Kia ora koutou

This Friday is PINK SHIRT day!  Paraparaumu Beach school students and staff have always supported the kaupapa behind this event in big numbers; I’m sure this year will be no different. This year’s specific theme is “Kindness is Cool”! This is a simple message, but a really important one. Helping students understand that kindness is not just about big gestures—it’s about the choices they make every day. 

As kids grow, they gradually develop the ability to see the world from another person’s perspective. This important social skill is the beginnings of empathy, which helps kids understand how others might be feeling and how their words and actions can impact those around them. At PBS, we support this growth by encouraging students to reflect and “put themselves in someone else’s shoes.” Whether it’s including someone in a game, noticing when a classmate is upset, or choosing kind words during a disagreement, these moments help build caring, respectful relationships.

Kindness is not just a behaviour—it’s a skill that develops over time and strengthens through practise. As always, this links closely to our CREST values, particularly Manaakitanga (Respect) and Mahi Tahi (Team Work).

Keep reading this newsletter for information on:

• SUPPORT STAFF week!
• Pink Shirt Day
• Te Motu Camp Fundraisers

Upcoming dates of importance:

• Friday, 29 May – Teacher only day at PBS – School closed for instruction
• Monday, 1 June – King’s Birthday – school closed

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

This week is SUPPORT STAFF week and here at PBS we are so very grateful for the teamwork and commitment to excellence our support staff demonstrate everyday.  Here’s a poem of gratitude to our team!

THE SECRET
The secret at PBS that everyone knows,
The school runs smoothly because of those
In our support crew, behind the scenes,
Making kids smile and surfaces gleam.

Our Office Angels know the drill,
The comms to issue, the forms to fill.
Answering phones before first bell,
Handling queries incredibly well.
Attendance checked, payroll done,
Baking comps and Elven fun.
Newsletters flying out on cue,
Bills all paid before they’re due.
Fixing website bits and glitches,
Bandaging grazes, bumps and stitches.
Teapot filled and biscuits out…
Honestly, we’d fall apart without!

Now look, here’s the T.A. crew,
No problem they can’t get us through.
Talented, capable and uber kind,
Unstoppable when their skills combine.
Assisting learners at every step, 
In thoughtful ways with careful prep.
Offering patience when learning new stuff
There with a hug when emotions are tough.
Hidden capes and hero masks,
Breaking big skills into small tasks.
For teachers, they’re a listening ear,
Keeping them going through the year.

Then there’s the Janny — legend status,
Fixing things before they break us.
If something leaks or breaks or jams,
He appears with the perfect tool in hand.
Spinning yarns and pulling pranks,
Yet his hard work earns our thanks.
Unblocking toilets and mowing lawns,
Puts in long hours with barely a yawn.
Mitre Ten know him by name,
Rather be at Fishing and Game.
Keeps our kura looking tip-top,
But really the dad jokes need to stop!

Then after all our kids have left,
Another hardworking crew start their shift.
Bins are emptied, vacuums come out,
Dusters and mops go round n’ about.
Filling buckets, to spray and wipe,
Cleaning a school, there’s no hype.
And surviving Trask’s jokes along the way
Should frankly come with extra pay!

To you all, who help with a thousand things
Without demanding praise or wings.
The people who just make it work —
No fuss, no drama, just hard work.
So here’s our thanks — enormous, true —
PBS runs well thanks to you.