helps develop so many important human qualities including respect, a sense of care and compassion, empathy, responsibility, and a life long love of animals. All qualities that make us better people.

Thank you to FOCTs and everyone who was involved in organizing Pet Day ‘25. It was another special event.

Have an enjoyable Term, and please remember we operate a genuine Open Door Policy – contact us with any concerns, problems, or enquiries. Early intervention can often prevent major issues.

Nga mihi nui

Richard McMillan

Food for Thought

“It is today we must create the world of the future” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

I hereby declare the following duly elected:

Name:

Bowden-Dobson: Jane

Juffermans: Heather

Moffitt: Kathryn

Ripia: Simon

Terrill: Maria

Thank you to all of the nominees, congratulations to the successful candidates.

Paula Fleming

Returning Officer.

Just a reminder about parking and drop off at school.

There has been an increased number of whānau driving onto campus. In the interest of keeping everyone safe please remember that all parking and student drop off is outside the gates at the Carthew St / Office Entrance - even on rainy days.

Here is the parking policy and the form to apply for mobility parking stickers.

Thank you for the ones who came and generously supported Room 20's Bake Sale to raise money for Charity (our part in doing school community service) at the end of Term 3.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the students and whānau who supported us and contributed many yummy treats to sell.

We raised a total of $342.20. We have decided as a class to donate half ($171.10) to Base Hospital and the other half ($171.10) to Cancer Society.

As we wrap up another term of Breakfast Club, we would like to thank our wonderful volunteers Liz Beck, Carolyn Padman, Lydia Van Den Assum, Margarete Ratcliffe & Vicky Thomas for their amazing support.

Some of our volunteers are unable to return next term so we are on the lookout for some more breakfast club supporters to get involved. Please email me ian.robinson@coastaltaranaki.school.nz or see Jackie in the office if you would like to join the crew.

Kia ora koutou,

We are excited to launch a Mural Design Competition for our school and wider community. This is your chance to share your creativity and help us tell the story of who we are at Coastal Taranaki School.

Theme: “What makes us Coastal Taranaki School”
When creating your design, think about:

• Our location – the coast, mountain, rural landscape, and the unique place we call home.

• Our values – Manaakitanga (respect and care), Whanaungatanga (relationships and community), and Ako (learning together).

• Our identity – what makes CTS special to you.

Further details attached.

It was an incredibly busy and exciting time last term in the arts spaces!

The highlight for many was our school production of Blue Ribbon Belle — a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We’re so fortunate to have such talented and enthusiastic students who truly owned the stage. The whole school pulled together to make it a success, and from our littlest performers to our senior students, everyone absolutely shone.

Just a week later, our choir had a wonderful time participating in the mass choir, which we shared about in our previous newsletter.

Meanwhile, this term, the art and music rooms have been buzzing with creativity. Our NCEA students are hard at work completing their painting folios, musical compositions, and performance assessments, as well as preparing for music theory exams.

Musical instrument lessons are well underway on Mondays with only a few spaces left.

You can see photos and videos from events on the Performing Arts Hub via our school’s arts webpage — be sure to check it out!

https://sites.google.com/d/1Trw1PLP1oJZ5jYQQXrWqVsgnwf0XlpZe/p/1VlvJ9wLfpoNcNsxZNcdF7S_-vJPo8isS/edit

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We wish to inform you that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of head lice (nits) cases among students at school. To help reduce spread and to support prompt treatment, we ask for your cooperation in these steps:

What Parents Should Do

1. Check your child’s hair regularly
   Inspect your child’s scalp and hair (especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck) at least twice a week for lice or nits (eggs). Use a fine-toothed comb or special nit comb.

2. Begin treatment promptly if lice or nits are found

   • Use a lice treatment product (shampoo or lotion) specifically designed for head lice.

   • Follow the instructions exactly (duration, reapplication, rinsing).

   • Often a second treatment is required 7–10 days later to kill any newly hatched lice.

   • After treatment, comb wet hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove eggs.

   • Wash (in hot water) or otherwise clean hats, pillowcases, hairbrushes, headgear, and any items that have touched the head in the last 48 hours.

3. Avoid head-to-head contact and sharing personal items
   Encourage your child not to share hats, hairbrushes, scarves, headphones, or other items that touch the head.

