MARLBOROUGH PRIMARY NEWSLETTER
03 July 2026
Newsletter
Term 2 - 2026
Our Overarching Theme for the Year - Transformations
Learning Power: Curiosity
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.
I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.
Kia ora Marlborough Primary School whānau,
Our Highlights
Junky Monkeys on Seven Sharp
What a privilege it has been to have Seven Sharp visit us again.
North Shore Book Battle
Eight of our Year 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to compete in the North Shore Book Battle. They were required to read five different novels and read widely so that they could answer a series of multi choice questions.
Recycling show
Who knew saving the planet could be this loud and lively?
Making us proud
Phoebe's Skates, Sticks, and Success
~ Mariette Gouvea
Samuel Henstock - Rata Cub Award
Samuel graduated from Cubs last night before going up to Scouts next term.
He was awarded a certificate: The Rātā Cub Award is the highest Capstone Award a Cub can earn in the Scouts Aotearoa (New Zealand) program.
To achieve it, a Cub must earn their Gold Cub Award, complete 10 Adventure Skills progressions, finish four Better World projects, undertake a 4-hour Adventurous Journey, and complete 15 Community Engagement hours.
Well done Samuel!!
Principal's Office
Some of our students have earned bragging rights, visiting the principal's office with good work.
Matariki Breakfast: A Beautiful Morning of Whanau and Community
What a spectacular morning! Our annual Matariki Breakfast was once again a beautiful reflection of our community’s spirit. It was incredibly heartening to see so many of our whānau coming together, sharing a delicious meal, and connecting as we welcome the Māori New Year.
A massive, heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible MPS staff. From the early morning prep to the smooth coordination of the event, your hard work behind the scenes created a wonderful, welcoming space for everyone. Thank you for treating our community to such a special morning!
Mānawatia a Matariki—wishing you all a season of reflection, celebration, and new beginnings with those you love.
Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
Every Friday this term, Year 5 and 6 children held a sausage sizzle as a fundraise towards their end of year camp. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. We are planning to possibly continue this during Term 3!
ESOL
This term, our learners continued to develop their confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through a variety of engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
We began by sharing holiday experiences, encouraging learners to ask and answer questions while strengthening their oral language skills. We played phonics games to reinforce key literacy concepts in a fun and supportive way.
Our science activities provided opportunities for language development. Through our volcano and crystal-growing experiments, students explored scientific concepts while building a range of descriptive vocabulary. Learners worked collaboratively, sharing ideas, and confidently discussing their observations.
Pink Shirt Day encouraged thoughtful conversations about kindness, empathy, and inclusion, while our salt dough pounamu activity introduced learners to the cultural significance of pounamu within Maori culture.
Our food science unit was a highlight of the term. Senior learners discovered how to transform cream into butter in a jar through teamwork and observation before writing their own procedural texts explaining the process. To top it off, we used our freshly made butter and buttermilk to create delicious crepes that were officially Mrs. Watton-approved! Our Junior learners also practised listening skills and positional language while spreading the seniors’ homemade butter on bread while discussing their favourite breakfast food.
We finished the term by learning about Matariki, reflecting on gratitude, celebrating achievements, and setting goals for the year ahead.
Overall, our multi language learners have shown wonderful growth in their confidence to communicate, collaborate, and use new vocabulary. We look forward to another term of fun and engaging learning experiences that will continue to provide meaningful opportunities for students to grow their English language skills, build confidence, and develop a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures around them.
~ Whaea Shar & Whaea BellaArt Specialist Classes
Specialist Art Classes
In the 2nd half of the term classes have continued to enjoy exploring a range of projects in our specialist art classes whilst their classroom teachers complete assessments, planning and reporting.
Year 1 have completed beautiful cardboard rainbows, detailed swan plants with caterpillars and monarch butterflies and Matariki glittering stars.
Year 2-3 have finished their textured chameleons, crazy scientist portraits and clucky chickens.
Year 4-6 have worked hard on their observational insect drawings, gorgeous ceramic Matariki hearts and Matariki pou.
You'll notice a curiosity and science theme this term to match in-class learning!
~ Rosie Bohling
Sport
We took home two bronze medals at Miniball. Congrats Marlborough Bulls and Marlborough Lakers.
Marlborough Thunder got first place in their grade. Well done!!
Science Fair
This term the Learning Power was Curiosity with a focus on Science. The whole school was involved in making observations, being curious about the world around us and conducting a wide range of exciting experiments. All this amazing learning culminated in our Science Fair where we got to look at what everyone else had been doing. It was fantastic to see the variety of experiments and all the wonderful learning that had taken place!
Friends Of the School (FOS)
Two Discos. One Epic Night!
A special shoutout to all the wonderful parents who volunteered their time to help make the night such a success! A big thank you also to our amazing teachers for their support throughout the evening, especially our superstar DJs who kept everyone dancing all night!
