Tēnā koutou kātoa

Nau mai, haere mai

The second half of the year is upon us. We have a wonderfully busy third term filled with learning and some very exciting activities happening over the next ten weeks.

First up we have the school production 'Cinderella and Rockerfella'. A number of our teachers and children playing important roles have been putting in incredible amounts of their own time (including days during the holiday break) to prepare for their performance in five weeks time. It promises to be spectacular! You will receive information on how to purchase tickets in the coming days - we will notify how to do this via the GMS App and the school's Facebook page. Tickets will sell fast for both performances so we will give you a bit of advance notice of the date.

In other news we have opened up our next New Entrant class - this will be known as 'Timu Tipu' rather than a class number. We currently have eight enthusiastic learners in there who have made a wonderful start to their week and their time at school. They are occupying the spaces behind Room 15 and 16. Mrs Ali de Lange and Mrs Michelle Chandra are teaching in 'Timu Tipu'.

And finally there will be a new face around Greenmeadows School next week. The senior leadership team of Mr Holloway, Ms. Ross, Mrs. de Lange and myself, will be visiting schools in Queensland from Wednesday to Friday. Mr. Mark Gifkins, who was Principal of Parkvale School for many years will be in the office while they are in Brisbane. You might spot him on the Osier Road, road patrol next week too - he loves to say 'Hi'!

Ka kite anō,

Mark Johnson

Principal

We have had lots of new students start with us since the last newsletter. We give a warm welcome to Harrison Moroney, Archie Lee, Evie Teikamata, Cooper Quigg, Oliver Catley, Alex Hicks, Jett Stewart and Tilly Stewart.

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

Our roll is currently sitting at exactly 500.

As everything is wet and muddy at this time of the year, it would be helpful if your child had a spare change of clothes in their bag.

We will be holding our Term 3 mihi whakatau for new students and whānau who have enrolled at GMS since the previous one at the start of Term 2. This will start at 9.10am. All are welcome to attend.

Because we have the mihi whakatau we will not have assembly in Weeks 1 and 2 this term.

The Greenmeadows School Board of Trustees triennial elections are coming up again, with a confirmed date for election being Wednesday the 10th September. Our board has an election every 18 months, with three of the six parent representative spots coming up at each election. By holding elections every eighteen months, this ensures that we have continuity on our board.

At this election we have four parent representative positions becoming available due to one of our parent representatives standing down.

We are an open and friendly board who meet two to three times each school term. The role of the Board is to set the school’s overall strategic direction. It is important the board members reflect the overall diversity of the school to ensure a bright future for all our students.

If you are thinking about becoming involved in our BoT, nomination forms will be sent out via email, later this month.

Just another reminder! We have a new mathematics curriculum in New Zealand schools, we have therefore arranged for some maths curriculum experts to visit GMS to talk to our staff along with teachers from neighbouring schools. This means that our school will be closed for that day. We apologise for any disruption this might cause.

The Taradale club is trying to get a few teams together.

The rugby league season starts after soccer and rugby so we welcome everyone who is keen. Teams play on Saturday mornings.

Registering needs to be done before 1st August.

Further information can be gained by contacting Nicola Clark 02108538034 or email nicolaclarknz@gmail.com.

A message for those looking for something different to do in the next school holidays (yes - only nine weeks away)

Off-Grid Adventures are running two upcoming 6-day (5-night) camps at Ranui Farm Park, Central Hawke’s Bay:

• 28th Sept - 3rd Oct 2025

• 18th - 23th Jan 2026

Cost: $990 incl. GST (covers all meals and snacks made by a chef, accommodation, activities, and a personal development journal).
Early bird discount: $50 off per student for bookings paid 8+ weeks in advance.

Get a feel for the experience: View Photos
More info: www.offgridadventures.kiwi

Enrolment forms (for parents/caregivers):

• Sept 2025 Camp: Enrolment Form

• Jan 2026 Camp: Enrolment Form

Friday 18 July - Mihi Whakatau for new whānau and students

Friday 8 August - Spooner Shield

Tuesday 12 August - Teacher Only Day: school closed

Thursday 21 August - School Production

Tuesday 26 August - GMS Cross Country

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.

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.

Unison’s Digital Safe Sparks Programme is now open to all families across Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Rotorua.

This short online challenge is designed for children aged 5 to 11 and helps them learn how to stay safe around electricity through animated videos, interactive activities and real-world tips.

• Easy to access (no login required). Access via the link below
• Great for home, after school care or a rainy-day activity
• Finish by 31 October 2025 to be in to win 1 of 3 $100 Prezzy Cards
• 
  

Kids who complete the programme can also receive a printable certificate.

Start the challenge here: www.unison.co.nz/safe-sparks-digital

Napier Kindergartens are currently running a short Community Voice survey to better understand what families value when choosing early childhood education and what barriers might be preventing them from choosing kindergarten.

The feedback we receive will help ensure that our kindergartens continue to meet the needs and values of local whānau. The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete, and all respondents go in the draw to win a $200 Pak n Save voucher.

To access the survey - scan the QR code below.

Below is a link to download our school App if you haven't already.

This is how we communicate with the school community any importmant messages or reminders.

https://www.smore.com/app/reporting/out/ktaxf?u=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolappsnz.co.nz%2Finstall%2F&t=install%20link&w=w-5610919473&i=&l=l-7600403145

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