"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Hello Everyone
I read an interesting article in The Conversation recently called “How to encourage a child to try new, scary things”, which made me reflect on how to push kids out of their comfort zone. Whether it’s cross country, a speech presentation, or trying a new activity many kids feel anxious when faced with things they perceive as challenging.
As adults, it can be tempting to either push children through their fears or let them avoid the situation altogether. This article suggests that the most helpful approach is often somewhere in the middle: acknowledging their worries while gently encouraging them to take small, manageable steps forward.
The goal is not to raise fearless children. Rather, for children to learn that feeling nervous is normal, that courage means trying even when things feel difficult, and that they are capable of doing hard things one step at a time. The article link is below if you’re interested in reading more.
Keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Year 7 Vision Screening
- Changes to Year 7/8 Immunisation Programme
- Fundraising
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Friday, 3 July – Last day of Term 2
- Monday, 20 July – First day of Term 3
- Wednesday, 29 July – Learning conferences throughout the day (school closed for instruction)
NB: For your awareness: Term 4 – Friday, 23 October school closed for our second Curriculum day (as gifted by the Minister for Education)
Warm regards
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
Self-management and teamwork are important skills that we work hard to develop in our PBS Kids. This morning, while spending time in one of our junior classrooms, I was impressed by the students’ tidy-up routine. After a busy learning session involving a wide range of materials, every child played their part in packing up. Within minutes, the classroom was back to looking immaculate.
It was a great reminder that great habits don’t happen by chance. Clear routines and expectations help kids develop these values.
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Andre Lucas – Rm 12
Zara – Rm 22
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/
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:
Nē hā? – Really?
E kī rā! – True!
He aha hoki! – No way!
Koia! – Exactly!
Me pērā ka tika! – Fair enough!
Chess Club
Yesterday our Chess Club were lucky enough to have Gordon Lyall come and share some of his knowledge and tips with our keen chess players. Gordon is a prominent figure in the Wellington and Kapiti chess scene. He is a certified FIDE Instructor, National Arbiter, and the president of the Kapiti Chess Club. He is also the founder of Crazy Horse Chess, which promotes junior chess in the greater region.
Next week some of our chess members will be representing PBS at the Wellington regional interschool events. Best of luck players!
The Big Sing
Last Wednesday, the PBS Choir took the train to Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre to watch ‘The Big Sing’ secondary school competition. It was a fantastic, inspiring day out for our young singers to experience diverse musical styles and vocal techniques.
A huge thank you to the amazing parent volunteers who came along to help. We couldn’t do it without you!
Midweek Munchies
Delicious morning tea treats will be available for the next three Wednesdays. Yummy home baking and treats from 50c – $2. Fundraising for Te Motu Camp 2027.
Disco for Years 0-2
Year 0, 1 and 2 are you getting ready for your lunchtime Disco this Friday? It will be lots of fun so make sure you buy your tickets on KINDO by Thursday night.
Hotdog Fundraiser Thanks
Thank you to all of those who have supported our 2027 Te Motu Camp Hot Dog Fundraiser.
A special thank you to our AWESOME chefs, for giving up their time during their Friday’s to come cook and prepare all the hot dogs:
- Bilyana Todorova
- Hayley Cooksley
- Robert Latimer
- Fiona Turner
- Jaimee Phelps
Year 7 Vision Screening - Info for Parents
Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ provides a vision screening programme for all Year 7 students.
- Vision – pupils will be advised of results at the time of screening. If further assessment is recommended you will be notified by mail
- Children who wear glasses and/or are under professional care and have regular checks will not require a vision check from our service
Non-consent – please notify your school if you do not want your child being screened.
This screening is not a full assessment of your child’s vision. If you have any concerns, please see an optometrist.
Changes to the School-Based Immunisation Programme (SBIP) for Yr 7/8 Students
It is important that families are aware of this change to understand how HPV vaccination will be delivered from Term 3 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
