Tēnā koutou e te iwi and a warm welcome to Term 4

What an awesome start we've had to Term 4! We hope all our ākonga (students) and whānau (families) had a refreshing break and are feeling energised for the final, exciting term of the year. This term is traditionally one of the busiest, packed with great learning opportunities including camps, summer sports, and end-of-year celebrations.

 

A Special Welcome to Our New Whānau

We extend a warm Arataki Welcome to all the new ākonga and whānau who have joined our community this term. We are so pleased to have you join our school. Please know that the staff and students are here to support you in settling in. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or the school office. We look forward to getting to know you all.

 

Important Notice: School Closure on Thursday, October 23rd

NZEI, the union which represents many primary principals, teachers, and support staff, has given notice of potential strike action on Thursday, 23rd October.

If the strike goes ahead, we will have drastically reduced numbers of staff on site, with the vast majority of our staff striking on this day.

Our school will be closed for instruction, but we are able to provide limited supervision only for students who have no alternative care arrangements. If you require supervision for your child(ren) on 23rd October, please email me vhiini@arataki.school.nz by  Monday, 20th October.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we manage the situation. We appreciate that this does not give total clarity, as we have not yet received a formal notice of strike action; however, we wanted you to have as much time as possible to make alternative arrangements, if necessary. As soon as we have confirmed information (this could be as late as 3 days before the strike), we will let you know if the strike is going ahead.

 

 

Ngā mihi nui / Thank you

Thank you to an awesome group of whānau who have worked tirelessly to redevelop the front entrance of our school. The project is still in progress, but it already looks amazing. Thank you to Sherie Hinga for your project coordination & organisation, Sam Lovejoy from  Off the Wall Construction, Clinton Haste & Whānau for construction of the whare & seating, Nardia Hamilton for the planting plan & garden design and all our whānau who have popped in and helped along the way - planting, removing concrete, shovelling soil, painting and staining. It is much appreciated.

 

Mitey

This year we have partnered with Mitey (JK Foundation) with our leadership and teachers unpacking the program prior to implementation in 2026. 

Mitey's goal is to foster a positive environment where mental wellbeing is prioritized and children are empowered to thrive. Our ākonga (students) will learn some skills, knowledge and understanding of mental health and feel better equipped to face challenges. Every part of the Mitey journey brings together ākonga, kaiako (teachers), staff and the community around a common goal.

Next week we will have a Mitey practitioner with us working alongside our teachers running a session with our ākonga. We are thrilled about this learning opportunity!

Please email our deputy principal Whaea Becks if you would like any further information at rshepard@arataki.school.nz Please also check out this link to gain further information!

 

Staying Kind Online – A Note for Our Arataki Whānau

We’ve recently been made aware that a number of our tamariki are using group chat platforms, such as Snapchat, to connect with friends. While it's great to see our tamariki wanting to stay in touch, it’s important to remember that most of these apps are designed for users aged 13 and up – which means Arataki students are technically underage for these platforms.

We encourage whānau to have a conversation at home about the apps your children are using, and consider whether it might be time to disengage from platforms that aren't age-appropriate.

If your child is using any group messaging apps, here are some helpful reminders to support online kindness:

  • Use kind words – if you wouldn’t say it face to face, it’s best not to say it online.
  • Include others – group chats should feel friendly and safe for everyone involved.
  • Take a break – if a conversation starts to feel overwhelming or upsetting, it's okay to step away.

Thank you for continuing to work with us to guide our students toward safe, respectful, and age-appropriate digital behaviour.

 

Sports Teams

Term 4 is a busy term for Arataki School sports teams. We have Volleyball, Touch, Rippa Rugby & Basketball all happening this term. Sports teams require a lot of organisation and coordination. Unfortunately, this term, we have had children entered in teams, then withdrawn for a variety of reasons. Please be aware that a lot of time is spent putting teams together and entering students into the various sports competitions. When children are withdrawn it has a ripple effect, impacting the other tamariki (children) in the team and ultimately if the team can go ahead. Please ensure that when you register your child for a sport they are able to commit. 

 

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and partnership. It is a privilege to lead a school community filled with such dedicated kaiako, supportive whānau, and amazing ākonga. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your childs teacher or contact the office.

Kia pai to rā!

Ngā mihi nunui,

Vicki Hiini

Tumuaki / Principal

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Dates for the Diary

Click here for 2025 - 2026 Term Dates

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In this issue:

  • News and Events
  • ATK here Everyday
  • Arataki Friends of the School
  • Community Notices
  • After School Care/Programmes
  • Extra Curriculars at Arataki
  • Sponsors Wall

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NEWS AND EVENTS

 

 

Lost Property Relocation

We have a new space for our lost property at Arataki Kura and it is currently FULL of named and non-named school uniform.

