2026 Newsletter - Week 11, Term 2 | Smore Newsletters for Education

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Kia ora koutou,

The first half of the year done and dusted!

Many thanks to everyone in the GMS community for all the support shown to our school. It was so valuable to have the parent interviews earlier this week and for the teachers to have the opportunity to discuss each child's progress.

It was also so neat to see so many supporting our Matariki celebrations last week. What a crowd turned out—despite the weather! An amazing community gathering of families, students, and staff alongside the PTA made it a magical night.

And to further be in the spirit of Matariki see below an amazing photo taken by Mrs. Smith on Tuesday morning with the full moon under our waharoa!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday ahead that is safe and relaxing when you get the opportunity.

Ngā mihi

Mark Johnson

Principal/Tumuaki

WELCOME TO GREENMEADOWS SCHOOL

We have had the following new entrant students start with us since the last newsletter:

Ray Sadlier, Walter Benson and Naira Sharma.

A warm welcome to all three of you!

Our school roll is currently 484.

FAREWELL TO MRS DE LANGE

Today marks the final day of Mrs. de Lange teaching at our school. Ali started as an assistant principal back in 2014 and has seen hundreds of children move through school since that time. Previous to this, Ali taught for many years at Puketapu and Mayfair schools. And even earlier than that (don't ask when!), she taught in Central Hawkes Bay at Springhill (now closed) and Terrace schools. This has been a wonderful career in education.

Ali has been such a highly respected educator - one who models a constant love of learning. She is an expert in literacy teaching , as well as recognised as a leading practitioner in maths. Another legacy is that Ali led the introduction of play-based learning into the junior syndicate of Greenmeadows School. Children love 'investigation time' and learn so much from this experience. She is always looking to grow and develop her knowledge and skills, always being prepared to look at new techniques and ways to help children learn.

The Kōwhai classes gave her a wonderful send off at syndicate sharing yesterday, when she was the 'focus child' just this once! Ali will be missed at our school. For many years she served on the PTA and has been a real advocate for building positive links between the school and our whole community.

We wish all the best for her and Dave for what lies ahead. Many, many thanks for all you have given as a teacher, friend and colleague to so many Ali.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday 20th July - Term 3 starts

Friday 24 July - Mihi Whakatau for new students 9.10am

Friday 31st July - Teacher Only Day

Tuesday 27th October - Teacher Only Day

ENROLMENTS FOR 2026 & 2027

If you have a child who is going to turn five at any stage this year or next year, and they are going to attend Greenmeadows School, please let us know as soon as possible.

This also applies to any relatives, neighbours or friends you may have who live in our zone and wish for their children to come to our wonderful school.

Even if you think we may already know, there is no harm in telling us (again).

You can either phone the school or email Sara at saraa@gms.school.nz

Many thanks for your help.

A former student of GMS has offered to take a dance class for five weeks after school for the first part of next term. Amelia Chong will work with a dozen dedicated dancers who can committ to all six sessions. If your child is interested please complete this form:

https://forms.gle/rr6vTMA3fvjtwYky8

We will select the names from those interested and notify who is accepted in Week 1. No cost at all. Thanks, Amelia!!

HELL PIZZA READING CHALLENGE

Once again we are running the Hell Pizza Challenge. This is open to all students in the school. Collect a sheet from the library, read 7 books from school, home, or a library, fill it in, and return it to the library. A voucher will be given for a free 333 kids' pizza from Hell Pizza. There is no limit on how many wheels a student can earn. Vouchers expire 31st January 2027.

COFFEE FUNDRAISER - GMS BRAND!!! 'FUNDRAISE OVER COFFEE'

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.