Wednesday, 4th December 2024

Kia ora koutou,

The final countdown is on – just seven school days to go! What an action-packed time it will be. 2024 has been an incredible year, full of achievements and positive milestones for our students and staff, both individually and as a community.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in these final days. Detailed information about each event can be found
in this newsletter:

This Friday – Book Character Dress-Up Day in celebration of Kerry Scott, who is retiring after 23 years at Te Kōwhai School.
This Friday – Meet the Teacher Afternoon (last block), where students spend time with their 2025 teachers. Students leaving the school will gather in the pavilion.
Tuesday – Loved Ones Afternoon and the Twilight Fiesta.
Wednesday – Awards Celebrations throughout the morning.
Wednesday Evening – Year 8 Dinner.
Friday, 13th December – Last Day Fun Day (school closes at 12:50 pm).

Acknowledging Our Road Patrol Team:

A huge thank you to our Road Patrol students, who have assisted with over 200 end-of-day crossings this year! This role comes with challenges due to the busy road and multiple entry and exit points, and their efforts have been greatly appreciated. Thank you also to families for encouraging safe use of the crossing as you use it. To recognise our 2024 Road Patrol team's dedication, these students will enjoy a well-deserved fun day at Waterworld this Friday.

Farewell to Our Year 8 Students:

As the year draws to a close, we say goodbye to our Year 8 students. We wish them all the best as they move on to their various high schools. Included in this newsletter are photos of some of our Year 8 leavers, reflecting on their first days at Te Kowhai School.

Thank you for your tolerance:
Over the first part of this week we have been plagued with Internet connection issues which has impacted our phone and email communication. The technicians have been able to resolve the issue this afternoon - we are now on fibre and can enjoy seamless connectivity now. Thank you so much for your patience and tolerance through this process.

Thank you to our staff:

Finally, a massive thank you to our incredible teaching and support staff. It’s rare to find a team where every member is fully committed to new learning and initiatives, but at Te Kowhai School, we’re proud to say we have just that. Your dedication, collaboration, and unwavering passion for the work you do and the care you show for our students is truly inspiring.

Ngā mihi nui,
Juliet Dickinson
Principal

Farewell to three valued members of our team:

At the end of this term, we say goodbye to three incredible members of our kura who have made a lasting impact during their time at Te Kōwhai School.

Kerry Scott: Librarian and Staff Member for 23 Years

Kerry will be retiring next Friday after an amazing 23 years of service. She began her journey with us as a Learning Assistant before transitioning into the role of Librarian, where she has been the heart of our library for the past two decades. Kerry's dedication, warmth, and love for books have inspired countless young readers and staff alike. We thank her for her commitment and passion and wish her all the best as she embarks on a well-earned retirement.

Bevin Knight: Caretaker Extraordinaire

Bevin and his family are sadly jumping the ditch to Australia in 10 days. He joined Te Kōwhai School in 2020 as a Learning Assistant, a role he held until the end of 2022. Earlier this year, he became our go-to problem solver, taking on the role of caretaker and tackling everything from repairs to maintenance with skill and good humor. Bevin’s can-do attitude and dedication will be greatly missed. He has continued to engage incredibly well with our students, and has often be seen playing a game with them at lunchtimes. We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on an exciting new chapter in Australia.

Tracey Anderson: Te Kākano Teacher

Tracey joined our team midway through the year and has quickly become a beloved member of our kura. With her fun and vibrant personality, she has formed wonderful connections with her students, who have loved getting to know her. Kind, caring, and with a fantastic sense of humor, Tracey has fitted in seamlessly with our team at Te Kōwhai School. We wish her all the best as she heads to her new school, where we know she will continue to shine.

Our heartfelt thanks to Kerry, Bevin, and Tracey for their invaluable contributions to our kura. You will forever remain part of the Te Kōwhai whānau!

Tuesday 10th December - 1:30 pm through to 6:00 pm
NB: slight change to timeframes than previously advertised

We’re Excited for This Upcoming Event!

This special day is all about celebrating our students' incredible talents

Afternoon Session (1:30 - 2:30 pm):

Grandparents and loved ones are invited to visit the Learning Communities to explore the fantastic learning our students have been working on in their 'Move and Groove' inquiries. During this time there will be some optional Folk Dancing on the field (2:00 pm) and optional Jump Jam in the pavilion (1:45).

Performances on the Back Field (2:30 - 3:00 pm):

At 2:30 pm, we’ll gather on the back field for a series of performances. Our Junior Kapa Haka group will open the event, followed by the Bin Bucket Band and Marimba group. Students will return to their classrooms before the 3:00 pm bell to meet their whānau or head home as usual. After this time, all students must be under the supervision of a parent or caregiver.

Twilight Fiesta (From 3:00 - 6:00 pm):

The fun continues into the evening with our Twilight Fiesta! Enjoy captivating performances from our talented music groups, delicious treats from a variety of food trucks, and exciting rides for everyone to enjoy. Please see the attached Performance Schedule if your child is performing.

Supporting a Great Cause:

Instead of an entry donation, we encourage you to donate to our chosen charity ‘Kids in Need.’ Either a cash donation or one of the items on their webpage. Please check the link. https://www.kidsinneed.co.nz/donate/

We will have the Christmas Tree set up at the entrance for you to place your donated item under. If you are wanting to donate prior to the Fiesta - we are collecting items at the office.

Food and Activities Onsite:

Te Kōwhai Kindergarten are again selling baking and sweets as one of their annual fundraisers.
Food trucks onsite: Sawadee Thai, Munoletto Coffee Cart, Lil Orbit Donuts, Mizzoni Pizza, and New Heights Catering (burgers, chips, etc.). Eftpos will be available.

The student council are face painting and selling drinks. The Fun Shed are providing entertainment – with their bouncy castle, jeep rides, the little fire truck and the chair ‘o’ plane. BYO picnic blanket so that you can relax and enjoy the afternoon.

If you are able to support with setting up for the day, please let Marieke Nation know. music@tekowhai.school.nz
All help appreciated.

We can’t wait to see you there for an afternoon and evening of celebration, fun, and giving back to our community!

Call for Te Kowhai residents to have their say on new recreational facility

Waikato District Council is putting out the call for residents of Te Kowhai and surrounding areas to have their say on the development of a new local recreational facility.

Residents are invited to join Council staff to ask questions and provide feedback at a drop-in-style event on Monday, 9th December at Te Kowhai Hall (612 Horotiu Road, Te Kowhai) from 4pm until 6pm on the development of 23.7 hectares of land at 757 Ngaaruawaahia Road.

Waikato District Council’s General Manager of Service Delivery, Megan May, says Te Kowhai is expected to reach 4,000 residents by 2070.

“We bought the land last year with the vision of developing the area into a multi-use community park with walking connections. As part of early engagement, we want to hear from the local community to really gauge their wants and needs for the area.”

With the opportunity to work together for the betterment of the Waikato district, Council staff will be on hand at the event to guide residents through the feedback process and answer questions.

“While we’re looking for ideas from the community, we will have a set budget so we want to understand the appetite for realistic development opportunities,” says Megan.

Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church says the event is a great opportunity for the community to come together to enhance Te Kowhai and surrounding villages.

“The event offers the chance for people who live in Te Kowhai and other local communities to join forces with Council and deliver a project they really want and need.

"I look forward to hearing the community’s views to help guide us to create an area that local rural communities can enjoy, especially for our children’s various sports activities."

Waikato District Council staff are looking forward to seeing Te Kowhai residents on Monday 9 December from 4pm – 6pm at Te Kowhai Hall (612 Horotiu Road, Te Kowhai) to hear their feedback.