Vardon School Newsletter

Kia ora whānau,

It has been a fantastic start to the term at Vardon School! We are thrilled to see our students returning with energy and enthusiasm.

Exciting School Improvements

We have been busy working on a number of school improvements designed to create an even safer and more fun environment for our students to learn and play. It is wonderful to see these spaces being enjoyed as we kick off the new term.

Growing Our Vardon Family

Our community continues to grow! We recently welcomed a number of new students to the school, bringing our total numbers close to 350.

Along with our new students, we are excited to welcome two new Learning Assistants to our staff, Rachael Taotala and Lindsay DuPlooy. We are lucky to have them join the team.

Learning Focus: Mātauranga (Science)

Our overarching theme for Term 2 is Mātauranga, with a specific focus on Science. Our teachers have planned engaging, hands on experiences to spark curiosity and help our learners explore the world around them through a scientific lens.

Attendance: Every Day Counts

In Term 1, our regular attendance rate was 69%. This was a 5% increase from Term 1, 2025. Well done Vardon School! We want to thank you for your effort in getting your tamariki to school.

As the weather turns cooler, please ensure your child has the appropriate school layers to stay comfortable throughout the day. We want to keep up the momentum.

For our learners to truly thrive, they need to be at school regularly and have a set routine. Research shows that consistent routines provide "cognitive scaffolding" for children. When a student knows exactly what to expect, it:

• Reduces Anxiety: Clear structures help children feel safe and secure, allowing their brains to focus on learning rather than navigating uncertainty.

• Builds Independence: Regular habits help students take ownership of their morning and school-day tasks.

• Strengthens Social Bonds: Being present every day allows students to maintain the social momentum needed to build deep, lasting friendships.

We have lots of exciting things planned for the term ahead. Please ensure that you look at the calendar, use Hero and Facebook to keep informed.

Shakeeb Kalaam

Principal

Last week, our school held a beautiful assembly to mark ANZAC Day. It was a time for us to come together and think about the importance of peace, kindness, and looking after one another. Our students showed wonderful respect during our minute of silence as we honoured the history of the ANZACs and all those who have served our country.

We would also like to say a huge well done to Flynn and Roxanne, who proudly represented Vardon School on ANZAC Day. They attended the civic service at Memorial Park to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of our school. We are very proud of the respect and leadership they showed in representing our community at such an important event. Lest we forget.

Welcome to our new Learning Assistants who joined our team this week, Rachael Taotala and Lindsay DuPlooy. We look forward to working with you and seeing the positive impact you will bring to our students and the wider school community. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome when you see them around!

At Vardon School, we are committed to keeping you well informed about your child’s learning journey. As you may be aware, the Ministry of Education has introduced a revised curriculum for Mathematics & Statistics and English (Years 0–10).

Because what we teach in Reading, Writing, and Maths has changed, the way we check and report on your child's learning has also updated to ensure the information you receive is clear and consistent.

What is Changing?

From this year, all reports for all children will use five Progress Descriptors for Reading, Writing, and Maths. These descriptors show your child’s progress in relation to the expectations for their specific year level:

• Emerging: Students require support to meet curriculum expectations for their year level.

• Developing: Students are making some progress towards curriculum expectations for their year level.

• Consolidating: Students are meeting many expectations and steadily strengthening their understanding.

• Proficient: Students are meeting curriculum expectations for their year level.

• Exceeding: Students are exceeding curriculum expectations for their year level.

The goal for the year is for students to reach 'Proficient' or above, showing they have the foundation and knowledge to move to the next year of learning.

A Note on Progress: Because schools are transitioning to a new curriculum, you may see a change in your child's achievement levels compared to previous years. This is often simply a result of the updated expectations for their year level.

Key Dates for Term 3

We want to ensure you have the opportunity to discuss this information with us:

• Written Reports: You will receive your child’s written report at the start of Term 3.

• Parent-Teacher Meetings: You will have the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress and achievement Term 3, Week 2.

  
  

Accessing Reports via HERO

We will continue to use HERO as our primary platform for sharing these updates.

• How descriptors are chosen: Your child's teacher determines the Progress Descriptor using a range of information, including test results, classroom tasks, and observations.

• Action Required: To ensure you receive these updates, please make sure you can log in to the HERO app. If you have any trouble accessing your account, please contact the school office for assistance.

For more information, you can visit the Ministry of Education's online Parent Portal, which includes a short video explaining these new reporting requirements.

