Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

Another lovely couple of weeks, with our tamariki learning in and out of the classroom.  Our teina / juniors had a visit from Reuben The Road Safety Bear, teaching them all about safety on the roads. Mangatawa headed off to the Tauranga Art Gallery this week. It was a fantastic day of exploration and inspiration, allowing our tamariki to see the world through a creative lens. We might have some future Picassos in our midst!

We also had an amazing group of Year 5 and 6 tamariki represent Arataki at the Clusters Swimming Sports.  We are so proud of their efforts.  There's a bit more in the sports news.

What an amazing community we have, the donations for the Arataki Friends of the School(AFoS) Easter raffle have been super generous.  There will be some very lucky winners drawn on Monday, 30 March.  Be sure to get your tickets.

Along with the raffle AFoS are busy organising our Easter Disco.  Ngā mihi nui to our Friends of the School committee - He whetu koutou! / You are stars! 

💃 Get Your Dancing Shoes Ready!

The Easter Disco is happening next week Thursday, March 26. We can’t wait to see the students showing off their best moves and enjoying a night of music and fun with their friends.

  • When: Thursday, March 26
    • Junior (Y1-3) 1.30-2.30pm
    • Senior (Y4-6) 4.30-6pm
  • Where: School Hall

More info further down in this newsletter

 

 Term 2 Winter Sports: Register Now

Registrations are still open for our Winter Sports season! If your child is keen to get active and represent Arataki School on the field or court, please ensure you sign them up before the deadline.

Sports Available:

  • Hockey
  • Basketball
  • Netball

How to Register:

We are using the Kindo app for all registrations this year. It’s the quickest and easiest way to ensure your child is on the team list.

Registration Deadline: All sign-ups must be completed by March 31, 2026. Late entries may not be able to be placed in a team, so don't miss out!

 

School Uniform Reminder

As we head toward the cooler months, just a friendly reminder regarding our school uniform expectations. We take great pride in our school identity, and seeing everyone in the correct gear helps foster that sense of belonging. We are noticing some children wearing incorrect school shorts. Please ensure your child is wearing their Arataki School uniform shorts to school. Reminder, we do sell second hand uniform from the school office for $5.00 per item.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community. If you ever have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll see you at the disco!

Nga mihi nui, Vicki

 

 

 

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Dates for the Diary

Click here for  2026 Term Dates

 

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In this issue:

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

 

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NEWS AND EVENTS

 

 

Reuben The Road Safety Bear

Our teina had a very special visitor recently—Reuben the Road Safety Bear! Reuben spent time teaching our younger learners the "Stop, Look, Listen, and Link" rules for crossing the road safely. It’s always great to see the kids so engaged in learning such vital life skills (and Reuben is surprisingly good at high-fives).

 

 

Mangatawa 

Art Gallery and Library Visit

 

 

 

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FROM THE 

SPORTS DESK

 

 

Cluster Swimming Sports 

 

We had 16 tamariki from our kura attend the recent cluster swimming sports, making it a huge and exciting morning for all involved. Our tamariki showed incredible enthusiasm and determination, giving their absolute best in every event. They truly smashed it!

A special congratulations to Grace Naera, Lilly Cuff, Breanna Wright, and Nixon Manion, who have qualified for the WBOP Swimming Championships at the end of this term. We are so proud of your efforts!

Well done to all our tamariki for representing our kura with pride and energy.

 

MTB Event at Te Miro

On the 12th of March, Frankie Falconer and Nixon O'Neale took part in the MTB event (Mountain Biking) held at Te Miro. It was a fantastic day of challenge and fun with everyone giving it their all.

A huge congratulations to Frankie who placed and impressive 2nd overall while representing our kura, an outstanding achievement!

Well done to all tamariki who participated. We are proud of your effort and determination.

 

 

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Friends of the School

 

ARATAKI SCHOOL EASTER DISCO IS COMING!!

Get ready tamariki mā… it’s time to dance, glow, and celebrate Easter!

Next Thursday 26th March, Arataki Friends of the School are bringing the vibes with:

  • Epic Teacher DJs
  • Awesome music
  • Easter goodies
  • Glow fun galore

Disco Times:

  • Juniors (Years 0–3): 1.30pm – 2.30pm
  • Seniors (Years 4–6): 4.30pm – 6.00pm

Tickets: Just $5 each

Every dollar raised goes towards upgrading our school playground – how awesome is that!

Please note, Seniors will pay and give permission slips on entry at the door. Permission slips will be going home next week.

Let’s get behind this, bring the energy, and make it a disco to remember Check out the posters for more info!

Ngā mihi, The Arataki Friends of School Team

 

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ATK here Everyday

 

Although ATK has been a little quiet this term we are still working away and looking forward to celebrating excellent attendance with a party for our 100% attenders at the end of the term. Yay!

COMING SOON - In Term 2 we will be introducing our new ATK here Everyday app.  Whaea Kate has been using her tech skills to bring us something cool to help us keep track. Ngā mihi tino nui, Whaea Kate.

 

 

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

 

Our Friends at Fun First Football are filling fast for their most popular sunny Term 1 Programme! 

Simply go to https://funfirstfootball.co.nz/ to Book your Spot and to receive your kids Free FFF Tshirt! :) 

 

 

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

Curious about lawn bowls? Want to try something new? Looking for a family day out?  Come along to our - Have a Go Day, a relaxed, family-friendly session where kids, parents, and teens can jump in and give it a try.

Whether you’re coming together as a family or older kids want to have a go on their own, this is all about fun, and trying something new, no experience needed and no pressure to be “good at it.”

We’ll have friendly club members on hand to show you the basics, plenty of laughs, and short, easy games so everyone gets involved quickly. It’s a great way to get outdoors, meet new people, and discover that bowls is far more fun (and social!) than you might expect.

All equipment is provided — just bring yourself, wear flat shoes, and be ready to roll a few bowls.

Free to attend. Free sausage sizzle. Everyone welcome.

Hire the Tauranga Moana Cook Islands Culture Group for your next event!
We provide vibrant, authentic Cook Islands entertainment for birthdays, weddings, corporate functions, and community events.

Bringing the Cook Islands to you — with the graceful swaying of the hips, the sharp knocking of the knees and the beats of the drum.

Experience the beauty of our culture — from the graceful swaying of the hips and the sharp knocking of the knees to the beautiful tunes and beating of the drums.

 

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Play Time @ Arataki

 

 

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EXTRA CURRICULARS 

@ ARATAKI

 

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SCHOOL LUNCH MENU

 

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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

 

 

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