Wairau Valley School
Newsletter Week 7 19 November, Term 4, 2025
Dear families,
We were so proud of our learners at the Clued Up Kids day Tuesday 11th November. The students were engaged, had outstanding manners and exemplary behaviour. Marlborough Athletics was also a highlight. Our team of 8 students all competed with pride and although they did not make the top 3, they gave their heart and soul to their events.
The Year 1-4 students tabloid event and the school mini olympics also identified some outstanding potential for next year.
The term is running away on us - here is a recap of what’s coming up:-
A Term Calendar Refresh
Week 7
Thursday 20 November - College induction visits.
Friday 21st November - 2.15pm, the school Talent Quest in the Chalice Room.
Sunday 23rd November - The Village Fair.
Week 8
Tuesday 25th November - Yr 7 and 8 optional trip to the Marlborough Gun Club - still tentative as a parent run event.
Wednesday 26th November - Rapaura School fundraiser with Ritchie McCaw - see article further on. Optional for families with rugby players to attend. We will record the absence as Board approved leave on that afternoon.
Thursday 27th November - Marlborough basketball sessions at school.
4.30pm - School Board meeting- 2026 strategic plan and draft budget.
Friday 28th November - Assembly 2.15pm in Fishtail Room.
Week 9
Pool opens - pool keys on sale at the office.
Wednesday 3rd December - last newsletter of the term.
Friday 5th December - Lake Rotoiti Trip.
Week 10
Monday 8th December - Year 6 orientation at Tech and Year 8 leavers day. Mrs Malcolm with year 7.
Tuesday 9th December - school volunteer morning tea 10.30am.
Thursday 11th December - Welcome ceremony for Mr Alexander 10am at school, and then prize giving starts 1.15pm at the hall.
Week 11
15th/16th/17th December - Fundamentals at Stadium 2000. Back at school each day by 2.45pm.
18th December - optional cleanup day - school closes for year at midday.
Other News
We have the carpets funded by MOE to be replaced in classrooms - this has been approved and we are just waiting for scheduling.
We have MOE property funding approved to spend on further refurbishment for classroom shelving, storage and upgrading teaching and learning spaces. We are just waiting for scheduling.
Lake Rotoiti Picnic 5th December - school is closed for other lessons that day as all staff will be at the picnic.
New Principal Welcome - A reminder to past pupils and families, that you are invited to Adam Alexander’s welcome to the school on 11th December at 10am.
The school prizegiving and farewell assembly for year 8 is also on 11th December starting at 1.15pm. That event is held at the Memorial hall.
Village Fair Sunday 23rd November
We have a fundraising stall, at the entrance to the Fair, and school donation carparking.
If you can help on the stall or with shortbread, Anzac biscuits or chocolate chip cookies or scones can you email Stacey at stacey@wairauvalley.school.nz. We really need a new shade sail for school, so just a bit more fundraising needed. Thank you.
Pool Keys
New contracts and new keys for 2025/2026. Keys are $60.00 for the season. You can buy from the office from 1st December.
Board meeting 27th November, 2025
4.30pm in the Board room.
Main agenda items for this meeting are the Strategic direction document for 2026, and the draft 2026 budget.
Heads Up - Bell-Time Change 2026
A heads up that in 2026 the bell will go at 9am and school will finish at 3pm. This enables time for staff to prepare fully for their day; time to travel from Blenheim; have a morning meeting once a week and to align with other school bell times. It does not change the hours in the day. Buses will stay the same except the 2nd bus drop off might be 10 minutes later.
If you have any concerns about this change please give me a call to discuss 0274926060.
Marlborough Girls Orientation - 20th November
We hope our girls have an exciting day and they can look at the many groups they will be able to join. They can catch the college bus to Marlborough Girls on the day.
Talent Quest 2025 Friday 21st
A reminder that our talent quest (where up to 2 items can be chosen for our end of year prize giving assembly) is held this Friday 21st at 2.15pm. It is not too late to enter. If your child is a magician, dances, sings in a group or alone, we would love to see them. Email principal@wairauvalley.school.nz if you have an item.
Rob and Richie Event at Rapaura School
This is not a school organised trip.
Rapaura’s principal has said that if we want children who play rugby or touch to go along to their fundraiser, they would love to see them.
From midday Rob Nichol and Richie McCaw will be there and they, alongside some Mako players, will run some skills sessions and present information about the GODZone Challenge. There will be a BBQ and spot prizes. I will pull out of a hat the names of 2 players from our school who are attending, to be in a country school fun game at 2.15pm against Rapaura. Richie will ref the game and maybe some Mako player might jump in to play.
If, however, you are going to take your child, please can you advise me by email (principal@wairauvalley.school.nz) that you are taking your child/ren and the names of any children attending with you. We will record their absence for the afternoon, if they are attending, as a Board approved absence on our roll submission to the Ministry.
The event starts at Midday, with Richie arriving in his helicopter, and ends at 3pm. So no-one needs to leave school before 11.20am.
Kind regards
Anne Malcolm
Well done everyone for wearing hats without too many reminders.
