MARLBOROUGH PRIMARY NEWSLETTER
15 August 2025
Our Overarching Theme for the Year - Tapuwae- Footprints
Learning Power: Guardians
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.
I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.
Kia Ora Whānau,
It's hard to believe we're already halfway through the third term! The mornings have certainly reminded us that winter isn't quite over yet, with frosty grass and playgrounds greeting us at the start of the school day, along with some brisk, icy winds. Despite the chill, our students have been bringing a fantastic energy and warmth to their learning. We're excited to update you on all the wonderful things they've been up to.
School Road Safety Update
The safety of our tamariki is always our top priority, and we want to thank you all for your ongoing efforts in making the area around our school a safe place. Your cooperation is essential in keeping our community secure, and we have a few important reminders for everyone.
Wykeham Place is a walk-only zone during the busiest times of the school day.
Morning: 08:15 to 09:15 am
Afternoon: 2:15 to 3:15 pm
This rule is in place to create a safe and calm environment for our students as they arrive and leave school. Please remember to always respect these times, even if the weather is bad or traffic seems light. We all need to obey the rules, even when no one is watching.
We have noticed some parents and caregivers reversing out of driveways near the school or using them as a turnaround point. We understand that it's busy, but this action puts our tamariki lives in danger. Please be a role model for our children by always turning your car around before you leave your driveway, ensuring you can drive forward onto the street with a clear view.
We all play a crucial part in keeping our school community safe. Thank you for your continued support and for showing our children the importance of following the rules and being considerate of others. Your positive example makes all the difference!
Ngā mihi nui,
~ Michelle Nell
Principal's Office
Some of our students have earn some bragging rights, visiting the principal's office with some good work.
What a wonderful week we had celebrating our annual book fair! It was fantastic to see the whole school embrace the fun by dressing up as their favourite book characters. Our parade was a true highlight, with a vibrant display of creativity and imagination. From mischievous pirates to magical wizards and adventurous heroes, the costumes were absolutely brilliant!
We're also thrilled to announce that the book fair was a great success in another important way. Thanks to your incredible support, we were able to raise $2437.19, which will go directly towards purchasing new books for our school library. This will help us continue to build a rich and engaging collection for all our students to enjoy.
Thank you to everyone who bought books and contributed to this great cause. Your generosity not only helps our school but also encourages a lifelong love of reading in our children.
A group of Year 4, 5 and 6 ākonga from our school paid a special visit to the Green Valley Rise Age Care Centre in our local community. The intergenerational visit was part of the school’s values-based learning programme, fostering Manaakitanga (caring and respect) and whanaungatanga (building relationships)
As the students entered the retirement club, smiles lit up the faces of the elderly residents, many of whom have limited contact with young people. The visit began with Waiata performed by the tamariki. Akonga then read books and chatted with people there. Students sat in small groups and spent time talking with the residents. They asked questions about their lives, and listened to fascinating stories from the past. Many of the children were surprised by how much they had in common with the kaumatua and kuia, despite the age difference.
We are hoping to make these visits a regular feature to strengthen our bond with the wider community, as both generations discovered the power of connection, storytelling, and kindness.
Regards
Kawal Bedi
We're excited to introduce a wonderful new addition to our school that we believe will greatly benefit our Marlborough Primary whānau—our very own Community Pantry!
Located just outside the school office, the pantry is a simple concept built on a powerful idea: caring for one another. It's here for anyone in our school community who needs it. Whether it’s a non-perishable food item, a hygiene product, or a pantry staple, please feel free to take what you need. We only ask that you be mindful of others and take only what is necessary for your family.
The pantry also works in reverse. For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a little extra, we invite you to add to the pantry. Your donation of an extra fresh produce, a can of beans, a box of pasta, or a jar of jam can make a significant difference to another family.
We have a Breakfast Club running in the hall every morning. We welcome any students that might just need a top up before school starts. Please join Mrs. C in the hall from 8:15 till 8:45.
School Hours and Late Pick-Ups:
Our school hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please note that there is no supervision available for children outside of these times. If you are late to pick up your child after 3:00 PM, they will be taken to KidsKlub aftercare, and you will be billed accordingly for the service.
Gate Closures:
The gates to Archers Road and Chartwell Road will be locked promptly at 3:10 PM. If you anticipate arriving late for pick-up or know you will be on school grounds after this time, please park near the Wykeham Place gate for easier access.
"Pack In, Pack Out" Policy:
We kindly remind all caregivers that children's rubbish must be taken home in their lunch boxes. We do not have facilities for students to dispose of their waste at school. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean and sustainable environment.
A clean change of clothes:
From time to time ‘accidents’ may happen or clothing gets wet/muddied. For this reason, it is important that ALL STUDENTS have an extra set of clothing in their bag at all times. Non-uniform items of clothing are acceptable.
