Kia ora Vogeltown whānau,
It’s hard to believe we’re already at the end of the term – it seems to have popped up from nowhere! It has been another busy term of new learning, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received along the way. So many people have contributed to the life of the school, each playing a valuable role in helping Vogeltown function smoothly and effectively.
A big thank you to our Home and School Committee for their generosity and support. This term they’ve contributed towards camp, team budgets, and library funds. They were also a major force behind the Whānau Fiesta – a fantastic evening that brought our school community together. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated group working to make a difference for all our tamariki.
To the many parents who’ve supported school events – like tryathlons, swimming sports, and the senior camp – thank you! Your involvement motivates the children and helps make these experiences both enjoyable and memorable.
A special shout-out to our amazing team of relief and release teachers (Jen Tooley, Rachel Keegan, Kym Jacobs, Linda Sleep, Jillian Sutton, Lisa Sawtell). These unsung heroes often fly under the radar but are vital to the daily running of our school. We appreciate the expertise they bring and the care they show for our children.
Thank you to those who’ve coached and managed sports teams – from summer soccer, touch rugby, and cricket this term, to the netball, hockey, and miniball/basketball coming up in Term 2.
This term, Katy McLean has been busy making improvements in the junior area, most notably by tidying up the fence along the junior driveway. It’s looking wonderful!
To our dedicated parent helpers on the pedestrian crossing – thank you for standing out there in all types of weather, managing the steady flow of traffic and people with care and patience.
Our Board of Trustees continues to do an excellent job, guiding our strategic direction and making sure key areas like finance, property, and policy remain aligned with our vision and values. We’re grateful for their commitment.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of the Vogeltown staff. We’re fortunate to have such a hardworking, caring, and committed team. I’ve been impressed with the way everyone has supported one another this term, often stepping beyond their usual roles to help where needed. A special thanks to Laura, Lee, and Rachel for their leadership as we continue to strengthen our focus on learning.
As we head into the break, I encourage you all to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy some family moments. Whether that means getting away, relaxing at home, or simply slowing down, I hope the holidays offer a chance to reset.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term – just a reminder that school starts back on Monday 28th April.
Kia pai tō koutou rā - have a nice day.
Kaahu took part in his first Jiu-Jitsu competition last weekend – and came away with an incredible result! He won a silver medal, a gold medal, and a trophy.
Kaahu even wrote a story about his experience:“I went to a competition. I won.”
He proudly shared his medals with Room 6 during news time, and we loved learning more about something he enjoys doing. Ka pai, Kaahu – we’re so proud of you!
Miss McLeod
If your child has an achievement you'd like to share, feel free to email a photo and a short description to your class teacher – we’d love to celebrate it with our school community!
In a world full of screens, schedules, and stimulation, boredom might seem like something to avoid. But actually, being bored can be a gift for children. It encourages creativity, builds independence, and helps kids learn more about themselves.
When children have unstructured time, they start to invent, imagine, self-manage, and problem-solve. Boredom teaches patience, sparks curiosity, and gives their brains a much-needed rest from constant activity. It’s often during these quiet moments that real learning and self-discovery happen.
So next time your child says, “I’m bored,” try not to rush in with a solution. Instead, give them space - you might be surprised by what they come up with!
Congratulations to all the tamariki who received a principal's award at today's whole school assembly:
Angus Webling, Vanna Erickson, Waiora Neho, Izzac Hayward-Rippey, Jack Rawson, Nellie Stone, Christopher Cockle, Henry Southgate, Macson Korff, Tayah McLeod, Keanu Cantlon, Macy Wall, Spencer Lochhead, Byron Hawkridge, Malachi Robinson, Chloe McClelland, Fraya Payne-Craigie, Luke Yukich, Chace Tiplady, Sophie Flitcroft, Vinny Bumbesevic, Tayah Davidson-Hermanns, Nyah Jones, James Smith, Carter Christiansen, Arata Takahashi, Zak Deacon, Marlee Shotter, Aria Allen, Brody Brien-Stokell, Myra Salle, Zayne Fabish. Ka mau te wehi!
In our senior area, we’ll be back into the interschool sports scene next term. This is a competitive sports scene and with that comes the need to select our most capable payers for each sport - rugby, netball, and football.
We realise that sometimes this can cause some children to feel upset but please understand that teachers in charge of sports find making selections tough going, and they do their very best to ensure that this is done in a sensitive way.
Interschool sports fixtures that have been confirmed for next term:
- Wednesday 7th May vs Frankley (home)
- Wednesday 14th May vs West End (home)
- Wednesday 4th June vs Woodleigh (away)
- Wednesday 18th June vs Welbourn (home)
- Wednesday 25th June vs Central (away)
The awesome team at GameChanger have Vogeltown School Hoodies available to order. You can try a sample on for size at their store, which is on the corner of Huatoki and Carrington Street. The link to order is below:
