"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora koutou
If you’re reading this newsletter before noon on Wednesday, 6 August then you still have time to nominate yourself or someone else to our school Board!
Our timeline for voting has been pushed out five days, from Friday, 5 September to Wednesday, 10 September (due to the principal misreading the timeline requirements – whoopse!). But don’t worry, the Elections Pilot team has adjusted this date and will ensure the official voting papers are emailed out to you accordingly.
In other important news, NZEI – the union for teachers, support staff and principals, has just announced paid union meetings across the country. The meeting for educators in Kapiti is at 2pm on Thursday, 21 August. As a result, we are asking parents and caregivers to collect their children from school at 1pm on this day, as the vast majority of staff will be attending this meeting.
Please keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Government Proposal to replace NCEA
- Happening this term …..PBS HAS GOT TALENT!
- Inclusive Whānau Network meeting – 27 August
- Board Elections Update
- Netball Thanks
- Calendar Art
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Thursday, 21 August – please collect your children at 1pm due to Paid Union meeting for our staff
Before I sign off this newsletter, I want to take a moment to acknowledge, with deepest sympathy, the passing of Merrick Stein, a long-serving teacher at Paraparaumu College.
Merrick leaves behind an extraordinary legacy—over the years, thousands of students benefitted from his musical gifts, creative spirit, and unwavering commitment to education. He was also a valued member of our own PBS whānau, as a former parent and current grandparent.
Merrick will be deeply missed by colleagues across the Coast, by generations of students, and by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He truly inspired us all.
Our love and thoughts are with his whānau during this very sad time.
Ngā mihi nui
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
P.S. Got a suggestion? Let us know through our online suggestion box.
PRINCIPAL’S C.R.E.S.T CORNER:
At PBS we champion our school C.R.E.S.T values in everything we do.
Curiosity. Respect. Excellence. Self Management. Teamwork
Over the weekend one of our students demonstrated Excellence to a very high standard. Congratulations Lucie Thomson on winning the Under 14 Girls’ New Zealand Cross Country championships! Lucie is only Year 7 so this makes her achievement even more impressive, and an inspiration for our younger tamariki with similar aspirations.
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Zaria – Rm 5
Ariki – Rm 19
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/
Government Proposal to Replace NCEA
On Monday, the Minister of Education made a significant announcement about the future direction of our national qualification, NCEA.
If these proposed changes are adopted, our current Year 8 students will be the first group to undertake these assessments when they enter Year 11 in 2028.
Consultation on the proposal is now open for school staff and parents to provide feedback. Have your say here: Consultation on proposal to replace NCEA – Ministry of Education
NB: The timeline for the proposal means that there will be no changes for students in Year 9 and above.
Board Election News
Nominations Reminder
There is still time for you to get your nomination in to join our School Board. We need five parent representatives to join the Paraparaumu Beach School Board. Schooled Election Pilot have been appointed as the Returning Officer for this election.
We have already sent out nomination forms by email or by post, however, if you need additional nomination forms, or want to copy in Te Reo Māori or another language just contact the Returning Officer directly on 0800 VOTENZ (0800 868 369) or election@electionpilot.nz.
The clock is ticking. Because nominations close at noon on Wednesday, 6 August. You can email in your nomination, complete it online at www.boardelections.nz or fill it in and drop it off to the school office. You can also send in a candidate statement and smiling photo with your nomination as well.
A copy of the electoral roll is kept at the school office and is available to be checked during usual school hours.
FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL
Gumboot Friday
We received a lovely message for our PBS Gumboot Friday efforts that we need to share:
Hi PBS Student Council, on behalf of myself and the team I would just like to say how grateful we are for everything you have done. Could you pass on my appreciation to everyone and thank them from the bottom of my heart. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.
Mike King
Executive Director
I Am Hope Foundation
Gumboot Friday
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)
Kua rite au – I’m ready
Kei te tatari au – I’m waiting
Netball Thanks
The Year 3 – Year 4 netball season has now finished.
Thank you to the coaches – namely Stefanie Meaclem, Bridie Wall, Grace Beissel, Lusia Duseigneur Alaiasa and Poppy Lou, who gave up their time to help the players in these teams develop new skills and most importantly have a lot of fun. Also, our gratitude goes out to the team managers – Justine Jacobs and Chantel Lynch, and scorers – Saara Fourie, Gina van Reenen, James Willis and Jasmyn Direen, your work was invaluable!
Last but not least, thank you to all the supporters who turned up with these players each week. Without the commitment of all parties we would not be able to have teams participate.
TE MOANA FUNDRAISING
Hot Chocolate
Midweek Munchies
👉 Please send your child with a gold coin so they can enjoy a tasty treat and help our fundraiser.
Calendar Art
Calendar Art Orders Are Now Open!
Our students have been busy creating vibrant, original artworks, and now you can turn their masterpieces into lasting keepsakes! Choose from a range of personalised items including 2026 calendars, diaries, greeting cards, mouse pads, and sketch pads. These make thoughtful gifts for whānau and friends, or a special memento to treasure at home. All profits will go towards helping cover the costs of the Te Moana camp in Term 4, so every order supports a great cause!
Orders can be placed through KINDO. Please make sure to return the form to school, even if you’re paying online. Orders close Friday, 15th August.
Thank you for supporting our young artists and contributing to this important fundraising effort!
Recent Student Achievements
Acers Netball Team: The PBS Acers attended the Te Ara Tuakana Maidstone Invitational Tournament 2 on Sunday and did an incredible job finishing first in their division. They won 5 games to get through to a tense final against Palmerston North Team Whakarongo. Ceejay Huriwaka won the tournament player of the day for the team with an outstanding performance in defence as voted by the opposition. Thanks to our coaches, PBS AIMS committee, our team umpire, and all our whānau that supported us on the day. Well done to our amazing netball team!
Recent Student Achievements
Jewels Netball Team: The Jewels netball girls have worked exceptionally hard this season. We have seen a huge improvement to their game play this season and they ended the season undefeated (9 wins & 1 draw). Well done girls!
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 - 27 August
Author Alley