• Monday 20 April - First day of Term Two
• Tuesday 12 May - Northwest Winter Tournament
• Monday 25 May - Cohort entry for New Entrants
• Thursday 28 May - Photo day for students, siblings and classes
• Monday 1 June - School closed, Kings Birthday
• Friday 19 June - Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge
• Wednesday 1 July - Matariki Community event
• Thursday 2 July - Last day of Term 2, finishing at 3 pm

Vardon School offers the following sports for Winter during Term 2 and Term 3. These are great sports for all year levels and a fabulous way to get involved with learning new skills, or building on existing ones as a team.

• Hockey - Yr 1-6
• Netball - Yr 1-6
• Basketball - Yr 1-6 (Yr 3/4 and Yr 5/6 at competitive levels)

We have got a great turnout of students playing over our winter season with 4 netball teams, 5 hockey teams and 2 basketball teams (competitive and skills/drills).

To register your child for sports at Vardon School please look out for messages posted on both Hero and Facebook with a Google Form attached. These are always sent out towards the end of the previous term to allow time for finalising numbers, team players and administration. Our winter sports teams are all completed, so the next round of sports registrations will come out at the end of Term 2 for basketball in Term 3, and the end of Term 3 for sports in Term 4.

Sports available in Term 4 will be:

• Summer Netball (Yr 3-6)
• Summer Hockey (Yr 3-6)
• Splash Polo (Yr 3-6)
• Touch Rugby (Yr 1-6)
• Basketball (Yr 1-6)

Our upcoming events for Term 2 are:

12th May Northwest Winter Sports Tournament: (Postponement 14th May)

This is a school cluster event where our Netball and Hockey players take on teams from our Northwest Cluster schools and compete in a mini tournament on the day. Further information will come out to players regarding attendance, travel and team details.

19th June Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge:

An exciting, muddy event where students get to take part in a cross-country style challenge, held at Ngaruawahia Christian Youth Camp. To register for this please ensure that you follow the exact steps on the notice below. This is a SOLD OUT event and our registrations must be completed by Thursday 30th April. For more information please read the notice. If you have any questions please email Mrs Hennebry: jocelyn.hennebry@vardon.school.nz

Not long now to get your entries in for Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge for 2026.

To avoid disappointment please register as early as possible, there is only space for 50 students maximum. See the notice attached for registration details and specific information regarding online entries. All registrations for Vardon School must be completed by Thursday 30th April.

Vardon School will be attending on Friday 19th June. This is a SOLD OUT event so using the code is important to confirm your child's registration. Payment is required to complete and confirm your child's registration. The fee to enter is $32.50 as it is an online entry.

If you have any questions about registering please email me: jocelyn.hennebry@vardon.school.nz

Once you have registered your child could you please forward a copy to me. In the past some names have not always been included in the final list of attendees.

Sports Uniform Returns

All sports uniforms need to be returned to school if you are not playing a sport for the winter season (Netball, Hockey). To avoid a fee please ensure uniforms are washed, dried and stain-free upon return.

Uniforms were issued for the following sports from on Term 1:

• Basketball
• Hockey
• Netball
• Touch Rugby

Thank you for your support with this.

Vardon Vixens Hockey Team - Urgent Coach Required

I would like to update the Vardon Vixens team to announce Jacqui Coward has very kindly volunteered as the Team Manager for the season. Thank you Jacqui for your support and commitment to the team. This is great news as it now means that the Vardon Vixens can stay in the competition for the winter hockey season.

The team still URGENTLY requires a team Coach to support both Jacqui and the players. Because there is a skills based component to game days, this could potentially double as the team practice as well as game opportunity.

Please email me as soon as possible to volunteer for the coaching role. We would like our Vardon Vixens to have the best possible start to the season and their first time playing a school sport.

Jocelyn Hennebry

Sports Coordinator

Room 8

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us in getting this project across the finish line! Our new playground equipment is a fantastic addition to our school, and it wouldn't have been possible without the incredible generosity of our community.

We wish to extend a huge thank you to our Vardon School PTA. Their tireless fundraising and continual efforts have funded a large proportion of this equipment, providing our tamariki with a space they will enjoy for years to come.

We would also like to acknowledge the following organisations and groups for their vital contributions:

• Dragon Community Trust: For their generous grant support.
• Grassroots Trust: For their commitment to our school's development.
• Vardon School PTA: For their incredible fundraising mahi.
• Vardon School Board: For their significant contribution and oversight of the project.
• Playground Creations: For their support with design and installation.

