Welcome to
TE AROHA
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Educating children for their futures, today
Welcome to Te Aroha Primary School where children from Year 1 to 8 are challenged to be the best that they can be in an inclusive learning environment.
Situated in the heart of Te Aroha and nestled under the mountain on a 4.6 hectare campus, our children have a sense of belonging, pride and are valued in their cultural heritage.
We always encourage our children “To Accept The Challenge” which is our school motto. This is the challenge to learn, to explore, to have a go at new opportunities and to have fun.
We invite you to join us on this journey.
Welcome to Te Aroha Primary School where children from Year 1 to 8 are challenged to be the best that they can be in an inclusive learning environment.
Situated in the heart of Te Aroha and nestled under the mountain on a 4.6 hectare campus, our children have a sense of belonging, pride and are valued in their cultural heritage.
We always encourage our children “To Accept The Challenge” which is our school motto. This is the challenge to learn, to explore, to have a go at new opportunities and to have fun.
We invite you to join us on this journey.
Latest Notifications
Reminder to Year 7-8 Students CAMP FORM
Wed Oct 20 03:35pmDear Year 7-8 Parents and Whanau,
At the end of last term you may have seen our first camp Newsletter, stating our plans for camp and seeking parent help. This is just a reminder that our Year 7-8 Camp to Omokoroa takes place in Week 7, Term 4, from Wednesday 1st December to Friday 3rd December.
Due to the nature of the past year with Lockdown and the changing Covid levels, we now need to seek permission from our parents for their children to attend camp so we can secure and plan accordingly. Our student numbers are crucial to making sure camp is viable, so we really appreciate your prompt return of the reply slip that was sent home yesterday.
Camp will go ahead in the current Alert Level 2 setting with strict safety and Covid-19 restrictions in place by all of our event holders. If Alert levels change and we are unable to have a camp, we will keep you informed and hopefully be able to arrange an alternative programme.
Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions about Camp.
Kirsty Young kyoung@tearohaprimary.school.nz
Linda Gamble lgamble@tearohaprimary.school.nz
Rosé Hodgetts rhodgetts@tearohaprimary.school.nz
Holly Brittenden dp@tearohaprimary.school.nz
Pizza Day FRIDAY 22nd October (Orders taken tomorrow)
Wed Oct 20 03:28pm Our Yr 7/8 students are fundraising for their end of year camp. This is an awesome way to help support them to lower the cost of camp.
Please send in orders tomorrow (Thursday) in a named envelope.
Pizza for a Kai Break Snack Attack on Friday. YUM! $3.00
Basketball Notice – Managers only allowed on site
Tue Oct 19 09:22amFurther to last nights newsletter-
Basketball starts next week for the yr 5/6 and the week after for yr 7/8.
In keeping with NZ Sport Guidelines, there will be no spectators allowed into the Events Centre.
The only adults allowed in are the Managers I have on my list which will be handed in.
Should a Manager be away then they cannot be replaced and I (Mrs Paul) will take over the team.
The Managers are
Megan Diprose
Mr Hubbard
Grace Te Huia
Denice Taukiri
Michelle Swan
Mr Carey
Sarah van Marrewijk
Cam Melrose
Junior De Young and other College basketballers will be onsite and assist us.
Unfortunately, there will be no spectators allowed at Touch either but details are being worked out.
Thank you for your understanding during these COVID times,
Megan Paul
Face Covering/Masks on School Transport Ages 12+
Mon Oct 18 09:19amThis is some information for parents regarding children who travel on school buses at various times.
Face Coverings On School Transport
Students of all ages are encouraged to wear a face-covering on all school transport services under all alert levels.
Providing face coverings is the responsibility of individuals and caregivers. Any student who is unwell should not travel on a school or public bus and should not be sent to school.
Students Aged 12 and Over
Face coverings are required to be worn by students aged 12 and over while on school transport at all alert levels, this includes Tech buses and school bus services for our children in the mornings and afternoons. While school bus drivers are not required to enforce the wearing of masks they may report the child who is breaking the rules to the school for further action.
Lunch Menu Week 1 Term 4 2021
Sun Oct 17 04:13pm
SCHOOL PHOTOS POSTPONED
Wed Oct 13 06:36pmDear Parents/Whanau
School Photos that were booked for Monday 18th October (first day back) have now been postponed.
Please disregard our earlier alert.
With the recent Lockdowns based in Hamilton, our photographers will now rebook with us for mid-November (Thursday 25th November)
We will advertise the new date on our app and Newsletter closer to the time.
