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

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Kia ora koutou,

Autumn is in full swing and we all know this is upon us when our magnificent London plane tree starts dropping its thousands of leaves for the winter.

The school has started the second term off in a wonderful way with all classes settled and right into learning. Our first week went so well - the children were incredible for the two functions we had last Friday. Both the mihi whakatau and the ANZAC ceremony really showed so many positive aspects of GMS. The way the children participated so respectfully and in the context of the two different situations was wonderful to see. Our staff gave such amazing guidance and encouragement to your children and it all came together in both instances. All visitors to the school that day were so impressed as well.

Ngā mihi

Mark Johnson

Principal/Tumuaki

WELCOME TO GREENMEADOWS SCHOOL

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

Madeline Vincent-Hunt, Jack Ataklian, Himmat Natt, Mannat Natt, Austin Tillson, Ari Middleton, Luka Underhill, Yesha Caduhada, Kobe Karaitiana, Margaux King, Presley Churton, Fateh Khara, Saanvi Giri, Robert May, Amelia Hamilton & Carter Watson.

A very warm welcome to you all!

Our school roll is currently sitting at 470.

GMS WALKING BUS

You may have seen a happy group walking to school on a Thursday morning (but only Thursdays) ... the GMS 'Walking Bus'. Anyone is free to join us - next one will be on Thursday 14th May. We depart from Park Road at 8.05am.

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

The year has been one when we have had improving rates of children coming to school from last year. In great news for Term 1, 82% of our students were 'regular attenders.' This means 82% of our students were at school for more than nine days every fortnight ... that is a total of 380 children. Keep that great attitude towards getting our great school going!

The canteen voucher draw each Friday giving one lucky winner from the children who have been at school every day that week causes plenty of excitement - and plenty of questions, if we forget to announce it ...! Winner this week Luke Persson - who will be in Week 3???

GMS PTA NEWS

A meeting for the PTA was held earlier this week - it was great being able to welcome some new attendees too!

Two key dates were decided upon:

1. Matariki evening: Thursday 25th June

2. GMS PTA Colour Run - this returns on 25th September

Two great events to put on the calendar!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday 18th May - Swimming starts for Pohutukawa Syndicate

Thursday 28th May - Tough Guy & Gal

Thursday 18th June - GMS Swimming sports

Thursday 25th June - Matariki evening

JUNIOR TOUGH GUY & GAL 2026

Entries are now open for the Junior Tough Guy & Gal Challenge to be held at Clifton Station on Thursday 28th May. This is the biggest mud run series of it's kind in NZ, with a 1.5km course for Year 3-4's and a 3km course for Year 5-6's all filled with challenging obstacles, mud mud and more mud, tunnels, walls, walking, running, crawling and climbing This is a fantastic day out and always hugely popular at GMS. Full information and the direct link to register can be found on Hero and our school website. We hope to see a record number of GMS students once again participating

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Issue 3 is now open. Catalogues have been sent home. Here is the link if you missed yours.

https://www.scholastic.co.nz/media/9518/nzbc326_web.pdf

Orders close on Friday 15th May at 4pm. All orders must be through the LOOP app.

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.

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.

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.