And finally, a huge thank you to Adventure Alley and My Wonderland for donating entry passes to their fantastic indoor playgrounds as disco prizes, and to Dil's Funeral Services for printing our spending cards. We're so grateful for their support — and we'd love it if you supported them too.
Thank you for joining us at our 2026 School Disco Fundraiser!
Curriculum Update
You will have been hearing a lot about the new curriculum and changes to reporting. We are no longer using Well Below, Below, At or Above and will instead be using the Progress Descriptors Emerging, Developing, Consolidating, Proficient, Exceeding
The five Progress Descriptors are:
School Board Update
Strategic Plan
Click here to view our current Strategic Plan
A reminder to submit your feedback on our Strategic Plan.
Your voice is valuable in shaping the future for our tamariki.
https://forms.gle/6rURvGWVcMS5WTbk6
Ngā mihi nui,
Marlborough Primary School Board
Attendance Management Procedures
Whānau Responsibilities:
Whānau have legal obligations to ensure their tamariki attend school (Education and Training Act, s244). We expect whānau to:
- notify the kura office directly as soon as possible if their child is going to be late or absent via provided channels on Skoolloop, the school website or email: office@marlboroughprimary.school.nz
- Arrange appointments or trips outside of kura hours or during school holidays where possible
- Work with us (kura) to manage attendance concerns
Absentee notices are not to be send to the teacher or via Seesaw.
For more details please visit:
Assessment Update
SMART (Student Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Tool)
Phonics Checks at 20 and 40 weeks of schooling
Phonics is the relationship between letters and sounds.
Children learn how to:
Recognise the sounds letters show
Recognise combinations of letters that show one sound (eg. ch)
Blend these sounds together to make words
Phonics is an essential part of learning to read. Children use it to work out new words they don’t know how to read yet.
Learning to blend sounds helps beginner readers read words accurately, setting them up for future reading success.
The phonics checks show the teacher:
Which letters and letter combinations the child can read
Whether the child can blend sounds correctly to make words
Here is the parent portal that the Ministry of Education has set up for you to access. There is a lot of information on here.
https://www.education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/schools-year-0-13/parent-portal
Here is a Maths practice site that is available as a trial for the next few months
https://www.education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/schools-year-0-13/parent-portal/maths-practice
Property Update
Amphitheatre
During the upcoming July school holidays, contractors will be on-site to pour the concrete.
While our tamariki takes a break, the contractors will be busy getting everything finished and polished.
This new space will be ready for action at the start of Term 3 for outdoor lunchtime gatherings, open-air performances, collaborative learning sessions, and a great new space to hang out with friends.
Skids Before School, After School and Holiday Programme now at Marlborough
sKids July Holiday HQ: World Cup bookings are now open 🏆
Keep the kids active, creative and entertained these July holidays with sKids Holiday HQ.
sKids Holiday HQ programme offers a fun-filled mix of creativity, movement, teamwork and discovery.
Children can look forward to activities such as Matariki-inspired crafts, sports-themed T-shirts, life-sized games, STEM challenges and exciting excursions.
Please note: activities and excursions vary by location.
Click here to view programme details, dates, locations and to book
Community Pantry!
Located just outside the school office, the pantry is a simple concept built on a powerful idea: caring for one another. It's here for anyone in our school community who needs it. Whether it’s a non-perishable food item, a hygiene product, or a pantry staple, please feel free to take what you need. We only ask that you be mindful of others and take only what is necessary for your family.
The pantry also works in reverse. For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a little extra, we invite you to add to the pantry. Especially extra fruit form your trees are greatly appreciated. Your donation of an extra fresh produce, a can of beans, a box of pasta, or a jar of jam can make a significant difference to another family.
Breakfast Club
Fuel Up with Breakfast Club !
The Breakfast Club is a welcoming space for ALL students to grab a "top-up" before the school day begins. Whether they missed breakfast at home or just need a little extra fuel, we're is ready to serve.
When: Every school morning
Time: 08:30 AM – 08:50 AM
Where: MPS Staffroom
We encourage you to remind your tamariki to drop by, say hello to our Breakfast Team, and start their day on a high note.
Lunches
A reminder to parents that we have a number of different companies that supply lunches at school, particularly on Thursdays. We love to support our community and your patronage is appreciated.
Sushi Day - Sushi
· To order weekly sushi lunch, please visit www.sushiday.co.nz and if you are a new parent, you can go to the link www.sushiday.co.nz/sushi-login to register under Marlborough Primary School.
· Don’t forget – Order cut off time is 9pm (Wednesday) for THURSDAY order delivery.
· Any question, please contact Dan on order@sushiday.co.nz or 021 339 700.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls only.
Summer rolls can be prepared in a packet of 2 pcs for $6. The ingredients are as follow.
- Rice Paper
- Mixed green salad including cabbage
- Carrots
- Capsicum
- Cucumber
- Chicken Katsu (Crumbed Chicken)
- Honey Mustard and Sweet Chili
Please call 09-442 2040 to place your order.
