"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora PBS Whānau
It was great to see so many PBS parents at NZ Psychologist Kathryn Berkett’s free education evening on “Raising Resilient Children” last week. I found her information on “red brain / green brain” and tolerable stress incredibly insightful.
For those unable to attend, Kathryn shared her “red brain / green brain” model, which helps us understand why children sometimes struggle to think clearly, manage emotions, or make good choices — especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
When kids feel safe, calm and connected, their “green brain” is switched on and ready for learning, reasoning and cooperation. But when they’re tired, stressed, or unsure what’s happening, their “red brain” can take over. In this state, they’re operating in survival mode, which means it’s much harder for them to listen, problem-solve or regulate their behaviour — even if they want to.
A key message for parents was that connection and predictability at home make a big difference. Simple things like clear routines, calm tone, short check-ins, and pausing during tense moments can help bring children back into “green brain” mode. This doesn’t make challenges disappear, but it gives kids the best chance to cope, learn and bounce back. If you’re interested in more, Kathryn’s new book is on sale now.
Please keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Teaching Teams for 2026
- Farewelling Staff
- Coloured Sand Products update
- PBS Christmas Giving Tree – have you got a gift to place underneath it?
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Wednesday, 10 December – Whole school End of Year assembly 9.15am – All Welcome
- Tuesday, 16 December – Last day of the school year. School closes at 12.30pm
Ngā mihi nui
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
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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
There’s been an abundance of awesome achievements to celebrate recently…
We were brilliantly entertained yesterday morning by acts in our Performing Arts showcase, including Kapa Haka, Choir, our Senior Dance troupe, our 48 hour film festival entry, Wearable Arts and talented Hand Bell musicians! The hours of practice behind the scenes for each of the groups was evident; they can all be immensely proud of themselves.
In addition, Pranav Nayanar took out the Senior Speech Cup last week with his stunning speech on the life of Nelson Mandela. The judges were unanimous in their decision to award Pranav; a sign of his excellence in this academic pursuit. Ka Rawe!
But wait there’s more….Congratulations to all who participated in the KIWI Spelling Bee Competition this year. We were delighted to receive the news that Devin Direen (Merit), Pranav Nayanar (Merit) and Carter Harris (Excellence) all achieved such success!
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/
Teaching Teams for 2026
As communicated in earlier newsletters, we are moving from four syndicate teams down to three from 2026 to match the three phases of the refreshed curriculum.
Tātahi Team (Phase 1) will be led by Rachel McDowell. Rachel’s team will include; Cristie Gray, Rebecca Jackson, Nicola Jarvis, Laura Powell, Sandy Saunders, Sarah Smith/Hannah Field, Kathryn Siversen, and Cherie Parker/Tara Vertongen.
Te Moana Team (Phase 2) will be led by Vanessa Brewer. Vanessa’s team will include; Jalah Davis, Hillary Houston, Jo Mackay, Di Puati, and Bek Sutherland.
Te Motu Team (Phase 3) will be led by Cath Franks. Cath’s team will include; David Parr, Teresa Robertson, Colin Siversen and Caty Spencer
NB: On Wednesday, 10 December, we will be holding transition visits. This means all students will get to meet their teacher and classmates for 2026.
Farewelling Staff
Unfortunately, we had more people than teaching positions for 2026. Therefore, we will be saying farewell to fixed term teaching staff Jessie Webb and Lizette van den Berg.
We are so very grateful for all Jessie and Lizette have achieved in their time at PBS. Their energy and enthusiasm have added immensely to team spirit, which will be very much missed by staff and students alike. We wish them all the best for 2026 and beyond!
Coloured Sand Products Update
Following last week’s communication about possible asbestos contamination in coloured sand products, it was wonderful to receive the good news on Friday.
As a precaution, all coloured sand products—regardless of brand—were removed from our school. An accredited asbestos testing team completed thorough testing of every space where these materials were stored or used. I am very pleased to share that all results came back clear, which means all classes are back in their usual rooms this week.
