A huge shout out and thank you to our amazing support staff and kaiāwhina who contribute so much to the life of our school every single day. Our amazing office staff, teacher aides, Kaiārahi, librarian and caretaker who each play a vital role in supporting our tamariki, staff and whānau. Your care, patience, hard work, flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile help make Kapakapanui School such a special place. So much of the success of our school is built on the relationships, support and mahi that you provide every day. We are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated and talented team.
Ngā mihi nui team — you are awesome! 🙏😊👏
Vege Delight! 🥕🥦
Over the last couple of weeks, Kāraka Pod have been baking and cooking some yummy kai. Last week they had the peelers and knives out, chopping up lots of fresh vegetables to create a delicious platter with dips and hummus. It was great to see the tamariki developing their cooking skills and working together in the kitchen.
Staff News
Next term we will be opening another Year 1 class, and I’m pleased to announce that Rian Verhoef will be teaching in Room 6 from the beginning of Term 3. This class will be made up of the children moving on from Ngā Kākano Kete.
It is awesome to have Rian back as part of our team. Many of our staff, tamariki and whānau already know her well through her relief teaching, teacher aide work, and as a former parent within our school community. We know she will do a fantastic job supporting our learners! 👍
Dance Curriculum 💃🏻🕺🩰🪩
Next week all classes will be taking part in this exciting programme here at Kapakapanui School.
Our school was very lucky to win a week-long programme with Dance Curriculum from a recent conference that senior staff attended last term.
Each class will take part in a daily 30-45 minute session from Monday to Thursday next week. Next Friday all classes will then be presenting a performance that you are welcome to come along and watch. The performances will be 45 minutes long with various age groups presenting during this time.
Performances on Friday 22nd May will be at the following times in our school hall……
9.10am- 9.55am
Rātā Pod (Rooms 3/4) Year 5-6
Mātai Pod (Room 5) Year 5-6 - please check with class teacher as this class is split into the afternoon group as well
Nikau Pod (Rooms 20 and 21) Year 3-4
Puriri Pod (Room 24) Year 4 only
Kete Pod Year 1
Kahitakatea Pod (Room 7) Year 1
Rimu Pod (Rooms 16 and 17) Year 1
Mānuka Pod and Pukatea Pod (all Year 7-8 classes)
2.15-3pm
Kohekohe Pod (Rooms 14 and 15) Year 2
Miro Pod (Room 13) Year 2
Karaka Pod (Rooms 22 and 23) Year 3-4
Puriri Pod (Room 24) Year 3 only
Kōwhai Pod (Years 5-6)
Mātai Pod (Room 5) Year 5-6 - please check with class teacher as this class is split into the morning group as well
Take a look at this link to see some videos of this in action at other schools around New Zealand.
Curriculum Changes
Over the last 12 months there have been enormous curriculum changes for schools across Aotearoa, with new English and Mathematics curricula and updated assessment expectations being introduced-as report on in last week's newsletter. As the Ministry of Education has acknowledged, schools are currently transitioning from the old curriculum to the new one, including new teaching approaches, content and assessment methods. This may mean that some children’s achievement or progress appears different from previous years, as expectations at each year level have changed.
We appreciate that this can sometimes be confusing for whānau, particularly when advice and guidance from the Ministry continues to evolve and change frequently. I would like to commend our staff for the highly professional way they have embraced this mahi and worked hard to adapt their programmes and practices. Throughout all of these changes, we continue to keep our learners at the centre of everything we do and remain committed to wanting the very best for every child.🙏
If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s learning or achievement, please don’t hesitate to speak with your child’s teacher.
Maths Practice at Home
The Ministry of Education have developed a useful website for families to help their child with maths at home. Click on the link below and look for your child's year level. It covers from Year 3 to Year 8. Click here
Children's screen use linked to long-term attention and self-control problems, study finds-RNZ Article
A recent article from RNZ highlighted new research showing that high levels of screen use in young children may be linked to longer-term difficulties with attention, self-control and emotional regulation. The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that too much screen time, particularly highly stimulating short-form content, can impact children’s ability to concentrate, sleep well and manage their emotions.
As parents ourselves, we know that managing screen time at home is never an easy task in today’s world! Devices are everywhere and often provide a quick and easy form of entertainment. However, it may well be something that is “worth the fight” in the long run. Encouraging outdoor play, conversations, reading, family time and boredom can all help children develop creativity, resilience and strong social skills. Delaying exposure to personal devices and social media for as long as possible is something many experts are now encouraging families to consider.
Whilst we do use devices in classrooms, this is mainly from Year 5 and above, and only when technology is the best tool for the learning taking place. There is still plenty of pen-and-paper learning, hands-on activities, group work, talking, sharing ideas and moving around both inside and outside the classroom. Building strong relationships, communication skills and real-life learning experiences continue to sit at the heart of what we do. Click here to read the article
Below are a few pics from yesterdays wet lunchtime. Great to see our older kids playing good ole fashioned games and activities!
Attendance
Attendance continues to be a key focus from the government, highlighting the importance of students being at school regularly to support their learning, wellbeing, and connection with others. As part of our responsibilities within our 'attendance management plan', we will be sending letters out this term to families of children who have been away for five days or more this term, as we are required to make contact after this point.