It is wonderful to see what we can achieve when we all work together. We can’t wait to see the students out there making the most of it, once the adults get off the web.

The Vardon School Board of Trustees advises that there will be no ballot held for out-of-zone spaces for the remainder of 2026.

Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office. Parents of students who live within the home zone are still encouraged to apply at any time to assist the school in planning appropriately.

Upcoming Ballot Information

The board has determined that the next ballot for out-of-zone places will be held on November 27th, 2026. This ballot will be for spaces available in Term 1, 2027.

The exact number of places available in each year level for 2027 will depend on the number of applications received from students living within the school enrolment zone and is subject to change.

Friday 3 July (Last Day of Term 2). Staff will participate in a Ministry of Education approved professional learning in Mathematics.

Term 2: Any student with 90% attendance or more in Term 2 will go into the draw to win a special trip to Ninja Valley in Term 3! We have 30 spaces available, so keep showing up every day.

Whānau Support: We are grateful to Journey and Co for donating a $50 grocery voucher to help us meet our attendance goals. Students with 90% or more attendance this term will be entered into the prize draw.

How lucky are we to have amazing businesses like Ninja Valley and Journey and Co supporting our students.​

Congratulations to the following students who achieved 90% attendance in Term 1, and had their names drawn to attend a special visit to Ninja Valley! These students will have their special day on Friday, 29 May.

The Winners: Ayla, Luke, Sophie, Johnny, Awa, Maisy, Isla, Elias, Sienna, Liyaana, Terry, Tanekaha, Maddie, Zebediah, Daniel, Tama, Lucas, Jemma, Quinzly, Taylor, Adeline, Greer, Juwairiyyah, Rosa, Laurel, Jamel, Taniera, Amanda, Wrennyn, and Rhythm.

Congratulations to Zane (Rm 5) for winning the grocery voucher for Term 1 kindly donated by Journey and Co.

At Vardon School, we believe regular attendance is vital for student achievement and well-being. We have introduced the STAR (Stepped Attendance Response) plan to ensure all students are supported to attend school daily.

How the STAR System Works:

• Regular (90%+): Fewer than 5 days absent per term. This is where we celebrate positive habits!

  Irregular (80–90%): 5 to 9.5 days absent. We’ll check in with a quick call or email to offer support.

• Moderate (70–80%): 10 to 14.5 days absent. We’ll meet to identify barriers like transport or health.

• Chronic (Below 70%): 15+ days absent. This involves intensive multi-agency support to get things back on track.

Whānau Checklist:

• Notify Us: Please inform the school of any absence before 9:00 AM via HERO, phone, or email.

• Check HERO: You can review your child’s attendance intervention and data daily through the HERO app.

• Communicate: If there are barriers stopping your child from coming to school, share them with us honestly so we can find a solution together.

It is a requirement for all students to be in the correct school uniform. Many whānau took the opportunity to try on and purchase uniforms at our recent fitting session. If you have not yet purchased your child’s uniform, please do so as soon as possible. It is important that all students are in the correct uniform each day.

Below is an example of the letter that will be sent home.

We are writing to inform you about a uniform item that requires attention to ensure it meets our school's uniform policy. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or encounter any challenges. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

Incorrect compulsory uniform item

▢ Polo Shirt ▢ Fleece Jumper ▢ Skorts ▢ Shorts ▢ Pants ▢ Hat ▢ Shoes

Incorrect optional items

▢ Black Thermals/Skivvy ▢ Black Leggings ▢ Black Socks

Other

▢ Make up ▢ Long earrings or hoops

Implementation:

• Global Velocity is our uniform provider.

• Purchases can be made online at https://globalvelocity.co.nz/school-uniform-portal/.

• Uniform orders are delivered to Vardon School twice weekly.

Compulsory Vardon School Uniform items include:

Tops

• Polo Shirt - Youth sizes 4-14, $36.00, Adult sizing S-3XL, $40.00

• Fleece Jumper - Youth sizes 4-14, $43.00, Adult sizing S-3XL, $47.00

Bottoms

• Skorts - Youth sizes 4-14, $39.00 Adult sizes S-3XL, $43.00 or

• Shorts - Youth sizes 4-14, $39.00, Adult sizes, $43.00 or

• Pants - Youth sizes 4-14, $43.00, Adult sizing S-3XL, $47.00

• Hat - $12

Other uniform items include:

• All other uniform items must be black.

• Shoes - Predominantly plain black shoes (predominantly implies 90% black)

• Socks - Black, any length.

Optional items worn under the school uniform must be black.

