Tēnā koutou e te iwi,

As we wrap up another fantastic term here at Arataki School, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything our incredible community has achieved. Term 2 has been absolutely jam-packed with talent, hard work, and our amazing ATK whānau vibe.

Here are just a few of the major highlights that made this term so special:

Term 2 Highlights

• School Production – 'Poseidon’s Tale of the Deep Blue Sea'. Our tamariki took to the stage at Baycourt and completely blew us away. The creativity, dedication, confidence, and pure joy displayed by every student involved made it an unforgettable experience. A massive thank you to all the staff, parents, and volunteers who spent countless hours behind the scenes making this magic happen.
• New Reporting Format & Whānau Learning Conferences - This term, we successfully rolled out our new reporting format, designed to give you a clearer picture of your child's progress and next steps. It was wonderful to see so many of you connect with teachers during our Whānau Learning Conferences. Strong partnerships between home and school are what help our tamariki thrive.
• Whole School Cross Country - The energy and grit on display at our school cross country were inspiring. Whether running for the finish line or cheering on peers from the sidelines, our school values were in full force.
• Matariki Breakfast - It was beautiful to come together as a community to celebrate Matariki. Sharing food, reflection, and connection was the perfect way to acknowledge the Māori New Year and look forward to the future together.

The Everyday Magic

Beyond the big events, we want to acknowledge the incredible mahi that happens day to day, week to week. Our classrooms have been buzzing with excellent learning programmes. Alongside that, our extra-curricular activities continue to enrich our school life—including Kapa Haka, Choir, lunchtime sports, Feet First, Mahi Toi - murals and the many other additional support and extension programmes running across our kura.

Staffing Updates

The end of a term often brings some changes, and we have two goodbyes and warm welcomes to share as we look ahead to Term 3.

Haere ra:

We are saying goodbye to two wonderful staff members this week:

• Nikita Jay is heading off on maternity leave. We wish her and her family all the very best as they prepare to welcome a precious new addition!
• Georgia Kimpton is also leaving us for her next adventure.

We extend our deepest gratitude to both Nikita and Georgia for their service, dedication, and the positive impact they have made on the tamariki of Arataki School. You will be missed!

Nau mai, Haere mai,

We warmly welcome the following staff to our teaching team for next term:

• Nic Laing will be taking over the teaching responsibilities in Room 7 from Nikita. (not pictured)
• Ngawaiata McAllister will be stepping into Room 6 to take over from Georgia.
• Grace Goodall-Sakai joins us to teach our brand-new, roll-growth Year 1 classroom, which will be based in Room 18.

Have a wonderful, safe winter break! Thank you all for your continued support of our kura. We hope you all enjoy some well-deserved rest, relaxation, and quality family time over the holidays. We can't wait to see everyone back, refreshed and ready for Term 3. 

Please note, if you are using the school grounds during the school holidays, we have a large number of contractors and tradies onsite doing repairs and maintenance.

Hope you all have a safe and relaxing break.  We will see you next term on Monday, 20 July 2026.

Ngā mihi nui, Vicki Hiini - Tumuaki

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Dates for the Diary

Click here for  2026 Term Dates

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In this issue:

• News and Events
• ATK PTA
• ATK here Everyday
• Extra Curriculars at Arataki
• After School Care/Programmes
• Community Notices
• Holiday Programmes

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NEWS AND EVENTS

Gymnastics Festival

Last Friday, 26 June, Zia and Jade performed at the Argos', Schools Gymnastics Festival. Showing their skills on the floor, beam and vault and doing themselves and Arataki proud.

Ka mau te wehi Zia and Jade!

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A T K     P T A

At the start of the term we had our AGM and we decided to rebrand to "ATK PTA" to reflect what we do as a group. The feedback on this has been great so thank you!

We also welcomed a new committee......

Chairman, Cat Holdgate

Secretary, Emily Burmester

Treasurer, Janelle Meacheam

Plus a large group of incredible committee members who are key in us delivering all our awesome events and working towards our fundraising goals. 

What a fun PJ day we had. We raised $663.50 to go towards our playspaces. Here are a few pics.

To keep up to date with all we are doing, don't forget to follow us on FB -  here.

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ATK here Everyday

How good!  Our ATK 100%ers had an amazing time with Bluelight. celebrating with handstand competitions, tug-o-war, parachutes and ice-blocks.

We had almost 100 tamariki at our Term 2 party.  We reckon next terms will top that!!

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SCHOOL LUNCH MENU

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EXTRA CURRICULARS 

@ ARATAKI

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

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Play Time @ Arataki

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

MMC Showcase

MMC are excited to be putting on the first ever Music Bonanza concert on Friday, 31st July, featuring a headline appearance from L.A.B frontman Joel Shadbolt.

The one-night-only showcase will see Shadbolt perform a solo set as well as taking the stage alongside the college’s student ensembles.

The event serves as a fundraising drive. All proceeds from the evening will directly fund national touring and competition costs later this year for the school's touring groups: Street Band, Big Band, Jazz Combo, and Voices.

The Bonanza is open to the public, with parents, whānau, and music lovers from across the Mount encouraged to attend. In addition to the live performances, the evening will feature food and drink stalls, raffles, and live auctions with prize packages up for grabs.

MMC Music are looking for local businesses or individuals who want to support through event sponsorship, or by donating items for our raffles and auctions. Email music@mmc.school.nz if you can help or for more info on sponsorship packages. 

Tickets are selling fast so make sure to get yours now here: https://events.humanitix.com/mmc-music-bonanza-2026

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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HOLIDAY PROGAMMES

Steelo's Programme

Pricing (Climb and Craft):

 - $90.00 per person, per day.

 - $170.00 per person when attending all 3 days in the same week.

 - Dates must be booked and paid for up front and in advance.

Climb and Craft Schedule:

 - 9.30am - Parents/guardians drop off attendees at Rocktopia.

 - 10.00am-12.00pm - Climbing workshop.

 - 12.00pm-1.00pm - Lunch (self-catered) 

 - 1.00pm-3.00pm - Crafting

 - 3.00pm-3.30pm - Finish session and pack down.

 - 3.30pm - Parents/guardians pick up attendees from Rocktopia.

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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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