"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia Ora koutou 
One thing our school community is rich in is KINDNESS. It’s something we work hard to promote amongst our students. When we know someone is in need we try to give some additional support because not everyone’s circumstances are the same. We do our best as a school to ensure every child has equal opportunities regardless of finance or personal circumstance. Our PBS AROHA fund was set up to enable our whole community to offer support to such families.
The PBS AROHA fund enables anyone in our school community, including businesses, to donate money to help those in our school community who are finding it hard to make ends meet or those who are experiencing tough personal circumstances. This fund enables our school to support these families in some small way. In recent times we have used this fund to purchase food/gift vouchers, cover trip costs, camp fees, sport fees and stationery. It also means that we can provide lunches when kids don’t have any.
If you would like to contribute to this fund you can find it in KINDO labelled PBS AROHA. You can contribute $5, $10 or $20 at any time during the year. If a local business wants to make a contribution they can contact Debbie on dweekes@pbs.school.nz
If you would like to know more about our PBS AROHA fund please do not hesitate to call, drop in or send me an email on jward@pbs.school.nz All discussions will be confidential.
Giving a little means a lot!
Keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Notification of Term 2 Teacher only day
- Parent Education Evening – tell us what you’re interested to learn about
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Tomorrow, Wednesday, 1 April – Whole School Assembly and Wheels Parade from 9.15am
- Term 1 finishes at 3pm on Thursday, 2 April
- Monday, 20 April – Term 2 starts
- Monday, 27 April – ANZAC day – School Closed
- Friday, 29 May – Teacher only day at PBS – School closed for instruction
See you in Term 2!
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
Term 1 has been absolutely wonderful!
Our PBS students have impressed us with their participation, achievements, and positive attitudes. Ngā mihi nui to our staff, whose teamwork has created cool learning experiences and opportunities for PBS kids. The student achievement certificates displayed in my office window represent just a small glimpse of the many successes we’ve celebrated this term.
Last week, as part of their inquiry, Rooms 7 & 8 followed the storm water drains from our school down to the ocean and collected rubbish along the way. So much great learning took place. Thank you to our parent community who have helped out with the many school trips and events this term!
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/
Notification of Term 2 Teacher Only Day
With major changes to the English and Mathematics curriculums last year teachers countrywide are still trying to develop a full understanding of all the new content. To address this the Minister of Education has given schools two additional “Curriculum days” (Teacher-only days) to use during the year for our professional learning.
At PBS we will be taking the first of these days on Friday, 29 May (attached to King’s Birthday weekend). As school will be closed for instruction on this date parents will need to make alternative arrangements for childcare.
Our teachers will be using this particular day to focus on new expectations for teaching the writing process and the associated assessments components.
Thank you in advance for your support of my team who are doing their very best to understand and deliver these significant curriculum changes.
School Board Update - Term 1, 2026
Kia ora students, whānau and our wider school community, a quick update from your Board as we settle into the year.
Building Our Team
We’re enjoying working together as a newly elected Board, and members have completed specific governance training to strengthen how we support the school. We’re committed to ongoing learning so we can serve our community well.
Policy and Governance
We’ve completed a Strategic Plan review. Several key policies including Attendance, the Privacy Policy, Code of Conduct, Engagement, Communications, and the Financial Management Framework are being reviewed and updated. Updates to these will ensure alignment with Ministry of Education expectations and continue to prioritise student wellbeing and good stewardship.
Property and School Environment
Recently completed projects:
- The students are now enjoying the refurbished bathrooms in the senior block
- Interim roofing repairs for a leak-proof winter
- A school-wide electrical upgrade is now complete
Continuing projects:
- Stormwater upgrades are still in the planning stage.
- Planning for a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) project continues in conjunction with the PTA.
- A new large roofing project is also entering the planning phase, and we’ll keep you updated as timelines and details are confirmed.
Finance & Stewardship
We continue to monitor the school’s finances carefully and ensure resources are used responsibly. The Board must provide oversight for larger projects to make sure they’re well‑planned and sustainable. In the face of rising operational costs, we’re pleased to report that the school remains in a stable financial position.
Our Amazing Staff
The Board is incredibly grateful for the hard work of the teachers and wider staff, especially with regard to implementing curriculum assessment and reporting changes.
We look forward to keeping you updated, and wish you a lovely holiday break.
