"Together we are lifelong CREST learners"
Principal's Message
Kia ora PBS whānau,
We all had a fantastic time at the PTA’s Halloween disco on Friday. Thank you to the parents and staff members on the PTA who made this a spooktastic event! It was awesome to see the kids having such fun.
Principal’s Resignation
As I shared in my HERO message late last week, it is with much sadness that I have decided to step down as Principal of PBS at the end of Term 1, 2027.
This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. Being part of this wonderful school community has been deeply rewarding, and PBS holds a very special place in my heart. The complexity of a principal’s role takes a lot of personal energy; I know PBS is in great shape and I feel the time is right for me to hand the reins over to someone who can ensure its ongoing success. I will be proud to do so.
There will be plenty of time over the coming months to connect with you and say a proper farewell. For now, I simply want to say how incredibly proud I am of what we have achieved together over the years. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the privilege of being part of your children’s lives. Jess Ward.
Staffing Updates
Our fabulous teacher, Bek Sutherland, is moving to Hawke’s Bay at the end of this year. Unsurprisingly, Bek has already secured a teaching position in Hastings—what a lucky school!
We will greatly miss Bek’s kindness, hard work and can-do attitude. She has made a positive difference to so many PBS kids, both in the classroom and through her involvement in groups such as our school choir. We wish Bek all the very best for her move and this exciting new chapter.
The fantastic David Parr will also be away from PBS next year—but just for one year… phew! David will be on study leave during 2027 as he continues working towards his master’s degree. We wish him every success with his studies and look forward to welcoming him back in 2028.
Keep reading this newsletter for information on:
- Can you spare $5 for the PBS AROHA fund?
- Calling for Nominations for the PBS Outstanding Achiever’s Award
Upcoming dates of importance:
- Monday, 9 November – Calendar Art fundraiser orders due
- Wednesday, 18 November – Kapa Haka hui at Southwards
- Friday, 27 November – New entrant parent information presentation
Mā te wā,
Jess Ward
Tumuaki ~ Principal
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
Last week we had Mark from Dance Curriculum visit our kura and run some workshops right across the school. This was a cool opportunity that came about by the Student Councillors at the National Young Leaders Day earlier this year.
Mark did a great job at channelling our tamariki to self manage as they learnt the dance routine and were respectful when each syndicate performed what they had learned to the whole school. Ka rawe koutou!
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/
PBS Aroha Fund - Can you Spare $5?
The closer we get to Christmas, the more important our PBS AROHA fund becomes.
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.
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.
Thank you – Giving a little means a lot!
Outstanding Achievers Award 2026
Paraparaumu Beach School Board is now seeking nominations for this year’s Outstanding Achiever Award.
The purpose of this award is to acknowledge students who during the previous 12 months have made an outstanding contribution (in-school or out-of-school) in areas of academic, cultural, sports, community service or other activities. Also, to promote these students as role models throughout our school community in a manner that reflects and incorporates our school CREST values. We encourage nominations for Years 4-8 students.
The nomination forms are available in Hero, our website and paper copies are available at the school office. Nominations close at 3.00pm on Friday, 20 November.
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:
E kuhu, e kuhu – Keep going! You’ve got this!
Paiā – Yeyaah
Me he tē – Like a boss
Māti ana – Satisfied
Halloween Discos
What a fantastic Halloween Disco! 
A huge thank you to all our tamariki, teachers and parents who helped make last Friday’s Halloween Discos such a success!
It was awesome to see such a fantastic turnout, with so many creative costumes, smiling faces and plenty of dancing!
A special thanks to everyone who helped organise, set up and run the event. It’s this kind of community spirit that makes Paraparaumu Beach School such a great place to be.
From all of us at the PTA, thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the next event!
Ngā mihi,
Chris, on behalf of Paraparaumu Beach School PTA
New Entrant Parent Information Presentation – Tātahi Syndicate
A New Entrant Information Presentation will be held for all parents of new children on Friday, 27 November from 10am – 10.30am in the school staffroom.
This session will:
- provide an overview of the ‘Transition to School’
- provide an overview of the New Entrant Programme in reading, writing and mathematics
- highlight how you can help at home with learning
In Tātahi Syndicate, we believe that successful partnerships between home and school are established when both parties have a shared expectation and knowledge of their child’s learning. We would love to see you there.
Calendar Art Fundraiser
Last Chance – Calendar Art orders close Monday, 9 November
Kia ora families
This is your final reminder. Calendar Art orders close on Monday, 9 November and we cannot accept late orders once the window has closed.
To place your order:
- Go to kidsartworks.com
- Enter your school code: KZ1995
- Select your child’s room and name, view their artwork and place your order
Your child’s artwork is waiting to be turned into something the whole family will treasure. Don’t miss out!
Government Elections - Voting Venue at PBS
The Electoral Commission will once again use our school hall as a voting venue on Saturday, 7 November.
As the school is allowed to fundraise outside the polling booth area, we’ll be selling coffee and cake. Bring along some cash or your Eftpos card and enjoy a tasty snack before or after you vote—every coffee or piece of cake sold will help support our campers!
Junior Syndicate Vision & Hearing
The vision and hearing technician will be here testing juniors on 25 November.
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
Kindo's New Look is Here
Kindo has had a glow up! 
Kindo, the app we use for school payments and permissions, has a fresh new look!
You’ll notice updated colours, a new font and bigger, easier-to-tap buttons. Plus, “myKindo” is gradually becoming simply “Kindo”.
Everything still works just as before, and there’s nothing you need to set up.
Look out for app update 3.6.2 rolling out now.
