2025 Newsletter - Week 7, Term 4 | Smore Newsletters for Education

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Kia ora koutou,

A rather unusual week this has been ... who would have thought that coloured sand would be the cause of so much disruption? I want to acknowledge all who have taken things in their stride so calmly and been able to adapt. I am referring to parents and whānau, staff and the children as well. We are still awaiting news of the testing undertaken at GMS on Monday. As soon as we get an update and changes to any arrangements, we shall let everyone know immediately. Hopefully we can get be back into our rooms before too long once, we get an 'all clear.'

A few years back we had 'bubble school' back in COVID times a few years ago. Today we have 'coloured sand school' in our hall. Many children from the affected rooms have come to school today as part of a large group. There are around sixty of them here today, coping so very well!

And on a wet day too ...

Another topical discussion in education across the nation has been the number of school boards that have committed to continue to give effect to Te Tiriti ō Waitangi. Our board met last night and were unanimous to carry on what GMS has been doing and express that their views remain unchanged. As a board, we are in the process of preparing a statement for our community that outlines an ongoing commitment to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi.

All the best for the remainder of the week. I am looking forward to getting ready to spend next week with the amazing group heading to Wellington for the Year 6 camp.

Mark Johnson

Principal/Tumuaki

WELCOME TO GREENMEADOWS SCHOOL

Our roll is presently 526 children. We now have had everyone who we were expecting enrol for the year. These five students have started at GMS at various stages over November:

Ashton Hall, Paddy Kirston, Jo-Me Muller, Joben Muller and Serenity Rigby

We wish you the very best for your time at Greenmeadows School.

ATHLETIC SPORTS

Our students have been involved in two events in the past eight days.

The first event was the GMS Athletics sports held on the school field. Last Tuesday all the tamariki in Years 3 to 6 were involved. Those of you who access the GMS Facebook page may have seen Mr Sullivan's impressive video showing the day in action. This was a wonderful day, (as it always is ...) although it was very hot!

The placegetters in each of the different year group championships are as follows:

Year 3 Girls 1st - Mila Ross 2nd - Kora Willamson. 3rd - Rachel Barichievy

Year 3 Boys 1st - Luca Hohaia-Hall 2nd - Noah Carroll 3rd - Max Salmon

Year 4 Girls 1st - Novah Matheson 2nd - Maisy Anderson 3rd - Presley-Jane Roberts

Year 4 Boys 1st equal - Lenny Willing and Spencer Le Bas 3rd - Henrico Smit

Year 5 Girls 1st - Isabelle Ball 2nd equal - Willa Enticott and Charlie Feck

Year 5 Boys 1st - Lennox Stok 2nd Equal - Rico Lawrence and Liam Wilson

Year 6 Girls 1st - Maddie Ball 2nd - Abby Chandra 3rd Equal - Sierra-Dawn Sauia and Amelia Bott

Year 6 Boys 1st - Raef Firman 2nd - Micah Enticott 3rd equal - Mason Ross and Quinn Matheson.

Congratulations to these athletes as well as everyone who competed and gave it their all.

The second event was the Taradale and Districts interschool event which was held on Tuesday 18 November at the Regional Sports Park. Eight schools participated in this full day of runing, throwing and jumping. While we are waiting for the individual results to come through, we had it confirmed that as in 2024, Greenmeadows School is the winning school!

Our athletes were outstanding in the team relays, as well as the individual events. We are very proud of you all, and the way our school was represented by this great team.

ENROLMENTS FOR 2026

If you have a child who is going to turn five at any stage 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday 24th to Friday 28th November - Year 6 Camp to Wellington

Tuesday 2nd December - Pohutukawa Fun Day

Wednesday 10th December - Year 6 Social

Thursday 11th December - Kowhai Big Day In

Monday 15th December - School Prize giving

Thursday 18th December - Last day of school - 12pm finish

GREENMEADOWS SCHOOL PTA NEWS

Annual GMS PTA Fundraiser – Christmas Raffle

We’re excited to once again offer our amazing Christmas raffle, featuring a Weber BBQ (very kindly donated by Turfrey's) and plenty of grocery prizes up for grabs!

If your family is able to donate an item/voucher towards the raffle prizes, we would be very grateful. Please drop any contributions into the school office by Friday 28 November.

Raffle sheets will be sent home as follows:

Year 0–5: Monday 24 November
Year 6: Monday 1 December (after camp)

More information will follow soon.

Christmas Gift Alert!
Calendar Art items are now ready to order. Choose from calendars, cards, diaries, mouse mats, or sketch pads—perfect keepsakes and lovely gifts for family and friends!
Place your order online via Kids Art Works before Monday 24 November at 11:59pm. See the picture below for more details.

HELLS PIZZA READING CHALLENGE

The Hell Pizza Reading Challenge is running in the Greenmeadows School library again this year.

Complete the pizza wheel by reading seven different books, then go to any Hell Pizza store and redeem it for a FREE kids 333 HELL Pizza.

Read a book, record the book title and sign on the sheet. When you have completed your seven books, leave it in the box in the library to receive your pizza voucher.

COFFEE FUNDRAISER - GMS BRAND!!! 'FUNDRAISE OVER COFFEE'

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.