I want to acknowledge how incredibly well our staff and students coped with the sudden upheaval. Their calm, positive, and “let’s make the best of it” attitude was truly impressive. A special mention goes to Room 7, who not only embraced the challenge but turned it into an adventure—pitching tents out on the school field and creating a memorable learning experience. In fact, they’ve enjoyed it so much that, despite their classroom now being available, the tents are still up! A wonderful example of initiative, flexibility, and growth mindset in action.
A huge thank you to our staff for their professionalism and to our students for their adaptability and enthusiasm. Ka pai hoki koutou!
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
Kia ara te ua – Don’t give up
Kia kaha – Be strong
Ko koe tonu a runga! – You’re the bomb
PBS Christmas Giving Tree
We are giving Santa a helping hand again this year as his finances are stretched!
To do this, we will be setting up a Christmas Giving Tree in the school office. If you’d like to contribute, simply wrap a small gift, attach a note with the age and type of child who might enjoy it, and pop it into the office. Our PBS elves will make sure it finds its way to a child who could use a little extra Christmas magic this year.
Touch Rugby
TOUCH RUGBY
Reminder: Next week, December 2nd & 3rd, is the final round for the first leg of the touch season. Due to the Year 5 & 6 camp next week, our U12s teams (PBS Mako, Kaha & Taika) are down to have a bye, so this week is their last game until next year.
A huge thank you to Clare Pringle, who over the years has coached many PBS touch teams. This is her final season with one of our Year 8 teams. Ngā mihi nui!
New Entrant Parent Information Presentation – Tātahi Syndicate
A New Entrant Information Presentation will be held for all parents of new children on Friday, 5 December from 10am – 10.30am in the school staffroom.
This session will:
- provide an overview of the ‘Transition to School’
- provide an overview of the New Entrant Programme in reading, writing and mathematics
- highlight how you can help at home with learning
In Tātahi Syndicate, we believe that successful partnerships between home and school are established when both parties have a shared expectation and knowledge of their child’s learning.
We would love to see you there.
Yr 7 Immunisations
Our public health nurses are coming to school on 28 November 2025 to continue with the immunisation programme for Year 7 tamariki.
- If you have changed your mind or your child’s medical situation has changed please contact us at gw-nphsimmunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949
- If you have not yet consented, but want to, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us
- If you declined the vaccines last year but you have changed your mind and you now want your year 8 child to receive the vaccine(s) please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us
- If your Year 8 child missed out last year and you would like them to catch up on their vaccinations, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us
- If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at gwnphsimmunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949
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.
Ezlunch
Please note that the final day for ordering Ezlunch will be Friday, 12 December and the first day for ordering next year will be Monday, 9 February 2026.
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 Women’s Triathlon – Special Student Offer
We are pleased to share a fantastic opportunity for our students to take part in the 2026 Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon. This wellknown local event celebrates movement, confidence, and community.
The organisers are offering exclusive student pricing for school-aged girls in the 5km and 10km run/walk events to help make participation more accessible:
- 5km Run/Walk – $5 entry fee
- 10km Run/Walk – $10 entry fee
When registering, students can use the following codes to receive the discounted rate:
- SCHOOL5KM for the 5km event
- SCHOOL10KM for the 10km event
This is a great chance for students to set a personal goal, have fun with friends, and be part of a supportive women’s event here on the Kāpiti Coast. Whether they are experienced runners or giving something new a go, they will be welcomed and encouraged on the day.
If we have enough interest, we will create a PBS team so we can participate in the event together. Contact Hillary Houston at hhouston@pbs.school.nz if you require more information.
Come and join the Kāpiti Bike Bus in the Christmas on the Coast Parade
If you cycle or want to cycle to school please come and join the Kāpiti Bike Bus ‘ride-along’ at the Christmas Parade on Saturday, 13 December. It’s a great chance to be a part of the Festival, and for parents to meet up with the Bike Bus team and learn how easy it is to set up your own cycle-to-school Bike Bus. There will be some special Christmas treats for all, and it will be a great way of sharing with the Kāpiti community that cycling is a
great way of starting every school day.
To register please click on this link
Nga mihi,
Richard Young and the Kāpiti Bike Bus team