Nga mihi nui
Sarah Hinder-Boyd (Presiding Member) on behalf of Paraparaumu Beach School Board
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:
Kia pai ngā hararei – Happy holiday
Ngā mihi o te Aranga – Easter greetings
Hari Aranga – Happy Easter
Hēki Aranga – Easter egg
Rāpeti Aranga – Easter bunny
Kimi hēki Aranga – Easter egg hunt
Parenting Support
Parent Education Evening – What would you like to learn more about?
Parents often ask us, “What do all the curriculum changes actually mean for my child?”
Over the past two years the Ministry of Education has been refreshing the New Zealand Curriculum. While curriculum documents for all learning areas (Arts, Science, Technology, Health/PE and others) are being rewritten, the English and Mathematics curriculum changes are the ones impacting schools most significantly right now. Changes to assessment and reporting are also taking place this year and will continue through to 2027.
With all this change happening, teachers are working hard to stay on top of what needs to be taught and how learning will be assessed. At the same time, we want to ensure that parents and whānau feel well informed and understand what these changes mean for their children.
To support this, I am planning a Parent Education Evening in Term 2. The aim of the evening would be to share information about the curriculum updates and give parents the opportunity to learn more about other aspects of learning and teaching at our school.
To help us plan the evening, we would really value your feedback. Please click on the survey link below and tell us what you would most like to learn more about as a parent.
Depending on the responses we receive, we may set the evening up so parents can visit a number of classrooms or information stands to talk with teachers and gather information about different topics.
Please take a minute to complete the survey and let us know what would be most helpful for you – click here
Out of Zone Applications
If you have any children due to start school soon that you have not let us know about, or if you have friends or neighbours who don’t currently have a child at PBS, but may be hoping to enrol a student here in Terms 3 or 4 2026, please ask them to contact our school office as soon as possible. Thank you.
The process for “Out-of-Zone” applications for Terms 3 and 4 2026 five year old new entrant students is now open. Applications close on Monday, 27 April.
Moving March & Wheels Day Tomorrow!
Our Wheels Day will be Wednesday, 1 April and our school parade will follow the Whole School assembly on Wednesday morning. There will be lots of spot prizes plus prizes for the best dress ups and best dressed bikes. A great way to celebrate the end of Term 1!
Student Council
Tomorrow we will be hosting our whole school assembly (Wednesday, 1 April) at 9:15am (weather permitting). Feel free to come along and join us. The Sports Ambassadors will be holding the Fancy Feet and Wheels Day Parade straight after.
To celebrate the last day of term we’ll be encouraging everyone to wear their Whānau Colours (Thursday, 2 April). Points for Whānau Groups will be awarded for those who put in a super effort.
Next term we will be holding Pink Shirt Day on Friday, 15 May. We’ll share some of our other upcoming events and projects soon!
Ki-o-Rahi Tournament
We had a number of teams take part in the inter school Ki-o-rahi tournament last week. Our tamariki are becoming so good at this kēmu/game that they present tough competition! Here’s a few cool action shots from the day.
Assessment & Reporting Practices Surveys
PBS Runs Strong at the Waitārere Forest Event
Last Sunday, our school community came together to take part in the annual Waitārere Forest Run, showcasing true team spirit and enthusiasm. A fantastic group of 45 participants, made up of teachers, students and their whānau, proudly represented Team PBS across a range of events. From the demanding 21km challenge to the fun and energetic 2km kids’ run, everyone embraced the day with positivity and determination.
While there were some outstanding individual results, it was the smiles, encouragement, and support for one another that truly made the day shine. A huge thank you to all who took part and contributed to the successful event. A special shout out to Mrs Houston for all of your mahi and coordination.
Support PBS PTA Toilet Paper Fundraiser!
Lost Property
Please take a look at all the lost property accumulated already this term! Items will be displayed near the tennis courts on fine days until the end of term.
Ezlunch Easter Draw
Just a reminder that the Ezlunch Easter draw is still running, and your orders are already counting. Every Ezlunch order you place between now and the end of term is another entry in the draw. The more you order, the more chances you have.
A reminder of what’s up for grabs:
- $100, $25, and $10 Kindo credits
- Credits land straight in your account, ready to use
You don’t need to do anything differently. Just keep ordering, and we’ll do the rest.
The Ezlunch Team
Recent Student Achievements
Taekwondo Black Belts: Congratulations on Jack and Alice’s achievement over the weekend in gaining their Junior Black Belts in Taekwondo!
Recent Student Achievements
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
Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser
