"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora koutou 
Just a reminder that this Thursday our school is closed for a teacher-only day (deemed a ‘curriculum day’ by the Minister). On this day our teachers will be exploring the new Maths curriculum in greater depth with a Ministry provided facilitator.
Thanks for tuning in to read our weekly newsletter. This week you’ll find information on:
- Supporting PBS parents to download HERO
- Dress code reminder (NB: please be aware of our rules for hair dye, makeup, jewellery and clothing)
- Story of our Syndicate names
- Digitech corner – upcoming courses for parents!
- Join our FANTASTIC PTA
- Inclusive Whānau Network for parents of Neurodiverse students
Thank you to all the parents who made it along to hear Rob Cope speak about keeping kids safe online last week; the feedback from this evening was once again over-whelmingly positive. I was surprised, but delighted that all those who attended were given free access to Rob’s online talks and resources. What an amazing bonus!
After the changeable weather last Friday, we have made a new date for our school’s summer picnic. It’s been hard to find another date, especially with kids heading off on Senior camp to the South Island over the next few weeks. But with our fingers and toes crossed we will try again on Friday, 14 March. We hope you’ll be able to come along.
Have a great week everyone!
Ngā mihi nui,
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
P.S. Got a suggestion? Let us know through our online suggestion box.
A few upcoming dates:
- Thursday, 27 February – School closed for Ministry “Curriculum Day’”
- 3-7 March – Senior camp for Rooms 7, 14 & 16
- 10-14 March – Senior camp for Rooms 13 & 15
- Friday, 14 March – School Picnic
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
There were no new students this week
Have You Checked Out Our Community Notices Directory?
Do you need to advertise your business, an upcoming event, need child care, or looking for a gift or new club to join? Check out the PBS Community Directory on our website https://kapiti.pbs.school.nz/
Hero Update
Thank you to everyone who answered the survey that was sent out on the Hero community feed. It was pleasing to hear so many of you found this app easy to use.
For those who did not find it so easy, please either ring me, (Vicki Wilson) at school or email me (vwilson@pbs.school.nz) so we can troubleshoot the issue together.
If you haven’t downloaded Hero because you are worried about all the notification beeps, you are able to disable these AND still have access. That means you can check the community feed at your convenience and not miss out on the information we are sending out.
Dress Code Reminder
At Paraparaumu Beach School we ask students to adhere to our school dress code. Our dress code is designed to reinforce pride in appearance, self respect, personal safety and so students can focus on learning.
This dress code also reinforces that primary students are kids who dress for comfort and activity. As our students grow into pre-teens and teens, we also want to reinforce that they do not need makeup to enhance beauty, they are beautiful as they are.
Guidelines & Procedures
At Paraparaumu Beach School:
CLOTHING:
- Students are expected to dress in a clean, tidy and comfortable manner.
- Clothing may express the wearer’s individuality, but must not be offensive or revealing e.g. no crop tops, short shorts or items with shoestring straps.
SUN SAFETY:
- A Wide brimmed hat must be worn outside during Terms 1 & 4
- Clothing that protects skin from the sun damage is encouraged during Terms 1 & 4
HAIR:
- Hair should be kept clean and tidy.
- Any hair dye must be within the natural (human hair) colour spectrum.
JEWELLERY:
- For safety reasons, only stud earrings are acceptable. Only ears may be pierced.
- Other jewellery, other than taonga, is discouraged and/or must be removed or made safe for physical activity.
FOOTWEAR:
- Sensible footwear is required. No shoes with heels or wheels.
- Socks are not to be worn on their own as outdoor footwear.
- For safety reasons, Year 7/8 students need to wear shoes with closed-toes to the Technology Centre.
MAKE-UP:
- Face make-up is not to be worn.
- No fake lashes or fake nails.
- Teachers may allow face paint or make-up for special occasions or performance purposes.
If the dress or appearance of a student does not adhere to the dress code guidelines, then the parent/caregiver may be contacted.
Story of Our Syndicate Names
If you are new to PBS you may not be aware of our syndicate names. Below is a little information for you.
Tātahi are the fine grains of sand on the beach.
TĀTAHI – Year 0-2 Syndicate is led by Rachel McDowell
Ngaru are the small waves that greet the sand.
NGARU – Year 3-4 Syndicate is led by Rachel McDowell
Te Moana is the open ocean. The stretch of ocean between Paraparaumu Beach and Kāpiti island is called Te Rau-o-te-Rangi.
TE MOANA – Year 5-6 Syndicate is led by Vanessa Brewer
Te Motu means island. Our beautiful island is Kāpiti. The island’s full name is Te Waewae-Kāpiti-o-Tara-rāua-ko-Rangitāne.
TE MOTU – Year 7-8 Syndicate is led by Cath Franks
NB: In 2010 the Māori Language Commission acknowledged that, while the ordinary word kapiti does not have a macron, iwi of the Kāpiti region have evidence from history and local pronunciation that the place name is a variant form of āpiti, and that Kāpiti (with a macron) is correct.
Using Māori Language at Home
Learning another language provides many benefits including greater academic achievement, greater cognitive development, and more positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures. So, let’s give it a go and help to revitalise this unique language to Aotearoa for our tamariki. Each week our newsletter will include words or phrases that you might like to try out at your kāinga/home.
Here are some essential kupu that you may hear ia ra (everyday)
Kīwaha (idiom)
A super simple saying that you can use in your everyday conversations.
Tino pai! – Great stuff!
Digitech Corner
Netsafe is running some webinars for parents next month. Their webinar series aims to provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to access the information they want and need. Based on feedback and insights from parents across New Zealand, they shine a spotlight on some of the topics that are front of mind for many.
2025 Term 1 Webinars:
Online Safety for Children Under 10
- Date and time: 5 March @ 7.00pm
- Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Netsafe is hosting a free webinar for parents and whānau on how to support children under 10 to have safe and positive experiences online. Discover practical advice and helpful tools to support your tamariki as they navigate the digital world.
Chatting Safely Online
- Date and time: 26 March @ 7.30pm
- Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Are you looking for ways to support your 11-18 year olds to navigate the challenges and opportunities of chatting online? Join our free, parent webinar to gain practical tips and advice for supporting your children’s online safety while they chat and connect in the digital world.
Join Us for the PTA AGM – Your School Needs You!
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of our PTA will be held on 18 March at 7.30pm in the school staffroom. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the events and initiatives we support throughout the year, and to get involved in shaping the future
of our school community!
We’re looking for new members to join our PTA team. Last year, some of our valued members resigned, and we’d love to welcome fresh faces and new ideas to help us continue making a positive impact for our students and teachers. Whether you have a lot of time to dedicate, or just want to help out now and then, your involvement makes a difference.
If you have any questions or want more information, please feel free to contact Sandy Saunders: sandys@pbs.school.nz or Di Puati: dpuati@pbs.school.nz
We hope to see you there!
Year 7/8 Camp Fundraiser
A camp fundraiser sausage sizzle is being held this Wednesday – last chance to order (correct cash only) is Wednesday by 9am . Orders to be place in the money box outside the staffroom – $2 per sausage.
Ice Blocks for Sale
Touch Rugby
The Schools vs School Touch Tournament is happening on Sunday, 23 March. Information has been forwarded to the PBS touch coaches.
Future Student Achievements
If your child has an achievement you would like us to share in our newsletter, then please send details (and a picture if you would like) to mbarfoote@pbs.school.nz
Inclusive Whānau Network
Join the PBS Whānau Rōpu
Waitārere Forest Run