Thank you for your understanding,
TAPS Team
Thames Valley Cricket Notice – Super SMASH Hubs
Tue Oct 12 10:29amJump on the Thames Valley Cricket Facebook page for more information and direct links.
Super Smash Hubs are back for Term 4 at a hub location near you! Check out the events below for more details and registration links. 🏏
Six week give it a go programme for year 1-4 kids.
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Join us for fun & inclusive games to develop your cricket throw, catch & strike skills.
Where: Te Aroha College, Te Aroha
When: Wednesdays, 4.30-5.30pm
Wed 27 Oct – Wed 8 Dec
Cost: $60
Super Smash Hubs is a 6 week “give it a go” programme for year 1-4 boys and girls. Through inclusive games and making friends, children develop skills such as throw, catch and strike, join your local Super Smash Hub now. $60 registration includes a participant pack (bat, ball, bag, cap and water bottle) along with a FREE junior Super Smash membership giving free entry to all T20 Super Smash games across NZ for the 21/22 season. Watch the best cricketing starts in action and support your Knights/Sprit hero’s.
Sign up link:
LAST DAY TOMORROW FOR DUCK DAY FORMS TO BE RETURNED
Thu Sep 30 01:53pmPlease send in any Duck Day forms/tickets back to school tomorrow. This is the last day.
We really appreciate your support.
Duck Day will be on 30th October
Lunch Menu Week 10 Term 3 2021
Mon Sep 27 09:29am
DUCK DAY FORMS + MONEY LAST WEEK
Mon Sep 27 09:22amReminder to our TAPS whanau,
LAST WEEK 🙂 Please SUPPORT
Please note that this is the last week for Duck Day forms and money to be returned to school.
We sent out a request for all families to sell 10 tickets, we really need your support with this.
Much appreciated,
TAPS PTA/Fundraising Team
Cricket Muster 2021
Thu Sep 23 04:19pmTe Aroha Junior Cricket Muster
Tuesday 28th September 23, 2021 4.00-5.30pm
Location: Te Aroha College Cricket Pitch
New and returning players welcome
Any questions please contact tearohajuniorcricket@gmail.com
Te Aroha Athletics Club
Tue Sep 21 06:52pmCheck out the latest from Te Aroha Athletics
Basketball Forms for Term 4
Mon Sep 20 12:08pmBasketball forms for Term 4
Mrs Paul has sent Basketball forms home today,
If you missed a form please email mpaul@tearohaprimary.school.nz
Note –
In order for Basketball to go ahead we need parents to be present due to Health and Safety.
Duck Day Postponed
Sat Sep 11 01:58pmDue to Covid-19 Alert levels, TAPS Duck Day has been postponed.
Our new date is Saturday 30th October 12.30.
All forms and money to be handed back to office by Friday 1st Oct (last day of term 3) or please pay into PTA account and email photo of form to taps.pta@gamil.com
Back to School at Level 2
Tue Sep 07 01:23pmTE AROHA PRIMARY SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL AT LEVEL 2
Kia ora koutou
It was great news to hear that we will be returning to school at Level 2. We can’t wait to get back to some sort of normality at school and with parents being able to go back to work as usual.
Thank you once again to all parents who have supported their child’s learning during this period of lockdown.
We do, however, still need to be vigilant and children will need to practice correct social distancing and safe hand sanitising practices.
WHEN DOES OUR SCHOOL OPEN ?
Our school will open again at Level 2 on Thursday 9 September 2021.
DROPPING CHILDREN OFF AT THE START OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Please drop your children outside the school gates and they are to walk into school on their own.
No parents are allowed on school grounds at level 2.
We will have teachers at the front of the school and at the Ema Street entrance to welcome children to school each day.
Children will need to sanitise their hands as soon as they enter the school gates.
WEARING OF MASKS AT SCHOOL
There is no requirement for children to wear masks to school.
Children of 12 years old and older are encouraged to wear a mask under new Covid Delta rules but this is not compulsory for these children at this stage.
SCHOOL OWNED DEVICES
Any devices loaned to some of our children during lockdown must be returned to the school office on Thursday morning 9 September, with their charger to be checked for any damage and to be cleaned before they can go back to the classes.
PICKING UP CHILDREN AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
At the end of the school day children being picked up at the front of the school will be walked to the carpark by teachers and exit the school at Gate Four, which is the gate closest to the swimming pool.
