"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora koutou
At times, unkind comments are made in the public arena (including parliament) that hurt kids, hurt families, and hurt the majority of Kiwis who appreciate the multicultural make-up of our country.
At PBS, we believe that if you have chosen to make Aotearoa New Zealand your home, then you belong here and we welcome you! We are proud of the growing diversity at PBS. Our students and their families bring different cultures, languages, traditions and experiences which we can all learn from.
Our differences are something to be valued. They make PBS a richer, stronger and more vibrant place for us all. Please know that – YOU BELONG.
Keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- PBS Parent Survey
- Staffing update – Term 4’s New Entrant class
- Super Hero Friday is coming!
- Cupcake Bake off!
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Tuesday, 11 August – Cup Cake Bake off
- Friday, 14 August – Super Hero Friday fundraiser!
- NB: For your awareness: Term 4 – Friday, 23 October for our second Curriculum day (as gifted by the Minister for Education)
Mā te wā
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
Over the last week we have had PBS students involved in some very cool activites including Wearable Arts Showcase at Paraparaumu College, students visiting the KCDC council chambers and meeting the Mayor, and students involved in the 48 Hour Film Competition. Thanks to the staff who have made these opportunities possible (David Parr, Caty Spencer and Sarah Chambers).
Whilst we cannot participate in every opportunity that comes our way, I would have to say that PBS does get involved in the ‘lion’s share’ of activities. This wouldn’t be possible without staff planning behind the scenes or giving up their own spare time. Tu Meke PBS Kaimahi!
Below is one photo from the 48 Hours Film Competition, which has got me curious….can’t wait to see the full film 🙂
Welcome to Our Recent New Students
Star – 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/
The Walls are Alive ...
….with beautiful artwork! There have been many examples of stunning art work around our kura this year. Below are just a few eye-catching works from Room 14 students. I think you’ll agree that these are incredible quality. Ka rawe koutou!
PBS Board Survey for Parents
Via HERO today, you will receive a link to our PBS Board survey. The Board is gathering baseline information to help measure the success of our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. They would love to hear your feedback, as this will help them understand what PBS is doing well and where we can continue to improve over the coming years.
This survey is anonymous and should take around 5-8 minutes to complete. The survey will only be open for two weeks, so make sure you have your say by Wednesday, 19 August to go in the draw to win one of two $100 Warehouse vouchers!
Term 4 New Entrant Class
Whaea Lizette’s class in Room 22 has filled quickly since opening last term, and we’re delighted to share that, due to continued growth, we will be opening another New Entrant class in Term 4.
We are incredibly fortunate to have the perfect teacher ready to lead this new class—Hannah Field. Hannah is currently co-teaching Room 25 alongside Sarah Smith, but from Term 4 Sarah will take over Room 25 fulltime while Hannah moves into Room 18 to warmly welcome our newest five-year-olds as they begin their PBS journey. Thank you to Sarah and Hannah for making this opportunity possible.
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 words a try this week.
Whakangenengene – wrap up in clothing before going outside
Ua – rain
hāuaua – rainy
hau – wind
hau pūkeri – strong wind
hukāpunga – snow
uenuku – rainbow
FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL
Super Hero Friday
Super Hero Friday is coming! Friday, 14 August. Who’s your hero? Dress up as your favourite hero and bring a gold coin to help us to support The Ronald McDonald House Charity. These guys are heroes in our community who help families when they need it most. They provide free accommodation when families have a child in hospital and need to stay nearby. They help with meals and other practical things as well. We’d like to give back and show them our support.
Cupcake Bakeoff
We’re also going to run a hero themed Cupcake Bake off! We’ve had to change the date to Tuesday, 11 August due to a clash with the Winter Tournament date for our Year 5 & 6s.
How it works: Design and bake some cupcakes to enter (at least 6) that fit with our Hero theme. Bring them to the school hall on Tuesday morning 11 August where a Student Councillor will register your entry for judging. The cupcakes will then be sold for Tuesday Treats at morning tea to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity and customers will also get to vote for their favourite cupcake.
Thanks for supporting this fundraiser!
Visit with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Yesterday we were lucky enough to visit the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at KCDC.
We learned about their process for getting elected, who they represent, and the things the council are responsible for. We also contributed our voice to what we think is important for our community to help with the council’s long-term priorities. It was a great learning experience.
Digi Corner - Netsafe Week
Netsafe week is 17-23 August. The theme this year is: Online Safety is a Team Sport. Play Your Part. Netsafe is offering a number of webinars that might be of interest such as:
- Raising Safe and Resilient Kids Online
- Supporting Young People in Digital Distress: Frontline Responses That Work
- Scamscape Aotearoa: Inside the Scams Targeting New Zealanders – and How to Beat Them
- AI and Online Safety in Aotearoa: Opportunities, Risks and Frontline Response
More information can be found here: https://netsafe.org.nz/netsafety-week-2026
NZ Cross Country Champs
A huge congratulations to Lucie Thomson, who competed at the New Zealand Cross-Country Championships in Christchurch last Saturday. Lucie ran an outstanding race in the Girls Under 14 3000m event, earning an incredible 2nd place finish in New Zealand!
We are incredibly impressed by the dedication, perseverance, and hard work Lucie has put into her running. This is a remarkable achievement, Lucie, and a testament to your commitment and determination. Congratulations on this outstanding success!
Tuesday Treats
Morning tea treats of yummy homebaking will be for sale from Tuesday, 18 August until Tuesday, 15 September at morning tea time. Everything is 50c – $2 and everything is delicious! Thank you for supporting Te Motu Senior Camp.
Netball
This week was the final week for our Year 3 and Year 4 netballers. A huge thank you to the coaches Conor MacNeilage, Joy Ransfield and Brooke Manabe for the time you gave to these players. Also, to the support crews who stand on the sideline in all weathers, a thank you to you as well. Without all this support, we would not be able to provide this opportunity for our students.
Now that Year 3 – Year 4 netball is finished, can the players’ tops be washed, dried and then returned to school please.
Recent Student Achievements
Dance: Congratulations to Indi Phelps who competed at the Kapiti Dance Competitions for the very first time, taking to the stage to perform her Jazz Solo – competing against 8 other jazz dancers. Indi took out first place!
Recent Student Achievements
Cheerleading: Over the weekend, Dakota Bell travelled to Tauranga to compete at the Battle in the Bay Cheerleading Competition, competing in the Individual (Indi) division for the very first time. She delivered an outstanding performance, taking out her division and walking away with 1st place. To top off an incredible achievement, she was also awarded the Champion Ring.
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
Wellington Regional Public Health Notice
Scabies is currently an increasing public health concern across the Greater Wellington region. Over the past month, there has been a noticeable rise in enquiries from college nurses, primary care providers, and paediatric services regarding scabies cases. We are also seeing a growing number of associated secondary skin infections and avoidable hospital admissions linked to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Educational resources
Scabies | HealthifyScabies | Healthify
HealthEd Scabies Resource: https://healthed.govt.nz/products/scabies-nphs027
Access to free or subsidised treatment: Treatment is available free of charge for eligible households with a Community Services Card (CSC).
Important: Treatment is subsidised for all household members when the household is eligible. This makes treatment significantly more affordable than purchasing it over the counter and supports treatment of the entire household, which is essential for preventing reinfestation.
Subsidised treatment costs:
Free for –
- Community Services Card holders
- Children under 14 years
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Prescription Subsidy Card holders
$5 per person for all others
Free Healthy Homes Support for PBS Whānau