• Thermals/Skivvy - Black, to be worn under polo shirt

• Leggings - Black, to be worn under skorts or pants

Additional Notes:

• Unisex: Our uniform is unisex, allowing families to pass down uniforms or purchase them secondhand in the future. Please clearly label the inside of each piece of your child's uniform.

• Spare clothing: Students can carry non-uniform spare clothes in their bags if needed during the day. We prefer these items to match our uniform if possible.

• Hats: Uniform hats can be purchased at the office for $12. As a Sunsafe School, all students must wear a school hat during Terms 1 and 4.

• Jewellery: Only stud earrings are allowed. No long earrings or hoops as these can catch on playground equipment and cause injuries.

• Culturally/religiously significant items: (e.g., Pounamu/Greenstone necklace) may be worn underneath the uniform.

• Makeup: No makeup is to be worn at school.

At Vardon School, we are fortunate to have a wide range of resources and play equipment to keep our students entertained during break times, including bikes, the pool, sandpits, playgrounds, and more.

As a result, students do not need to bring toys, sports equipment, or personal belongings to school. Last year, we experienced a number of issues with lost or misplaced items, which often took time away from student learning. To prevent this, we ask that students leave personal belongings at home this year.

A gentle reminder for all students to show respect while waiting for the school gates to open at 8:30 am. Whanau, please be mindful of safety when parking and following school procedures. The safety of our tamariki is our top priority.

For those students biking or scootering to school, please make sure to walk your bikes and scooters through the school grounds. It is also important to put bikes and scooters at the designated bike racks each day and that they are correctly locked.

• Justin Oliver (Presiding Member)
  
• Shakeeb Kalaam (Principal)
• Sonya Woolf (Staff Rep)
• Marie McIntyre
• Clint Paterson
• Kerry Davis
• Grant Nolan

• The school gates open at 8:30 am.
• Please ensure your child arrives from 8:30 am onwards and not earlier.
• Please use the Pedestrian and Back Gate to drop off and pick up students.
• The main gate is open from 9 - 3 pm. We will lock the main gate at 3 pm so that all students and whanau use the pedestrian gate and back gate to exit the school.

Please ensure your child arrives from 8:30 am onwards and not earlier.

We do not want to see a large group standing outside the gate at 8:15 am as they are unsupervised and still in your care. If you need supervision before school, SKIDS are running a before-school care programme on-site.

We expect all students to go home after school unless they are supervised by an adult. There have been occasions where students have gone home with their friends and we have had worried parents looking for them. Please ensure your children know and understand how they are getting home each day. If plans change during the day, please contact the office before 2:30 pm and we will pass the message on to your child.

We have been having an ongoing issue with students dropping plastic everywhere around the school, plastic blowing out of our rubbish bins, and our wheelie bins filling up with plastic. Vardon School has excellent paper and composting options, but unfortunately, plastic recycling trucks don't come to schools. If food is wrapped in soft plastic such as chip packets, plastic wrap, etc., we encourage students to take these home in their lunch boxes. Children can still put certain types of plastic in the bin, such as yoghurt pots, because we don't want their lunch boxes smeared with yoghurt. We encourage students and parents to try some wrap-free options such as reusable containers or paper wrap in the lunches. Thank you for your support.

A friendly reminder, please contact the school if your child is going to be absent.

Phone - 07 849 2451

Phone / Text - 027 749 0035

Email office@vardon.school.nz.

Hero -submit any absences through Hero daily

On some days, Katie has to make 50 phone calls to locate students. We take this job seriously, as we never want to be in a situation where a child has gone missing between home and school. Please let us know as soon as possible.

Toward the end of last year, a number of students arrived after the 9 am bell. At times, whanau were unaware that their child had arrived at school late. This year, we expect whanau to sign children in at the office if arriving at school after 9 am.

Last year, we noticed that our attendance rates had decreased considerably. As we are at the beginning of a new year, we must focus on setting good routines, which include coming to school daily and on time. Continuous absence can quickly add up and impacts a child's learning and ability to maintain friendships. If your child is well, please send them to school daily. If you are experiencing challenges, please get in touch with the school for support.

Yellow Card - students arriving after the 9 am bell need to be signed in by their whanau. They will be given a Yellow card to hand to their classroom teacher. This informs the teacher that the child has been to the office.

Green Card - All whanau signing out their child before 3 pm need to do so at the office. You will be given a Green Card if you are authorised to the child which must be handed to the classroom teacher. This informs them that the child has been properly signed out.