Tēnā koutou e te iwi,

Welcome to Term 3

A very warm welcome back to all of our tamariki and whānau for Term 3!

It has been fantastic to see everyone return with such energy and enthusiasm. I have been so impressed with how diligently the children have settled straight back into their learning routines and school life. Their focus and positive attitudes have made for a smooth and encouraging start to the term.

In Loving Memory of Mr Lee Steer

Lee was renowned for the unique energy he brought into the classroom, especially through his love of integrating Superheroes into his learning programs. He had a gift for making sure every single child knew that they, too, were a superhero in their own special way. Always positive, forward-thinking, and ready to embrace new ideas, Lee brought immense passion to digital learning and caring for our environment.

"Sometimes, in the daily busyness of school life, we forget to pause and reflect on the profound impact teachers have on our future generations. Lee reminded us all of the power of that connection."

Today, we celebrated Lee’s life together as a school community, giving our tamariki and staff the opportunity to pay their respects and honour his legacy.

As a school, we have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness, beautiful letters, and warm words of support from our community. Your compassion has meant the world to our staff during this time and serves as a powerful reminder of how deeply connected we all are.

Thank you, Lee, for the indelible mark you have left on Arataki School. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Arohanui, The Arataki School Leadership & Staff Team

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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

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NEWS AND EVENTS

Year 6 Mount Intermediate Information Evening

Health Notice: Scabies

Our local Public Heath Nurse has seen an increase in cases of Scabies.  She has provided the following information to help.

Scabies always requires treatment and thorough cleaning of the home environment to successfully eradicate the infestation. Whānau should visit their GP or healthcare provider and ensure that everyone living in the household is treated on the same day, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.

 Treatment and environmental cleaning must be repeated 7 days later. It is important that all household members participate in both treatments; otherwise, the infestation may persist or return.

Helpful resources:

• Scabies In Children | KidsHealth New Zealand's Trusted Voice On Children's Health
• Scabies | Healthify
• Scabies - NPHS0027 – HealthEd

If treatment is required for a large household, Public Health Nurses (PHNs) may support the coordination of treatment.

Happy to discuss any whanau that may require a referral.

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School Attendance

I also wanted to share the following resources, which provide helpful guidance on when children are well enough to attend school:

• Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school — guidance for parents and caregivers

Girven Road Crossing Upgrade

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A T K     P T A

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ATK here Everyday

School attendance is critical because it directly connects to academic achievement, long-term career success, and personal well-being. We are excited to celebrate great attendance in a slightly new way for Term 3.  

ATK here Everyday Prize Draw at Hui-a-Kura:

The names of all tamaiti that achieve 95% or more for the weeks before hui will be entered and go into the draw to when a prize.

Of we course we will still have our end of term 100%ers celebration.

Check out our first ATK here Everyday Prize Draw winners below.  

Ka rawe Mareikura, Crusoe and Methuli!!!

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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 Music Bonanza

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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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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