"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora 
We have enjoyed a great start back at school this year. It’s nice to see the kids eager and settling into their new classes.
One change we’ve made for 2026 is moving back to a shared lunch break across the whole school. Since Covid, we’ve had split lunch times, but with a smaller roll than we had in 2020 and a growing sense of separation between our junior and senior students, it felt like the right time to bring everyone back together.
Over the past week we’ve been closely monitoring how this has been going, and we’re very pleased with what we’re seeing so far. The atmosphere has been positive, and the children have adjusted with ease. As with any school-wide change, we’ll continue to make small adjustments where needed—for example, rostering access to spaces like the sandpit or scooter court if areas become crowded.
It’s worth noting that students already spend morning tea together each day, so for them this hasn’t felt like a big shift. We see this change as a positive step towards strengthening our sense of school community, and we’ll keep a close eye on it to ensure it continues to work well for everyone.
Speaking of connecting, we hope you’ve got the date for our school picnic in your diary; we’d love to see you there!
Keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Road Safety around the school
- Attendance and Punctuality
- 2027 Senior Camp
- Free Piano
- Touch Rugby
- Waitārere Forest Run
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Tuesday, 17 February – Board Meeting 6.30pm (staffroom)
- Thursday, 26 February – School Picnic 4pm-7pm (more details coming soon)
- Wednesday, 18 March – PTA AGM 7pm (staffroom)
Ngā mihi nui
Jess Ward
Principal – Tumuaki
P.S. Got a suggestion? Let us know through our online suggestion box.
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Jean and Aela – Rm 12
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/
Road Safety Around the School
So far, most drivers who are dropping off children at school have remembered the clearways and drop-and-go zones around our school, which have been in place since 2016.
However, one issue we have seen on the rise is drivers stopping on the yellow lines, in front of our Gray Ave staff carpark gate, to let their child/ren out of the car. Please refrain from doing this for two reasons, firstly, by doing this you impede the sight of the student on road patrol on the school side of the road. Secondly, you are breaking the road code, which can result in two fines. The first ‘stopped/parked on broken yellow lines’ and the second ‘stopped/parked within 6 metres of a pedestrian crossing’.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.
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 phrases a try this week:
Kei te mahana i te rangi nei – It’s warm today
E wera ana a waho – It’s hot outside
Kātahi te rangi pai hei kauhoe – It’s a perfect day for swimming
He rangi paki e puta ai ki waho – Perfect weather to be outside
Attendance: Every Day Matters- Let’s Set Our Tamariki Up for Success
The Ministry of Education has introduced the “Stepped Attendance Response (STAR)” process for schools to follow when managing student attendance. As you can see in the chart below, the Government has set a target for 80% of students attending school regularly. Regular attendance is regarded as 90% of the time.
Here’s some information to help put attendance into context:
- 90% attendance means missing one day of school every fortnight, the equivalent of four school weeks in a year.
- 80% attendance means missing one day of school every week, the equivalent of eight school weeks in a year.
- 70% attendance means missing one and a half days per week, the equivalent of 12 school weeks in a year.
As outlined in last week’s newsletter, there are many benefits to attending school regularly. Let’s work together to support our tamariki to achieve this year.
Absences - How to Contact Us
If your child will be absent from school there are a number of ways you can let us know. It is important that you make contact and include an explanation as to why your child is away from school. Firstly, for safety and wellbeing purposes and secondly, as we are required to code absenteeism for the Ministry of Education. If you choose to email your child’s teacher, please copy the office in on the email so that everyone is kept in the loop and the correct code can be applied.
If your child is going to be absent during term time, for a family event or trip, parents/ caregivers need to complete a ‘Student Leave form’. Forms are available on our website under the Information tab https://www.pbs.school.nz/student-leave-form/
List of contact information for PBS:
- To ring the school office: (04) 298 5775
- To text the school cell phone: 027 755 7915
- Email: office@pbs.school.nz
- Message via the HERO app
Movin' March
PBS is taking part in Movin’ March again this year, beginning on Monday, 2 March. Walk or wheel to school, participate in class and school challenges, and be in to win spot prizes.
We will finish Movin’ March with Fancy Feet and Wheels Day at the end of term. Details will follow later in the term, so keep an eye on the newsletter!
Fundraising Ventures for Yr 7/8 Camp in March 2027
A reminder to parents of current Year 6 and 7 Students that on Wednesday, 18 February in Room 14 at 3.15 pm we will be holding our first meeting for parents/caregivers who are able to help with fundraising ventures for Camp in March 2027.
If you are unable to make it but you are interested in helping out or you are able to offer an item or a service to raffle or help towards fundraising, please email Julia Nelson –
jnelson@pbs.school.nz with your details.
Vision & Hearing Testing
Vision and hearing testing will take place for Yrs 1-6 students on 17 February.
PTA AGM
Join us for the PBS PTA Annual General Meeting on 18 March 2026 at 7:00pm in the school staffroom.
New members are always welcome—come along, meet the team, and see how you can be part of making a difference at PBS.
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
Free Piano
We have a piano at school that is surplus to requirements. If you would like it and want to view/test it out, please pop into the school office to enquire.
Touch Rugby
Join the PBS Team at the Waitārere Forest Run!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, 29 March 29 and come along for a fun-filled day at the annual Waitārere Forest Run! Whether you’re a keen runner or just keen to get moving, there’s something for everyone – from a 2km kids’ run right through to a 21km challenge. Walk or run, it’s totally up to you!
Our tamariki are excited and keen to take part, so let’s show our support by getting whānau and friends involved and enjoying the day together. 💙
✨ Why join the PBS Team?
✔️ 20% OFF your registration
✔️ Free finisher’s t-shirt
✔️ Finisher’s medal
👉 Register here:
https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/1275?invitation=LkpqyjhXNOIDtl4D&voucher=TEAMENTRY
📧 For any questions, contact Hillary Houston at hhouston@pbs.school.nz
KCU Junior Football
Kāpiti Women's Triathlon
