"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora whānau 
Every term, our syndicate leaders compile a review for the Board, showcasing how classes and teams are working towards the goals in our Strategic Plan. At last night’s Board meeting, I was proud to share this report with our new Board members — it highlighted the many rich learning opportunities available to students at PBS.
It never fails to amaze me how broad and vibrant our school’s programmes are. Our teachers and support staff put so much energy and creativity into providing students with experiences that spark curiosity and growth. Honestly, I often find myself thinking — I wish I’d gone to PBS as a child!
Please keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Reminder of Strike Action (next week)
- 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
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
If you’ve been in the school grounds lately, you may have noticed some exciting new additions to our Te Moana mural. As part of the Year 5–6 “Wicked Wednesday” programme, students designed their own sea creatures and, over several weeks, brought them to life using recycled materials such as bottle caps, buttons, and old CDs.
The result is a vibrant collection of 3D creations that add even more life and colour to our mural. A big thank you to Vanessa Brewer and JT for guiding and supporting our young makers in the process!
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Eloise – Rm 25
Maribern – Rm 4
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/
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 to my staff and I. This negotiation is focused on ensuring that teacher 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.
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.
Outstanding Achiever Award
Greetings all
Paraparaumu Beach School Board is now seeking nominations for this year’s Outstanding Achiever Award.
The purpose of this award is to acknowledge students who have achieved at a very high level, and to promote these students as role models throughout our school community in a manner that reflects and incorporates our school CREST values. We encourage nominations from Years 4-8 students.
Click here OAA 2025 for the PDF letter outlining in more details the award and nomination form. The nomination forms are also available on our website and paper copies are available at the school office. Nominations close at 3pm on Friday, 21 November.
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)
Meinga! Meinga! – Is that so!
Āe mārikai! – For sure!
Ka tau kē! – Fantastic!
Touch Rugby
The touch rugby season starts next week:
- 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
If you have not heard from your child’s touch coach yet, please let me know.
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. Please contact the office to discuss borrowing a top if this is not financially possible, as we have a limited number available to lend.
Netball
There are still a number of Netball shirts and shorts outstanding. Can you please return all clean shirts and shorts as soon as possible.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to PBS! Between 28 and 31 October, we invite you to come to the Hihi Room (opposite the sandpit) before and after school to purchase a variety of books, craft kits, posters, and fun stationery items. This could be a great opportunity to support the school and sort some Christmas presents at the same time. EFTPOS will be available.
Keep an eye out for a special guest strolling around the school promoting the book fair on one of those mornings!
Ice Blocks for Sale
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
Kāpiti Half Marathon
🏃 The Kāpiti Half is only 1 month away! 🏃
Our PBS Team is growing fast — we’re currently the third largest team with 31 participants already signed up! 🎉
Want to see your name printed on your race bib? Make sure you register by Thursday, 24th October to meet the deadline. There’s still time to join the fun — whether you’re running, walking or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a great way to celebrate community, fitness and whanaungatanga!
👉 Join the PBS Team using the link below and share it with your whānau and friends. Let’s see if we can make PBS the biggest team at the event!
🌟 Event 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/
