2026 Newsletter - Week 4, Term 3

Kia ora koutou,

It really feels like winter at the moment, doesn't it? Fingers crossed that last week's cold snap might be it ... and some time soon warmer days are ahead.

There is certainly a lot of illness around the school and community, which must be upsetting to many in terms of routines or simply feeling miserable. It is a persistent and lingering condition that many are dealing with. We urge children to stay away if they are unwell and take the time to overcome any illness.

This Friday we farewell one of our long-serving teacher aides, Vanessa Wells. Vanessa has been a wonderful member of our staff for close to ten years—what a positive impact she has had on so many people over this time! We wish her all the best for the next challenge, and thank her for all Vanessa has contributed to our school community.

Ngā mihi

Mark Johnson

Principal/Tumuaki

We have had the following new entrant students start with us to commence the new term:

Wesley Dickinson, Connor Wall, Parker Hall and Carson Lett.

A warm welcome to all of you!

Our school roll is currently 495.

We have had a few different activities scheduled for Fridays this term, which has interrupted our assembly schedule for the past few weeks. Our next full school assembly will be Friday 21 August at 12.15pm.

Friday 14th August - Greenlock Shield: (now postponed until Friday 28 August due to weather)

Thursday 20th August - Book Character Day

Friday 28th August - Daffodil Day - gold coin donation (full uniform day)

Tuesday 1st September - GMS Cross Country

Friday 18th September - Fancy Dress Day

Friday 18th September - Early finish 2pm - First Aid training for staff

Friday 25th September - GMS PTA Colour Run: last day of school for Term 3

Monday 12th October - Term 4 starts

Tuesday 27th October - School closed - Teacher Only Day

Tuesday 15th December - Last day of Term 4

Next week is Aotearoa NZ Children’s Book Week. So let's have a book character day next Thursday. Dress up as your favourite character from a book you like. You can come to school like this for the day - no money required, we are just celebrating literature and books.

Every year we acknowledge NZ Daffodil Day, and we will do this on Friday 28th August. All those who wish can bring a gold coin donation - we will make a collection and donate to the NZ Cancer Society. Save the costumes though - it will be a just a normal uniform day though.

The OSCAR children are coming to a fancy dress party on the afternoon of 18th September to farewell their supervisor Tina. So to save the OSCAR children having to bring a change of clothes, they can wear the fancy dress to school for the day. And if that is the case, then we can't have the others missing out then ... so a fancy dress-up day for all of GMS. No money needs to be brought - just fun!!!

Thanks to those who have completed the school survey. $50 New World voucher winners are: Chelsea Treagus, Britney Kenyon, Matt Betesta, Shannon Denham and Tasmin Ballingall

The survey is still open to complete if you haven't already. Click on the blue box below to have your say, we are loving the feedback coming in!

The Spooner Shield is all completed for another year. We went into the competition as defending holders of the shield, which is awarded for the overall points tally. This year we also performed admirably, finishing second equal with Bledisloe School, and behind the 2026 winners Porritt School.

Our teams gave it their all and can be proud of their performances over the course of the day. Special mention to our two netball teams who secured GMS a third placing in the Hazel Gillies Shield competition. Our girls' football side had a stellar tournament, finishing first equal with Reignier Catholic School in a memorable tournament. So well done to everyone!!

Thanks to all the parents who came along to assist on the day—whether coaching or supporting. It really is a highlight of the year for so many!

If you have a child who is going to turn five at any stage this year or next year, and they are going to attend Greenmeadows School, please let us know as soon as possible.

This also applies to any relatives, neighbours or friends you may have who live in our zone and wish for their children to come to our wonderful school.

Even if you think we may already know, there is no harm in telling us (again).

You can either phone the school or email Sara at saraa@gms.school.nz

Many thanks for your help.

Our school is seeking a reliable, energetic, and thorough person to join our supportive team as a school cleaner. Help us keep our school environment safe, healthy, and welcoming for our tamariki and staff.

Does this sound like you? Please submit your CV and a brief covering letter to admin@gms.school.nz

📍POSITION DETAILS

• Role: School Cleaner (Part-time)

• Hours: 16 hours 40 minutes per week

• Schedule: Monday – Friday (3:00 PM – 6:20 PM)

• Rate of pay - up to $28.95 per hour

Scholastic Book Club Issue 5 catalogue has been sent home. Orders close tomorrow, Friday 14th August, at 5pm. All orders need to be done through the LOOP app. No cash.

Once again we are running the Hell Pizza Challenge. This is open to all students in the school. Collect a sheet from the library, read 7 books from school, home, or a library, fill it in, and return it to the library. A voucher will be given for a free 333 kids' pizza from Hell Pizza. There is no limit on how many wheels a student can earn. Vouchers expire 31st January 2027.

Time to stock up the coffee supplies? You can choose between 250g, 500g, or 1kg sized coffee beans or plunger style grounds. The coffee is available in strong, medium, mild or decaffeinated blends.

Sales from the Greenmeadows School coffee will go towards funding sport and athletic related activities/equipment at our school. For a large 1kg bag, which sells for $52.50, the school will receive around $15.00 back.

Ordering is open so head to our purchase page to get your bag delivered tomorrow! Please EITHER scan the QR code or click on the link below to order. Orders will arrive at the school reception office and can be collected or sent home with students. Please select ‘Pick Up’ at checkout for this option. Delivery is also available via the shipping option.

Birthright Napier are starting the Incredible Years Parenting Programme, daytime course on Thursday 6 August which runs through till the 19th November

To attend the program the parent/caregiver must have a child aged 3-8 years in their care (or have very regular visitations). Details of the course are included below.

Please make contact if you know someone who would like to attend.

Email: admin@gms.school.nz
Website: http://www.gms.school.nz/
Location: Greenmeadows School 45 Osier Road, Greenmeadows, Napier, New Zealand
Phone: +64 06-844 7024
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmsnapier