"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora whānau
Welcome to Term 4! With the school year ending at lunchtime on Tuesday, 16 December, we have lots to pack in!
REMINDER OF STRIKE ACTION – Thursday, 23 October – Whilst I understand that Strike Action by educators can cause frustration for parents and caregivers, I wish to pass on my thanks to you. Thank you for the support my staff and I have already received from our community and thanks for going out of your way to make other care arrangements for your children on this day.
Your continued support of our team and the wider education sector means a great deal; it means you understand how hard this job can be as well as how dedicated we are to delivering the best outcomes. This negotiation is focused on ensuring that other pay keeps pace with the cost of living, and on addressing the increasingly complex demands of our work—issues we are urging the government to take seriously.
Please keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Class Request Process for 2026 (for exceptional circumstances)
- Syndicate Structures for 2026
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Thursday, 23 October – Teachers, Teacher Aides and School Leaders on STRIKE
- Tuesday, 28 October – Friday, 31 October – Scholastic Book Fair at PBS
- Touch Rugby news
- Student Achievement news
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
This term Ms Ward has asked the students to be more diligent in flushing the toilets after use! This goal takes RESPECT, SELF MANAGEMENT and TEAMWORK. Can parents please reinforce this message at home so we can achieve this simple goal at school. Thank you
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Liam, Sasha, Ada, Luna and Mei – Rm 25 and Cadence – Rm 5
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/
Class Request Process for 2026 - For Exceptional Circumstances
The process of putting class lists together for a new year is an extremely complex and time consuming task. There are many variables to consider, for example; equal class sizes, the gender balance in each class, the distribution of students with social/behaviour and learning needs, medical needs, splitting cousins/siblings, and so on.
In a small school there may only be one class at each level and therefore no opportunity to group students in different ways. In a school our size, whilst we do have the advantage of flexibility, the process takes time and consideration. I can assure you that we act professionally and thoughtfully when placing students in classes. Therefore, we ask that parents are understanding and supportive of the complexities involved.
At PBS we prefer that parents do not submit requests unless there are exceptional circumstances. If parents want us to consider any exceptional circumstances that their child may have in regards to class placement for next year, then the formal process below must be followed:
- Requests must specifically describe the exceptional circumstances around the child’s needs
- It is preferable that parents do not request a specific teacher by name
- Requests must be from the child’s parent/legal guardian
- Requests must be in writing to the Principal jward@pbs.school.nz
- Requests must be received no later than Friday, 17 October
Whilst we allow parents to submit such requests, we do ask in return, that the final decision on class placement (whether or not a request has been met) is both respected and promoted positively by parents to their child.
Thank you, Jess Ward
Syndicate Structures For 2026:
I wanted to let you know about a change we’re making to our school structure for 2026. After working with the Government’s refreshed curriculum documents this year, we have decided to align our syndicates to better fit the new learning phases. This means we will be moving from four syndicates down to three.
The phases are:
- Curriculum Phase 1: Years 0-3 (NB: Tātahi is likely to have a mixture of Year 0-1 classes and Year 2-3 classes)
- Curriculum Phase 2: Years 4-6 (NB:Te Moana is likely to have a mixture of Year 4-5 classes and Year 5-6 classes)
- Curriculum Phase 3: Years 7-8 (NB: Te Motu class structures will remain unchanged)
With this change in mind, our teachers have been brainstorming the aspects of syndicate practices and schoolwide systems that will also require adaptation (e.g. breaktimes, camps, teaching resources).
We believe this change will help us better support our students’ learning as they progress through the school. We will keep you updated as we work through this change.
Out of Zone Applications
Applications are now open for those soon to be five year old students whose birthday falls between 11 November 2025 and 3 July 2026. Applications will close at 4pm on 13 October.
If you have a five year old new entrant due to start school during this time, then please contact the office on 298 5775.
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)
Kāore i kō mai, i kō atu i a koe! – There’s no one better than you!
Taputapu kē! – Cool!
Me he tē! – Like a boss!
Student Council
Ngā mihi to Asher Kelly-Weiser and whānau for their koha of 2 new pickleball bats for our kura! The pickleball court has been a really popular activity at break times.
Here’s the photo of our PBS has got Talent Years 1-4 final held last term. The winners were as follows:
1st place: Dance group – Makena & Daisy Rm 12, Jade (absent from photo) & Isla Rm 10 & Frankie Rm 26
2nd place: Taekwondo – Jackson Rm 6 & Lucas Rm 4
3rd place: Comedy routine – Mitchell Rm 12
Remember our PBS Mascot design competition is still running.
Keep an eye out for our Term 4 events we’re planning:
- Odd Sock Day- Monday, 10 November which is about inclusion and celebrates our differences
- Whānau Groups – end of year whole school fun afternoon- Friday, 21 November
Digitech Corner - BYOD Chromebook Offer
If your child is in Years 5-8, they use a chromebook to access parts of their learning. Affordable refurbished chromebooks are available through Insite Technology. Click the link below. Enter the promo code PBS10 when purchasing to get 10% off. https://insite.co.nz/pages/paraparaumu-beach-school-byod-pbs?_pos=1&_sid=7c64dc3d3&_ss=r
Year 1-6 Girls'Futsal Festival
At the end of last term, many of our Year 1–6 students had a fantastic day at the Girls’ Futsal Interschool Tournament! Teams dressed up in their chosen themes, created team chants to present to the organisers and played plenty of exciting games against schools from across Kapiti.
The event, organised by Capital Football and Kāpiti Primary Sports, was a fun-filled day where our players showed grit, determination, teamwork—and by the end of it, some very cool ball skills. Lots of goals were scored throughout the day and the energy on (and off) the court was awesome!
We were very proud of our teams who were recognised by Capital Football for having the best chants of the day. Each of these teams received their very own futsal football, along with individual Player of the Day awards chosen by the team managers.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful parents who volunteered to manage teams, supervise students, and walk with us to and from the event. Without your support, we couldn’t take part in such fantastic opportunities for our students.
Inter-Regional Cross-Country Champs
A massive congratulations to Lucie Thomson and Angus Wilson who represented the Wellington Region and our school at the Inter-Regional Cross-Country Championships in Christchurch at the end of last term.
Lucie put in an incredible performance to take out 1st place in the Year 7 Girls event, while Angus showed outstanding grit and determination to claim 1st place in the Year 8 AWD Boys event. 🥇🥇
We are so proud of you both for your effort, dedication and amazing achievements on the national stage!
Touch Rugby
The touch rugby season starts in Week 3.
- Tuesday, 21 October for U7, U8 & U10s
- Wednesday, 22 October for U12 & U14
When the draw is finalised, it can be found on the Kapiti Junior Touch Association’s website https://www.sporty.co.nz/kapititouchjunior
Players will need to wear a school t-shirt (example below), black or navy shorts and suitable sports shoes. School shirts can be purchased via KINDO for $50. This can be accessed through our school website or you can purchase, with the correct cash, at the school office.
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
Kāpiti Half Marathon
Don’t miss out on this fantastic community event! The Kāpiti Half Marathon has something for everyone with distances including:🏃♀️ 21km Half Marathon
🏃 10km & 5km
👟 Kids Kick-It 2km
👉 This event is for all fitness levels — you can run or walk, and it’s also suitable for buggies, walkers and wheelchair athletes. We already have 21 members signed up for the PBS Team — let’s make it the biggest team at the event!
Share the link with your whānau and friends so they can join in too.
🌟 Date: Sunday, 9th November 2025
🌟 Location: McLean Park, Paraparaumu
Join the PBS Team today and enjoy a 20% discount (registration link)
For more details, check out the event website: https://kapitihalf.co.nz/
