Term 3, Week 2, 2025

Kia Ora Koutou

We welcomed back our students last week and had a wonderful first week of learning. We began the term with a whakatau for our new 5-year-old students starting school this term and our visiting International Students. A very special welcome to those families who are new to our school; we hope you enjoy your time at our kura (school).

Last week, we celebrated 202 students who attended school 100% last term. This means that they were at school every day school was open. Every day counts!!

Our International Students are settling well into classes across the school and are enjoying making new friends. They are growing in confidence to share their ideas with the class, and they have been excited to share about life in China.
Here is what some of our International Students are liking about their time here at Rototuna Primary School:
"I like playing games like Memory. I like playing with my friends."
"I’m happy at school, I like to play and draw."
"I like playing with friends and I like playing chess."
"I like math classes and playing basketball and tag."
"I like maths and football."
"I like to play manhunt and I like doing whatever the teachers ask."
"I like maths because it is good for my brain, I like playing manhunt."
"I like to play soccer and I like to do maths."

We are looking forward to the PTA Maths-a-thon and Disco this term. I know the students will enjoy participating, and the maths-a-thon will be a fantastic opportunity to improve basic facts recall. Keep an eye out for more details coming this week.

We are delighted to have our annual Talent Showcase again this term where students can share their Pūmanawa. Students have this week to get their entries in to Miss Edwards and Miss Jenkins. Performances will take place during lunchtimes during Week 5, 6, and 7.

The Year 4-6 students have begun practicing for the upcoming Fun Run. It's going to be an exciting event, and we can't wait to see everyone in their house colours, ready to show their team spirit. Remember to ensure that your child wears comfortable running shoes and brings a water bottle to stay hydrated.

We wish our Jump Jam team all the very best as they compete on Saturday.

Ngā mihi
Stacey

Thank you all for your ongoing support and positive contributions to the school. The Board of Trustees have been working really hard to make sure our students have the best environment to thrive in.

Technology

This year, we have already completed a significant technology upgrade, there are more computers and resources in the classrooms for the students to use.

Furniture
We have just started a furniture replacement within Year 2 classes. This has included all new working tables for the tamariki. The various combinations of tables allow for greater flexibility with classroom design and working spaces.

Playground

The Board of Trustees are excited to confirm that during the next school holidays we will be upgrading the Senior School playground . This will be a great place for them to enjoy and play. Over the last term to we worked with some of our year 6 students who engaged in designing and costing playground designs, these were presented to the board. Many of the great ideas have been included and supported bringing this project to life. Below are pictures of what our new playground will look like. A huge thank you to Neil Parkinson who is the BOT Property Manager, Neil has done a fantastic job of coordinating this and bringing our ideas to life.

Library
The Board of Trustees have also agreed that the much loved library would benefit from some additional work and have agreed to renovate this space, the team are currently seeking options to 'jazz' this up so there will be more details to follow once that is all agreed, however once again, this is a project that we can move at pace with to complete so the students can benefit. This is a valued area of our school that all the students use and everyone enjoy further once the renovations are complete.

Once again – thank you for all your ongoing support for the school. None of this would have been possible without a fantastic community behind us and it is great seeing the students enjoying coming to school and thriving in the learning environments.