Children will gather on the grass with their teachers.
Please don’t call your child to the car and to run through the car park, we need to keep all children safe.
CHILDREN TRAVELLING ON SCHOOL BUSES
Children will be expected to sanitise their hands before getting onto the school buses. Buses will run as normal from Thursday.
Face masks are not required to be worn on school buses but children can if they would like to.
NO ONLINE LEARNING ON WEDNESDAY
As teachers will be at school on Wednesday preparing classes to welcome children back on Thursday, there will be no online learning for children.
There might, however, be activities that they can complete themselves without teacher support.
LUNCH IN SCHOOLS
I have confirmation from our supplier that whole school lunches will start up again on Thursday for all children in the school.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS
The school drinking fountains will be turned off at Level 2.
Each child is to bring their own named drink bottle to school each day.
They can refill these in their classroom.
YEAR 7&8 TECH CLASS ON FRIDAY
These classes will take place as usual starting this coming Friday at Te Aroha College
If you are concerned about anything or need clarity on any issue please contact your child’s teacher or you are welcome to contact the school office.
We are looking forward to welcoming all students back to school on Thursday.
Ngaa mihi nui
Kevin Johnson
Principal/Tumuaki
Covid Update from Mr J 6th September 2021
Mon Sep 06 07:56pmCovid Update from Mr Johnson
TE AROHA PRIMARY SCHOOL
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
FOR ALERT LEVEL 2
Click to read
TAPS Whanau – A message from Mr J 3/9/21
Fri Sep 03 01:51pmFriday 3rd September 2021
Check out the latest from Mr J
Click to watch the video
Covid Letter Alert Level 3
Tue Aug 31 09:31amTE AROHA PRIMARY SCHOOL
COVID LETTER – ALERT LEVEL 3
31 August 2021
Kia ora koutou
Firstly, let me start by saying a huge thank you to our parents and caregivers for the support you have shown your children and to our TAPS teaching staff. At a time like this it is much appreciated.
Thank you to all of the parents who came to school on Monday morning for a contactless pick up of learning packs for their children. This is also greatly appreciated by our teachers.
LEVEL 3
From 11.59pm on Tuesday night we drop from Level 4 to Level 3.
Thank you to our parents, who are essential workers, for completing the survey regarding student attendance at Level 3. This information enabled us to make important decisions for our school during Level 3.
Our school will remain closed at Level 3 with children learning from home and teachers providing online learning.
This also means that the grounds and playgrounds are closed to families and the public.
I would like to encourage children to read daily, attend their class zoom meetings if they are able to access it, in order to remain connected with their classmates and their teacher. They are encouraged to try their best with their learning packs and the online learning prepared by their teachers.
Parents often worry about their children ‘falling behind’ with their learning but please be reminded that all children across New Zealand are in the same boat at present. Also, learning from home is not the same as learning at school.
I, like you, I am sure, can’t wait to be back at school at Level 2 whenever that might happen. Please keep connected with your child’s teacher in the meantime and enjoy time as a family.
Ngaa mihi nui
Kevin Johnson
Principal/Tumuaki
Work Pack Collection from school TODAY 10-11 am Monday 30th August 2021
Mon Aug 30 10:00amPlease read the information regarding work pack collection for today – Monday 30th August.
Covid Level 3 Information Letter
Fri Aug 27 09:03pmTe Aroha Primary School
Covid Level 3 Information Letter
27 August 2021
Kia ora koutou
This afternoon the Prime Minister announced that areas outside of Auckland will stay at Level 4 until 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 August 2021.
From Wednesday 1 September 2021 we will move to Level 3 if it is safe to do so.
This means that all schools will still remain closed at level 3 except for the children of essential workers.
It is extremely important to note the following:
· The best place for your child at Level 3 is at home.
· The key message for you is that if you can, you should keep your child at home.
Please note the following:
· If you and your partner are both essential workers without care for your children, then they may attend school.
· If one partner of a couple is an essential worker with one working from home, then children are to remain at home.
· If you are a single parent who is an essential worker and you have no care for your children, then they may attend school.
· For the rest of our students, school at level three is either online or by learning packs at home.
· If your child has a health condition or is immune compromised that means they are at a greater risk of a severe illness, you must keep them at home.
· If your child is sick, please also ensure that you keep him/her at home.
· In order to ensure the safety of those children and our staff who do come to school, we will be operating with strict enforcement of health and safety measures.