Online Subway orders
Go-Deli school lunch
Communication
Skool Loop and Facebook Apps
Most of the communication going out goes through our Skool Loop and Facebook apps. Please make sure to join these.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marlborough-Primary-School-112129594831867
Stationery
How to Order Your Child's Stationery Pack
Getting your child's stationery is as simple as following these four steps:
1. Visit: Go directly to https://schoolpacks.co.nz/
2. Select & Review: Select the school "Marlborough School" and enter your child(ren)'s year level to view the required list.
3. Order: With one click, add the complete order to your cart and proceed to checkout and payment.
4. Delivery: Your child's stationery pack will be delivered directly to your door.
Important Note on Supplies
We have gone with ordering this way to make the process easier for caregivers and to ensure consistency and durability of the type of books across all year levels.
You will notice on the stationery list that there are notes under some books. These books are only available on this website and have been chosen for their specific layout.
Some stationery items such as pencil sharpeners and rulers can be reused if they’re still in good condition, there’s no need to buy new ones.
A Friendly Reminder
Please remember to clearly mark all of your child's stationery before it is sent to school.
Enrolment Applications
A reminder to parents that we are open for in zone enrolment applications for Term 1 to 4 of 2026. If you have a child that is due to start school between now and November 2026, please complete your enrolment forms so we're able to plan appropriately.
Enrolment can be done online (the link is on our website) or on paper, with application packs available from the office.
Out of zone enrolments:
Term 4 2026
Deadline for receipts of application - Monday 31 August 2026 at 15:00
Term 1 2027
Deadline for receipts of application - Monday 16 November 2026 at 15:00
Term 2 2027
Deadline for receipts of application - Monday 15 March 2027 at 15:00
Term 3 2027
Deadline for receipts of application - Monday 07 June 2027 at 15:00
Please contact the office if you have any queries regarding enrolment - office@marlboroughprimary.school.nz
Dates to Remember
2026
Term 3
20 July - 25 September
22 July - Yr.1 Trip Kiwi Valley Farm
23 July - Board Meeting 3:30pm
27 to 31 July - Book Fair
29 July - Goal Setting
30 July - Goal Setting
31 July - Book Fair Parade
18 August - Yr.6 GIS Transition Day
20 August - Board Meeting 3:30pm
21 August - SCHOOL CLOSED
27 August - Cluster Cross Country
3 September - Rippa Rugby
17 September - Board Meeting 3:30pm
25 September - Market Day
Term 4
12 October - 18 December
15 October - Board Meeting 3:30pm
23 October - SCHOOL CLOSED
26 October - Labour Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
6 November - Gumboot Day
9 November - School Photo Day
12 November - Board Meeting 3:30pm
20 November - SCHOOL CLOSED
7 to 9 December - Yr. 5/6 Camp
17 December - Board Meeting 3:30p,
18 December - SCHOOL CLOSED
Quick Notes
Clean up your dog's poop:
We love seeing our community’s dogs during drop-off and pick-up! However, we have recently had incidents where students have accidentally stepped in dog mess and tracked it into the classrooms.
If you bring your dog onto school grounds, please remember, It is your responsibility to pick up after your pet immediately and to ensure you have waste bags with you at all times.
School Hours and Late Pick-Ups:
Our school hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please note that there is no supervision available for children outside of these times. If you are late to pick up your child after 3:00 PM, they will be taken to KidsKlub aftercare, and you will be billed accordingly for the service.
Gate Closures:
The gates to Archers Road and Chartwell Road will be locked promptly at 3:10 PM. If you anticipate arriving late for pick-up or know you will be on school grounds after this time, please park near the Wykeham Place gate for easier access.
"Pack In, Pack Out" Policy:
We kindly remind all caregivers that children's rubbish must be taken home in their lunch boxes. We do not have facilities for students to dispose of their waste at school. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean and sustainable environment.
A clean change of clothes:
From time to time ‘accidents’ may happen or clothing gets wet/muddied. For this reason, it is important that ALL STUDENTS have an extra set of clothing in their bag at all times. Non-uniform items of clothing are acceptable.
Our Community
July School Holiday Highlights - Minions 3 – More laughs, more chaos, and more Minion madness. Toy Story 5 – Woody, Buzz, and friends return for another unforgettable adventure. Moana (Live Action) – Experience the beloved Disney story brought to life in a spectacular new way. Supergirl – An inspiring superhero adventure packed with action and heart.
Book now via the webpage: www.takapunamovies.co.nz
Special Package for Children (under 13). Just $10 Movie Tickets, or $20 with each guest receiving: Movie Ticket, Fresh Popcorn, and Drink. Before 5pm weekdays - Gold Card is just $10, we can add a coffee and biscuit for $5 or a food item from the cafe.
Takapuna Beachside Cinema is a safe, supervised environment. Students are with friends, Dads can look after groups of children, and it's a great catch up for mums in the cafe while the children watch a movie.
Stay safe and be kind.
🌿 Your MPS Team 🌿
