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Connect Communication

18 June 2025

Kia ora koutou,
Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to Katie Browning and the THT for their time and effort that was put into our school Matariki celebration on Friday.

We also want to thank Kennards Hire (free use of lighting equipment), New World Lincoln ($500 worth of food), Hammer Hardware Lincoln (10% off soil and seeds), Macrocarpa Supplies (firewood), Oana Jones (planetarium), Roger Fagg (telescopes), Trade Assist (BBQ trailer) and Debbie David, our wonderful Learning Assistant, who baked 508 cookies and ran Debbie's Bake House! Please check out our Facebook page for more great photos of the night.
Black & Red for the Crusaders
If you wish to show your support for the Crusaders heading into the final, wear a Crusaders top or red and black this Thursday!
This is not a mufti day: just a show of support. School uniform to be worn otherwise.

Teacher Only Day: Monday 23 June
A reminder that school is closed for instruction on Monday. Our teachers will be undertaking more professional development in the English and Maths curricula.

Report Drop-In Sessions
Early next week, your child's progress and achievement information will go live on HERO alongside a document to support your understanding of the new expectations. We welcome you to drop in to the staffroom on Wednesday, June 25th, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. or Thursday, June 26th, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. This is a chance to ask me (Emma) any questions regarding the new curriculum and how we are reporting currently. Following this, please raise any questions or concerns with your child's teacher upon the return to school in Term 3.

Thank you to our staff!
I want to thank our teaching staff for the immense work they have put into learning two new curriculum areas alongside changing guidance and teaching implications this year. We are so lucky to have such quality teachers at our kura. Our learning assistants are second-to-none! We are so grateful for their tireless efforts supporting your children's learning at ASP. I hope they all have a wonderful break away from schoolwork in the holidays.

Haere ra...
We farewelled Hannah Crowe, learning assistant, today, and will farewell Kerry Galloway, learning assistant, at the end of this term. Brooklyn Neame, Hikuwai 6 teacher, will leave us at the end of this term. Thank you, Hannah, Kerry, and Brooklyn, for your devotion to our tamariki during your time at Ararira Springs Primary.

I hope you all have a wonderful Matariki long weekend.
Mānawatia a Matariki (happy Matariki),

Emma

From the Office

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Illness Reminder
While regular attendance is important and we encourage students to be at school when they are well, please be mindful that we have had recent confirmed cases of Influenza A and B in our school community.

If your child is unwell, we ask that you keep them home to help prevent further spread. Please also note there is currently a shortage of relief teachers, and when staff are sick, we are often unable to find cover, resulting in classes needing to be split.

Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school community healthy.

Argyle Schoolwear Price Increase Reminder
Due to increased costs caused by the weaker New Zealand dollar, Argyle Schoolwear will be increasing prices by 2.5%. This change will affect Argyle online orders placed after 1 July 2025, with prices rounded to the nearest $0.50.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • 20 June - Matariki, school closed
  • 23 June - Teacher Only Day, school closed
  • 25 June - Family Time in Putahi | Library, 8.30-9am
  • 25 June - School Board Meeting, 6.30pm in Tahuna | Staffroom
  • 27 June - Hui (Teretere), 9.15am in the Hall
  • 27 June - Last day Term 2
  • 14 July - First day Term 3
  • 22 August - ASP Quiz Night

School Board

Next meeting 25 June, 6.30pm in Tahuna | Staffroom

Te Hapori Tautoko (THT)

Next meeting 30 July, 7-8pm in Tahuna | Staffroom (all welcome)
Ararira Springs Quiz Night 2025 - tickets on sale soon!

Our Battle of the Bands–themed Quiz Night rocked the house last year, raising an incredible $15,000 for our tamariki thanks to the amazing support of over 80 local businesses! Huge love to our Platinum Sponsors Lincoln Grove, Challenge Lincoln, Tekapo Springs, and NZME — and to everyone who donated, dressed up, and joined the fun. From fierce trivia battles (well done “The Wiggles”!) to high-energy auctions and epic costumes, it was a night to remember.

Get ready to do it all again!

This year’s Quiz Night is happening on Friday 22nd August with a Kiwiana theme — so dust off your jandals, grab a buzzy bee, and bring your best kiwi spirit for another unforgettable night of fun, laughs, and fundraising! It is time to gather your mates and make a team of up to 6 people, or think about nabbing an individual ticket at one of our Pick and Mix tables.

Ngā mihi nui – we can’t wait to see you there!
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Football and Hockey Competition
Thank you to the parents and staff who volunteered to be coaches and managers for the Football and Hockey Competition this term; unfortunately, it has now been postponed to next term. Please keep an eye on your emails for the updated times, venue and draws!

Canterbury Cross Country
Today, Charlie K, Vienna, Thomas H, Daelyn and Anna M participated in the Canterbury Cross Country competition. They had a great day, representing our school with pride. We are currently waiting for the results and will let you know as soon as we receive them!

What’s coming up?
Keep an eye out for new sports or events on our What’s coming up page on the sports website. Different sporting codes often send us information about their activities throughout the year.
Thank you to all the parents who have taken time out of their busy schedules to come and help manage, coach, support and chauffeur all our athletes this term. We cannot do it without you! We are looking forward to next term's sports events.

Have a warm and restful break.

Ngā mihi nui
Meeghan
meeghan.herbert@ararira.school.nz
B4082C36-90B5-4B88-97AE-2F3370CC016F_4_5005_c
The closing date for Issue 3 is 20 June 2025.
All orders will be delivered to school in batches and distributed to the classrooms as they arrive. Any orders marked as gifts, we will put to one side and contact you when they are ready to be collected.

For assistance at any stage please contact Scholastic directly on 0800 266 525 or email bookclub@scholastic.co.nz

Singing Stars Musical Theatre and Drama Classes

Please click here for Singing Stars NZ contact details.

Attendance at Ararira

The Importance of Attendance We all recognise that education is the pathway to the future. The key to educational success relies on being present at school. Consistent routines and practice are a big component of learning. Neurological pathways in our brains require repetitive exposure to strengthen and cement learning and develop mastery. We also create these neural pathways for resilience, …

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Attendance at Ararira

Ministry of Education Parent Portal

Ministry of Education Parent Portal
New Parent Portal Released The Ministry of Education has released a parent portal to help whānau partner with schools to support their child's education. From Minister Stanford: "Education is a partnership of what happens in the classroom and what happens at home. Parents, caregivers, and whānau play an important role in supporting their child’s learning and development. The new webspace …

Reporting Changes at Ararira

Reporting Changes at Ararira
2025 Reporting Update - What it means for your child As 2025 marks the transition to the refreshed English and Maths curricula, both Ararira Springs and the Ministry of Education (MOE) are closely monitoring student progress to ensure a smooth and effective change. Thanks to our ongoing professional development and early use of structured literacy and maths practices, we are …

Mihi Whakatau at Ararira

Mihi Whakatau at Ararira
At Ararira we hold mihi whakatau to welcome new staff and students at the beginning of each term. Our mihi whakatau are run according to the guidelines of Te Taumutu Rūnanga. These are outlined in this document, and adapted according to our needs, in collaboration with the Taumutu education team.  What is a Mihi Whakatau? - link to slideshow of …
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