"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora whānau 
Sorry but I need to be the bearer of frustrating news. Over the weekend, the Ministry of Education released revised versions of the new English and Mathematics curriculum documents. These were published without consultation or prior notice to schools. These publications include significant changes from the versions schools have been working to get to grips with for the past 18 months.
At PBS, our teachers have invested considerable time and effort into professional learning and planning, based on the earlier Ministry direction. This sudden change means that some of that work will now need to be revisited, creating understandable frustration across the education sector. It also means that much of the content teachers covered on ‘curriculum teacher-only days’, when you kindly made other arrangements for your children, is now outdated.
While we remain committed to providing high-quality teaching and learning for all students, the timing and lack of consultation surrounding these updates have created challenges for schools nationwide. So if my team seems frustrated in the coming days, weeks or months you’ll now understand why.
As always, we appreciate your understanding and support in all education matters. You really are the best PBS whānau!
Please keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Passing of Stanley Goodright
Upcoming dates of importance:
- THIS THURSDAY – Teachers, Teacher Aides and School Leaders on STRIKE. School Closed.
- 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
Te Moana’s EPRO8 Challenge Success
Last week, all students took part in the exciting EPRO8 Challenge, working in teams to
design, build, and problem-solve their way through a range of engineering tasks. The top
teams and standout individuals then competed in the school finals held yesterday.
We are proud to congratulate Aglika Angelova, Matilda Cowper, Jax Coles, and Eli
Chisolm — this year’s Te Moana EPRO8 Champions!
Second place went to Nico Van Reenen, Hayley Kirton, Lilly Watt, and Benny Ransfield,
with Maxwell Willis, Jackson Ferris, Damen Smithson and Zachary Willis in third.
A huge congratulations also to our winning team, who will represent Te Moana at the
interschool event on Thursday, 30 October, alongside Cayden Turner, Nico Van
Reenen, Maxwell Willis and Benny Ransfield.
Ka pai, everyone — your creativity and teamwork were inspiring!
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Kalani – Rm 1
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/
Passing of Stanley Goodright
Last week we heard of the passing of Stanley Goodright. Stan was a kind and generous benefactor of many schools on the Kapiti Coast. Thanks to Stan we have a wonderful outdoor stage, new paving dividing areas ready to plant, new Kapa Haka uniforms and sound systems.
Stan lived an incredibly rich 95 years. He was passionate about the environment, music and education. We will continue with our plans to establish the landscape projects he enabled us to embark on with gratitude.
Rest in peace, Stan.
Outstanding Achiever Award
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.
The nomination forms are available on Hero, our website and paper copies are available at the school office. Nominations close at 3pm on Friday, 21 November.
Click here OAA 2025 for the PDF letter outlining in more details the award and nomination form.
Next Week's Newsletter
Please note that next week’s newsletter will be published on Thursday and not Tuesday.
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)
Give these kīwaha (idioms) a try this week
Meinga! Meinga! – Is that so!
Hoea tō waka! – Off you go!
Hurō! – Hooray!
Digitech Corner
Linewize, who provide some of our online cyber safety tools, have created a parent hub for our parent community. This is an excellent space to learn more about how you can best support your child and keep them safe when online. Please take some time to check it out. There’s great advice around a variety of things such as parental controls, social media, gaming and online bullying.
Touch Rugby
The touch rugby season kicks off today!
- Tuesday, 21 October for U7, U8 & U10s
- Wednesday, 22 October for U12 & U14
The draw 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, 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.
Any cancellations due to the weather will be posted on the Kapiti Junior Touch Facebook page. We will share this on via our school’s Facebook page and HERO platform.
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.
It's Bucket Hat Term
This term will hopefully be warm and sunny! This means students will need bucket hats. Bucket hats are worn during Terms 1 & 4 at PBS as part of our sun smart safety procedure and can be purchased through Kindo or at the office with correct cash ($15 each).
Thank you for helping us to keep your child sunsafe.
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!
Iceblocks for Sale
Iceblocks will be for sale on Wednesday lunchtimes for $1 each outside Room 1. This is fundraising for the Year 5 and 6 Camps.
PTA Grocery Grab Fundraiser – Win the Ultimate Supermarket Dash!
The PTA is excited to announce our annual Grocery Grab Fundraiser!
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 – Three Weeks To Go
The Kāpiti Half Marathon is just around the corner — taking place on Sunday, 9 November 2025 — and our PBS Team is now the largest team with an incredible 55 participants! If you haven’t registered yet, make sure to do so by this Thursday to get your name printed on your race bib.
There’s an event for everyone — whether you’re running or walking the 21km, 10km, 5km, or joining in the Kids Kick-It 2km. The course is flat, scenic and perfect for all fitness levels.
👉 Join the PBS Team today and be part of the biggest team at the event! Share the link with your whānau and friends and let’s make this an unforgettable day on the Kāpiti Coast. Link to Register
Whitby Collegiate Info Evening
Whitby Collegiate are delighted to invite you to our Information Evening at 9 Milne Drive, Paraparaumu on Tuesday, 28 October at 6:30pm.
Whitby Collegiate is proud to provide outstanding academic outcomes within a strong, supportive environment for students in Years 7–13.
Join us to learn more about what makes our school unique and how we can support your child’s educational journey.
Board Available
“Up to three bedrooms available to board in furnished house close to school, owner in outside room. Short or longer term considered. Please text if interested and I will contact you – 022 679 4284.
