Newsletter Issue 1

Principal Update

Kia ora, Nameste, Talofa, Konnichiwa, Guten Tag, Gidday, Vannakkam, ni Hao, Kia orana, Hola, Salam, Sa wat deekha, Dia Dhuit, Goeie Dag, Bonjour, Καλημέρα, Mālō e lelei, Greetings everyone

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope the break provided your family with plenty of rest and a chance to recharge.

As we kick off the new term, I am incredibly excited to officially introduce myself as your new Principal. My name is Rachel Johnston, and I want to begin by sharing a huge thank you to the school for the amazing Pōwhiri. It was a truly special experience that made me feel deeply welcomed and at home from the very beginning.

I have spent my first week starting to get to know our dedicated staff, but the real highlight has been meeting our students. The tamariki here have been absolutely amazing; they are so welcoming and have such a happy, positive energy that it has made my transition into the school a joy. Seeing how settled and enthusiastic they are to be back in the classroom says so much about the heart of this community.

While Term 1 is often about finding our feet, Term 2 is where the real momentum builds. I am eager to spend these coming weeks becoming a familiar face around the school and supporting the fantastic learning and growth taking place every day.

There is a busy and exciting term ahead, and I am honored to be embarking on this journey with you all. Please do stop and say hello if you see me on the gates or around the school—I look forward to meeting you soon!

Ngā mihi nui

Rachel

A reminder that our fortnightly newsletters can also be found on our Bellevue Website - scroll down to view 'previous Bellevue Newsletters' - and for more timely updates, you could follow our closed group Bellevue Facebook Page, if you are not already.

To assist our families with locating our Attendance Procedures, please note that the below link now takes you to a 'quick link' on our website to the Attendance Procedures in PDF form.

Reporting an absence

Please do always contact the office (office@bellevue-newlands.school.nz), or call and leave a message for absences. Do not reply to this newsletter as your message may not be seen.

Welcome

Haere mai ki te kura o Bellevue. Welcome to the following students and their whānau. It is great to have you in our Bellevue Learning Community.

Mānuka - Harry, Kenzie

Nikau - Rhythm

Thank You

Thank you to all of the adults who supported the Girl’s Futsal Festival and Northern Zone Football Tournaments last term!

Sports

Biannual Health and PE Survey 2026

At Bellevue School, we strive to create a Health and Physical Education programme that truly empowers our tamariki to lead active, healthy lives. To ensure our curriculum reflects the values of our community, we warmly invite our parents, whānau, and caregivers to participate in our Biannual Health and PE Survey.

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us grow. The survey is quick and easy, taking approximately 5 minutes to complete.

To say thank you for your time, all participating families can opt to enter a draw for a $50 grocery voucher.

The Survey can be found here

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to the qualifiers for Northern Zone Athletics and Northern Zone Cross Country (names are below). Notices will be posted on Seesaw closer to the event, which is in Term 4.

Staying Safe Online

Talking to tamariki about online safety

Regular conversations at home help to minimise the harm if

things go wrong online. Research shows that parents are key to

the success of children and young people becoming safe,

confident and capable in their use of use digital technology. Get

the kōrero going with these online safety conversation starters

from Netsafe: How To Talk To Your Whānau About Online Safety | Netsafe

Need advice about safer internet use? Contact the Netsafe

helpline for free confidential advice: 0508638723

We use Dojo Points at Bellevue School to acknowledge students demonstrating our school values.

We have currently earned 3869 Dojo Points.

Life Flight

During the break Beverley and Megan were lucky enough to be invited to the Life Flight base in Rongotai. We were shown around the premises and saw an air ambulance preparing to take a passenger and a helicopter getting a routine maintenance check.

The people at Life Flight shared the wonderful work they do, helping over 1,844 people last year alone to receive time-critical medical care, 1:5 of those being children.

This trip is all part of their ‘Bee in the City’ programme, aimed at bringing wonderful art to Wellington City while raising money for this important charity.

There is more to come on the art, but there is a real ‘buzz’ in the air about our upcoming work to support this wonderful charity. We can’t wait to ‘bee’ involved in such a meaningful cause.

Scholastic Book Club booklets will be sent home this week - orders are due by Thursday 14 May.

More than a century of stories, one beautiful keepsake.

After months of dedicated research and writing by Newlands Primary School Principal, Shirley Porteous, The History of Newlands Primary School: He tangata, he tangata, he tangata! (1906–2026) is officially ready for release.

Secure Your Piece of Newlands History

Pricing: $30 single copy | $50 for two (perfect for gifting) | $25 per copy for two or more

Join us for the Official Book Launch

We would love to celebrate this milestone with you in person at our upcoming fundraiser evening. This is an adults-only occasion and a wonderful chance to reconnect with the school's heritage.

● When: Wednesday, 06 May, from 6pm, official launch starts at 6:30pm

● Where: Newlands Primary School Hall

● The Evening: Explore's Newlands Primary school history archives, enjoy canapés and light refreshments (non alcoholic and alcoholic choices available) and hear Shirley share insights and highlights from writing our 120-year history. She will be available to sign pre-purchased copies of the book.

● Tickets: $20 per person (limited tickets available)

How to Purchase & Register

Secure your event tickets and books in one place. Please click the link below to register for the event and/or pre-order your copies:

Book Launch Registration & Book Order Form Here

Payment Options:

● Internet Banking: Newlands School Board | 12-3223-0194993-00 (Reference: name/book)

● In Person: EFTPOS or Cash at the school office.

Note: Pre-purchased books will be available for collection at the Book Launch Event and then from the NPS office from 07 May.

Bellevue School - School Docs Policies & Procedures

Username bellevue-newlands, password 'grow'

Sports Notices - Website

Bellevue Writer's Corner

NOW UPDATED!!
This is our platform to publish great writing from students across the school.
Please pop onto our website here to view a collection of great writing from our students.