4. Notify close contacts and the school
   Let caregivers, relatives, and the school know as soon as possible if you find lice or nits, so others can check and act promptly.

5. Follow up checks and prevention
   Continue to check your child’s hair regularly for at least 2–3 weeks after treatment. Keep long hair tied back or in a braid / ponytail to reduce the chance of transmission.

We understand that dealing with head lice can be frustrating, but with vigilance and prompt action, we can minimize further spread. If you have any questions or need recommended products or support, some medical centres offer free treatments, please check with your medical centre or provider.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children healthy.

📣 Parent Notice: Get Ready to RALLY! We're Taking Part in KidsCanBall This October! 🤝

Kia ora Parents and Whānau,

This October, our school is putting our energy into a fantastic event with a powerful purpose: KidsCanBall! We are taking part in a fun handball-a-thon to raise vital funds for children in hardship who truly need a hand up.

🤾‍♀️ What is KidsCanBall?

KidsCan is an incredible charity that supports over 1,500 schools and early childhood centres nationwide, providing essentials to children facing poverty.

The demand for their services is huge right now. KidsCan needs to raise $1 million to support 10,000 children with fundamental necessities: food, solid shoes, and a warm jacket.

We believe every child deserves to arrive at school warm, fed, and ready to learn—because education gives them a clear pathway out of poverty.

⏱️ Our Challenge: The Handball-a-Thon!

Across the month of October, our students will be playing as much handball (or four square) as they can! The challenge is simple: How many minutes can we play together as a school?

We're dedicating our lunchtime energy, classroom breaks, and maybe even a special event to racking up those minutes.

🙏 How You Can Help

We would absolutely love for you to sponsor our efforts to spur on our students!

Your contribution will directly help us reach our school's goal and, more importantly, help KidsCan reach their $1 million target.

Every single dollar makes a difference—it means a hot meal, a dry pair of shoes, or a warm coat for a child in need.

To donate and support our team, please visit:

https://www.kidscanball.org.nz/fundraisers/coastaltaranakischool

KidsCanBall

Thank you so much for caring, and for supporting our commitment to social action and community spirit! Let's hit the courts and help KidsCan smash this goal!

Nga mihi nui,

Kids Can Ball Ambassador: Heather Jull

(Handball-a-Thon takes place throughout October)

Forget rest! Our mission is simple: Lunchtime domination and surprise strikes in between. Let's rack up those KidsCanBall minutes!

Head over to our school sports facebook page CTS Sports and follow for all our school sports news, results and updates.

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COASTAL TARANAKI SCHOOL

Richard McMillan Interim Principal

Gemma Chambers Junior School Deputy Principal

Sarah Oke Acting Deputy Principal, Food Technology, Careers/Pathways, Tech on 45

David Cripps SENCO

Viola Fung English

Andrea Dingle Maths

Steve Leppard Hard Materials Technology, Tech on 45

Kelly Waugh Visual/ Performing Arts

Natalie Bound Science

Casey Stevens P.E & Health

Keegan Bruckner Social Sciences

Liana Roberts Pouakai Team Leader, Year 7/8 Teacher

Rebecca Connolly Year 6/7 Teacher

Emily Finey Year 5/6 Teacher

Renee Leathley Kaitake Team Leader, Year 4/5 Teacher

Heather Jull Year 4/5 Teacher

Annie Harris NE Transition Teacher

Jemma Moorby Year 1/2 Teacher

Philippa Hofmans Pukeiti Team Leader, Year 1/2 Teacher

Johannah Poutini Year 2/3 Teacher

Sarah Warren/Tara Ross Year 2/3 Teachers

Justine Francis Release Teacher

Margaret Normanton Release Teacher

Jacky Kopu Office Manager

Delwyn Pearce School Librarian

Kirsty Koboski Publicity Officer

Ole Bucka Grounds & Maintenance

Learning Assistants

Darryl Levett

Kirsty Koboski

Paula Fleming

Dee Heath

Jess Harfield

Ruth Barron

Ian Robinson

Nicole Whittle

Kaycee Cresswell

Fon Julian

Marcus Wade

Student Support

Ida Staunstrup-Moore

Lisa Schrader