· We will not have a full complement of staff at school at Level 3 as some have a compromised immune system and are therefore required to stay at home, so we do not have the ability to supervise large numbers of students at Level 3.
· Children will work in bubbles of a maximum of 10 children.
· At Level 3 our adventure playgrounds are closed and children won’t be allowed to play close contact games before school, at morning tea and lunch times.
· Children will sit at least 1 m apart in class during level 3
· Children in different class bubbles will not be allowed to interact with each other during the school day.
· Children, of essential workers, who attend school will be following the online learning / learning pack programme that the other children will be doing each day at home.
No parents or whanau are permitted on the school grounds during Level 3. If you need any information please phone our school office on 884 8803 for assistance. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher for assistance as well.
For now, we will continue to support your child’s learning by distance while we progress our planning for what Alert Level 3 will mean for you and for our school.
As you have been doing, please keep connecting with your child’s teacher with any questions you might have.
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS TO COMPLETE
In order to assist us with our planning we ask that parents who are essential workers please complete a questionnaire in this regard by 7pm on Sunday night 29 August 2021.
The link for the questionnaire is: Essential Workers Survey
Essential Workers Survey
This will take you to a Google Form to complete.
With this information we will be setting up a roll of children who will be able to attend during Alert Level 3.
If you are an essential worker and intend to send your child to school, he/she will need to be on this roll to ensure that we have enough teacher supervision.
Our recommendation is that it is still safest for children to be working from home on their distance learning if at all possible.
LEARNING PACKS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Learning packs for the same children who received them this week will be available again on Monday 30 August and also for those who have requested a pack through the class teacher via Seesaw.
No packs will be delivered to homes this time. They are only available through pick up at the school between 10.00am – 11.00am in the school car park. This will be a contactless pick up.
Parents are asked to drive up to the table in the car park, pop the boot open and teachers will put the work packs into the boot and then parents can drive off.
We would like to thank all parents for their understanding and support at this time and the help that you are providing to your children at home.
Ngaa mihi nui
Kevin Johnson
Principal/Tumuaki
Covid Update Letter from Mr J 25 August
Wed Aug 25 02:00pmCovid Update from Mr J
Update
Sun Aug 22 09:46pmKia ora!
We have had a small number of teaching staff in school today under Level 4 conditions from the Ministry of Health to prepare work packs and devices for our students. This is in response to the online Survey that was shared last week.
We have completed nearly all the deliveries of these, with the last few being distributed tomorrow morning.
If you indicated your child would need a work pack, please check your letterbox.
REMINDER -all areas of our school grounds are closed while we are under Level 4 lockdown.
Stay safe in your bubbles everyone.
Take care.
Reminder to complete our latest Survey ASAP 🙂 LEVEL 4 LOCKDOWN INFORMATION FOR PARENTS + SURVEY
Sat Aug 21 04:16pmLEVEL 4 LOCKDOWN INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Kia ora koutou
I hope you are all coping well on this second day of lockdown.
As you are all aware it is looking more and more likely that we could be in Level 4 for an extended period of time as more cases come to light. With this in mind our amazing teachers are busily preparing themselves to provide distance learning resources for our children..
We are also aware that the Ministry of Education is also exploring how they can support us in the days to come.
Attached to this newsletter is a link to a survey which we are asking all parents to complete as a matter of urgency. Can this please be completed by 8.00pm on Friday night. We need this information to be able to inform our planning for the weeks ahead should this become necessary.
Click on this link to open the survey:
If your telephone number has changed recently and you have not informed the school please do this immediately by emailing it to: admin@tearohaprimary.school.nz
I look forward to seeing you all again when school reopens.
Nga mihi
Kevin Johnson
Level Four Lockdown Update
Wed Aug 18 12:30pmLevel Four Lockdown Update
18 August 2021
Kia ora TAPS whanau
It is a strange feeling working from home again on a Wednesday morning and not being at school.
I met with our teaching staff via Zoom early this morning. This was in order to try and navigate the way forward for the next few days and potentially a longer lockdown.
Our teachers are working very hard today to ensure that we are able to provide online learning from tomorrow morning. Your child’s teacher will make contact with him/her via Seesaw/Google Classroom to inform them of the programme of work.
Over the next few days we are relying on families having a wifi connection and a device at home to support their children’s learning. We are not in a position at this stage to provide home learning packs to students as we aren’t permitted to access the school under level four conditions. We will be looking at ways for these children to access learning if the lockdown continues for longer than the three days we have been told about.
