2025 Newsletter - Week 7, Term 3 | Smore Newsletters for Education

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Tēnā koutou kātoa

Nau mai, haere mai

We are still reflecting on the incredible school production 'Cinderella and Rockerfella' that came together so perfectly last week. I cannot help but agree with so many parents and community members who have paid compliments. One could only be totally impressed by this professional looking and wonderful performance. It really was a great event that involved hundreds - staff and students: and as a school, is something to be incredibly proud of. Thanks to all concerned, especially Mrs Millner, Mrs Tonks and Mr Ball who were the main drivers of the 2025 production.

Last week the school board met for the August meeting. At the conclusion of the meetng our Board Chairperson Richard Pinto farewelled three highly valued members of our governing body who are standing down. They have all had a positive influence of the school. Cherize Enslin has made a significant impact over the past three years, especially with her knowledge of secondary schooling. Hannah Dudson has been on our board for five years and has been a committed and thoroughly supportive leader in our whānau space, as well as representing the entire school community . Finally, our previous board chair, Ryan Hambleton, was acknowledged for his nine years as a member of what was previous known as the Board of Trustees. During this time Greenmeadows School has seen some incredible changes and initiatives, many with Ryan's positive and totally nurturing guidance.

Richard paid a tribute to all three and thanked them for their contributions.

Ka kite anō,

Mark Johnson

Principal

WELCOME TO GREENMEADOWS SCHOOL

We have had six new students start with us since the last newsletter. We give a warm welcome to Asher Stevenson, Georgia Bambarawana, Harlem Meehan, Jack Neverman, Mila Smuts & Jack Towler-Symes

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

Our roll is currently sitting at 511.

BOT ELECTIONS - VOTING CLOSES 10TH SEPTEMBER

Voting papers were sent out last Monday 11th August. We have received nominations for six candidates with four positions available. You have until the 10th September to return your voting papers to the school office.

DAFFODIL DAY - FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

We are taking part in Daffodil day again this year. Come to school on Friday dressed in yellow with a gold coin, to support this special cause.

We raised $765 last year - lets see if we can beat it!

GREENMEADOWS SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY 2025

WOW! Didn't Mr Gibbs turn it on yesterday ... coordinating a great event and organising the beautiful day of weather. Our runners gave a great account of themselves and showed incredible perseverance pushing themselves in the various races. What a crowd of spectators as well! Thanks to everyone who turned out and came to support the children.

The first three in each of our races will receive a certificate at assembly this week. The top six runners in each of the Year 3 to 6 races qualify to be selected in the Napier primary schools championships on Tueday 9th September. I have included below the map of the interschool champs cross-country in case anyone wants to do some training! We will also try and fit in some training at school to prepare for this when we can.

Many many thanks to the members of the PTA who provided us with wonderful food and drink. Special thanks to Shelley Gilmartin from Property Brokers for sponsoring our sausage sizzle and providing the barbecue. No one went thirsty or hungry!

NZEI PAID UNION MEETINGS FOR TEACHERS & SUPPORT STAFF

We have staff attending the paid union meetings on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The paid union meetings are for union members only. We have shuffled the classes around so there will be no disruption to the school day.

FUND RAISING FOR THE YEAR 6 SCHOOL CAMP TO WELLINGTON

For the past sixteen years our Year 6 students have had a week long camp in Wellington during Term 4. We have used grant applications to help offset some of the costs associated with this undertaking, and this allows us to keep the camp fees relatively low for the scope of the activities we do. With pressures coming on pub charity types of funding there are worries that we might struggle to get the grants we have previously relied on. We have been declined for our last two applications, which is not what we are used to.

To use an opportunity to raise funds for the camp, we are going to run a food stall at the Napier schools cross-country event set for the morning of Tuesday 9 September. We are after people who might be able to assist with the stall. If at all possible, we would also love to get access to a chiller as well for drinks, sausages and other food stuffs we will sell. If you can help please let the office know, or any of the three Year 6 teachers. Many thanks - we want to offer an affordable camp experience for our senior students.

SENSORY ROOM

Greenmeadows School is wanting to create a sensory room for our students.

A sensory room is a calming, supportive space designed to help children safely regulate their emotions. It provides students with equipment and experiences that meet their individual sensory needs—calming lights, soft seating, withdrawal spaces, tactile resources, or movement equipment. These spaces are especially valuable for children who may feel overwhelmed in the classroom, as they offer a place to reset before they return to their classrooms ready to learn.

We would love your support in creating this space for our students. If you have any of these items around your house or garage, that are in good condition and are not currently being used, it would make a big difference in helping us bring this vision to life for our children.

· Soft furnishings: bean bags, floor cushions, soft rugs, weighted blankets, muscle mats

· Comfortable seating: hanging chair, bean bags, large cushions & bookshelves

· Lighting: lava lamps, bubble tubes

· Tactile items: fidget toys, stress balls, textured cushions

· Movement equipment: wobble cushions, balance boards

SOFT FURNISHINGS

LIGHTING

MOVEMENT EQUIPMENT

TERM 4 SPORTS NOTICES

Nicki Sunley, our simply wonderful sports coordinator, has collated the various options for sports for next term. These have been put into a newsletter that should be in the school bags today! Check them out ... and don't miss out on getting registrations done.

OSCAR STAFF VACANCY

The Greenmeadows School OSCAR Programme is looking for a friendly and positive

individual who has a passion for children to work in our After School and Holiday

Programmes. The After School position is for 10 - 13 hours per week with the Holiday

Programme requiring approximately 20 – 30 hours per week.

To apply, please email a cover letter and your CV to gmsoscarinc@gmail.com. For more info

please call 027 603 4568.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday 26 August - GMS Cross Country

Tuesday 9th September - Napier Interschool Cross Country

HELLS PIZZA READING CHALLENGE

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.

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.

UNISONS DIGITAL SAFE SPARKS PROGRAMME

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.