Please check out our lost property e te whānau! This is now located outside of room 26. 

 

Enrolment Reminders

Please remember to enrol your preschoolers as early as you can. Especially those staring in Term 1 next year. This helps us to get prepared for their arrival.

To enrol you can click this link to the online application form or come into the office for an application pack.

For more information on enrolment check out our website www.arataki.school.nz

 

Pre Loved Uniform

 

The pre loved uniform rack is looking a little empty at the moment and we are getting a lot of whānau coming in to see what we have.  

If you have any items of uniform that you no longer need, especially polo shirts, please consider donating at the school office. Ngā mihi!

 

Rā Whakangahau

 

A heads up for the dates and times for our Kapa Haka rōpu perfoming at this years Rā Whakangahau.  See below

 

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ATK here Everyday

 

Hope everyone had a great break and used the time to recharge their battery for an amazing term ahead.

We had an amazing time celebrating our Term 3 ATK here Everyday 100% winners. The tamariki had a great day wearing their mufti, playing games and enjoying their juicies.

Thank you to Sports BOP for supporting our tamariki with fun games.

 

 

And a big congratulations to our five week winners:

For our 100%ers - Lola and Mia, and

our most improved - Amber-Rae and Rangiwaea.

We are so proud of your awesome efforts tamariki mā, ka rawe!

 

ATK. All Day, Every Day! - Attendance Booklet

 

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ARATAKI 

FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL

Kia ora e te whānau,

Our Arataki Friends of School page on the school website has been updated! You can now easily find all our latest events, fundraising updates, and ways to get involved in supporting our school community. Check it out here: www.arataki.school.nz/get-involved.

This year, our fundraising goal is focused on upgrading our play spaces. Thanks to your amazing support, we’ve already installed new monkey bars in the senior playground, and we’re currently working on upgrading the front gardens to create a more welcoming and fun environment for our tamariki. Make sure you come check  out the progress!

Ngā mihi nui,
The Arataki Friends of School Team

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

Welcoming our new coach Jamie Sutton - World Class Speed Competitor (skate & ice) & Coach!

Ever wanted to try something fun and active Teens & Adults? Come Speed Skating! 

Can be done on Quads and Inlines.

We are excited to continue speed skating alongside our club disciplines, with inter-club meets planned too!

Mondays 5-6pm at Revolution Skate Centre
- Term 4 classes start 6th October - 15th December (11 classes)
- Skate hire available
- Please arrive at 4:45 to prepare
- Remember water bottle, good socks, helmet and any other protective gear you wish to use

HELMET COMPULSORY so please bring your own.

All enquiries: TaurangaRollerSkating@gmail.com
and enrolments: https://forms.gle/b3RBSaH1mV882bCW8

FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Happ3aEzK/

 

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

 

Come to Arataki Park after school today for a Free Trial of the fun active Fun First Football Programme. Limited spaces available left for Term 4! Go to https://funfirstfootball.co.nz/ for more info or to Book in! 

 

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Play Time @ Arataki

 

 

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EXTRA CURRICULARS 

@ ARATAKI

 

Ukulele & Singing Lessons with WHERIKO 

Inspiring creativity, building confidence, and sparking a lifelong love of music in students. 

Based in Tauranga, I offer fun, engaging ukulele and singing lessons that help tamariki grow in confidence, develop musical skills, and express themselves in a positive, creative way. My lessons are tailored to suit all levels. I create a focused and fun environment where each child feels supported and excited to learn.  

Whether your tamaiti has dreams of the stage or just want to try something new, these lessons will:

• Build musical foundations in rhythm, pitch, and performance

• Encourage teamwork and listening skills

• Boost self-esteem and resilience through performance

• Give students opportunities to showcase their talents at school events

You may even spot me gigging around Tauranga.

I'm excited to add another creative outlet for kids at Arataki School. 

Wheriko

 

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SPONSORS WALL

 

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PRE LOVED UNIFORMS

 

Have your tamariki grown out of their uniforms? 

Please consider donating them back to the kura.  These uniform donations are:

  • sold to our whanau for donations of $5. The money raised is used for resources for our classrooms. 
  • used for our tamariki who may need them.

These donations are gratefully received at the school office.

We are especially in need of Polo Shirts please if you have any spare.

 

 

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Please remember to enrol your preschoolers as early as you can. This helps us to get prepared for their arrival.

To enrol you can click this link to the online application form or come into the office for an application pack.

For more information on enrolment check out our website www.arataki.school.nz