If you have any queries around your child’s learning, you are welcome to contact your his/her teacher during normal school hours from 9.00 – 3.00pm.
Take care and look after yourselves. This will pass.
Ngaa mihi nui
Kevin Johnsnon
Principal/Tumuaki
Level Four Lockdown Information 17 August 2021
Tue Aug 17 08:50pmLevel Four Lockdown Information
17 August 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As most of you will probably have heard by now, the Prime Minister announced a Level Four lockdown for the entire country starting at 11.59pm tonight.
Our school and community will be at level four for at least the next three days.
This means that school is closed for everyone from tomorrow 18 August.
Children and all teaching and non teaching staff are to remain at home.
Teachers are not permitted back onto the school premises to do any work or to pick up any resources from school.
We are, therefore, not able to provide hard copy education packs for students. We will be endeavouring to provide online learning to students who have a device at home and who have access to the internet. This might take most of tomorrow to organise. I will be having a Zoom meeting with all of our teaching staff tomorrow morning to ensure that we can roll this out to our students.
We have been in this situation last year and we came through it together. We are asking for all parents to support us as we try to maintain a good education for all of the children of our school.
I also understand that it can be very difficult for parents to work from home and to try and support their children’s learning. Your child’s teachers will contact you via Seesaw or email. If you are concerned about anything please feel free to contact your child’s teacher.
We know from previous experience that this can become a very stressful time for everyone. So please know that we are here to support you.
Most importantly we need to remember that we are all in this together.
Ngaa mihi nui
Kevin Johnson
New time 10am School Cross Country – Wednesday 18 August
Tue Aug 17 03:40pmTe Aroha Primary School
School Cross Country – Wednesday 18 August 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers
We have decided to move the time of the start of our school cross country tomorrow from 12.30pm to 10.00am.
This decision was taken today because of the rainy weather that we are expecting tomorrow later in the day.
We would really like to be able to have this event for our children who have been practising very hard over the past few weeks.
Please send your child to school with a warm top, and a water bottle for use during the cross country.
We will still, however, make a decision at 9.00am tomorrow morning as to whether we proceed with the event as there is no certainty with the weather and what it will be like first thing tomorrow morning.
If we are forced to postpone this event, we will have it on Thursday 19 August at 12.30pm.
Ngaa mihi Nui
Kevin Johnson
Principal/Tumuaki
Newsletter Week 4
Mon Aug 16 03:11pmLunch Menu within Newsletter
HELP NEEDED PLEASE FOR CROSS COUNTRY
Mon Aug 09 03:50pmPLEASE HELP US RUN OUR SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY 🙂
Kia ora Parents/Whanau
Next week we need your help with marshalling for Cross Country on Wednesday 18th August from 12.30 pm. We need parents scattered around the course in certain stations.
If you can assist us in the running of our Cross Country please email
kyoung@tearohaprimary.school.nz or if easier Seesaw your child’s teacher and ask for the message to be passed on.
Lunches Week 3
Sun Aug 08 07:07pm
Hub 3 Proposal Sharing – 11.30am TODAY Friday 6th August
Fri Aug 06 09:22amTe Moananui a Kiwa (Hub 3) extends an invitation to our Parents/Whanau to celebrate our Kaitiaki inquiry proposals.
Hub 3 (Room 8,9 and 10)
TODAY / Friday 6th August
11.30 – School Hall
These students will be presenting –
1) Baraka + :Lucas
2) Bethan, Olivia, Paige and Maia
3) Mason, Blaize
4) Alexis and Casey
5) Lana, Skyla, Anaru and Stacey
6) Joshua
All other students will have their proposals on display for viewing.
Last term our inquiry saw students identify an area of our school that could be developed or redesigned in order to be sustainable. Our aim was to present these proposals to our BOT and Mr Kelly (EnviroSchoools) in the hope we can secure some funding to support the winning proposal.
PTA Meeting 7pm – ALL WELCOME
Tue Aug 03 01:32pmTuesday 3rd August
Reminder to our Parents/Whanau –
PTA Meeting tonight 7 pm in Staffroom – ALL WELCOME 🙂
Newsletter Week 2
Mon Aug 02 12:59pm
Lunches Week 2
Mon Aug 02 09:32amLunches Week 2
Newsletter Week 1 Term 3
Mon Jul 26 04:32pm
Lunches Week 1 Term 3
Sun Jul 25 04:36pm