We do want to acknowledge that many of these absences are for genuine reasons (eg illness and family events etc), and we appreciate the efforts of whānau who have kept us informed—thank you for your ongoing communication and support. Ngā mihi. 🙏
For your information here's how our whole school attendance is currently tracking since the beginning of term 2-we're continuing our positive start!
Good luck to our awesome Wellington Phoenix women's football team who are into Saturday's grand final. Kia kaha wahine toa!!! ⚽️
Ngā mihi nui!
Craig
Pink shirt day - TOMORROW - Thursday 14th May
Tomorrow, Thursday 14th May, is our Pink shirt day. We are holding it a day earlier than the official day of Friday 15th May due to our year 7-8 classes being at technology classes in Raumati on this day.
Kapakapanui School is joining the movement on Pink Shirt Day and encouraging our staff and students to Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying! Bullying in Aotearoa is a real problem.
Pink Shirt Day works to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms and supporting schools, workplaces and communities to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Tomorrow we are encouraging students to wear something pink and come along to our Pink Disco at lunchtime in the hall. Years 1-4 at 12.30pm Years 5-8 at 1pm There will be no entry charge or items for sale at this Disco as it will be a time to come together and share some of the key messages around Pink shirt day and have some dancing and games. Here are some the key messages we are sharing as part of Pink shirt day
Health and Safety Update
Health & Safety Updates – Please read our regular Health & Safety updates as well as tips for staying safe online. This is a key section to keep you informed and prepared. Please take a moment to read it each time—your awareness helps keep our school community safe.
Keeping Our Gates Closed
Please help us keep our tamariki—especially our younger children—safe by making sure our school gates are closed. From time to time, gates can be left open when classes head out on trips. If you happen to notice a gate open during the school day as you pass through, we’d really appreciate you closing it. Ngā mihi.
Contact Details-are these current?
Please let the office know asap if your contact details have changed. You can do this online-click here
Signing In/Out
Please remember to sign in and out at the office if you are collecting your child or they arrive late.
Road Patrol Crossings
Thank you to all the Whānau who use the crossings safely. This includes waiting for the signal to cross now and walking across the crossing with small children.
Please remember that children are always watching our behaviour as adults, so use the crossing, even if it is just you crossing. Also, to continue respecting the children who are working hard on the patrols to keep all our tamariki safe, such as waiting patiently, not pushing past etc.
Kapakapanui Sports
Kapakapanui School Sport Code of Conduct
We really value and appreciate the support we get from parents and whānau as coaches and supporters and Kapakapanui School has an excellent reputation for playing hard while being great sports-on and off the field/turf/court.
Never argue with an official. If I disagree with a decision I will inform the captain or coach during a break or after the competition
Control my temper. I understand that verbal abuse of officials and other players or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted behaviour in any sport
Work equally hard for myself and my team
Be a good sport and applaud all good plays whether they are made by my team or the opposition
Treat all players in my sport as I like to be treated. I will not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor
Cooperate with my coach, team-mates and opponents
Wear the correct uniform, shin pads, mouth guards, no jewellery, nails cut (netball/basketball) etc
Turn up for games and practices on time
Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat
Participate for my own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
Thank the opposition and officials at the end of the game
TOUGH GUY & GIRL
ITS THAT TIME AGAIN!
Palmerston North
Monday 25th May
* It is VERY IMPORTANT that the parents select the CORRECT ENTRY, DATE & VENUE for their child * WE ARE ATTENDING AS A SCHOOL GROUP - when entering please select, THE TEACHER WILL PICK UP THE RACE NUMBER when they come to the Bib Collection question. (this way Emma collects them all and your child just collects from her - it is alot less stressful. * Please write the School Name in FULL and is spelt correctly (i.e. Kapakapanui School not KKS) * Here is the Online Registration Link: https://eventplus.net/ccj26 * Entries close - Wednesday 20th May
We will do a fluoro theme as usual. Dress up and paint up for a day of fun in the mud.
Best to have old clothes to wear and old shoes. Best to tape (with electrical tape) your shoes onto your feet.
Bring a change of clothes and shoes. towel. and food/water.
TRANSPORTATION: You are required to provide your own transport to the Palmerston North. If you need transport please try asking friends who are going or ask a teacher if they can help with directing you to a parent who will be going.
It's that time again, Kapakapanui. Whenever you see a yummy sticker, please collect it and send it to school. Last year, we a great numner of stickers, resulting in $720 worth of free sports gear for our school. it was such an amazing result. Please send any stickers to your school. All classes will have a sheet for the tamariki to place the sticker on.
Please, it can only have the yummy brand name on it. Either the individual sticker or the 10-count square on the bag.
The stickers will be counted every Friday this term - so lets get collecting.
Whānau points to be given to the class with the most stickers collected each week.
2026 School Stationery
2026 Stationery Packs These are now live and ready to purchase and can be sent to your home, these will remain live throughout the year. Qizzle School Packs
Stationery Items on your Kindo account If your childs teacher has sent them to the office last year or this year for additional items (eg, book, pen, ruler etc) these have been added to your account. This billing/invoice will show as '2025 Stationery or 2026 Stationery', where possible we will itemise what the item/s is.
School Library
Librarian: Natasha Milmine
Weekly trips are made to the library with your childs class where they can browse or loan books.
Important Dates
Dental Van onsite
All Day
Tough Guy and Girl
All Day
Cross Country
All Day
School closes at 12.50pm
All Day
Funzone will be open from 12.50pm please contact them on 0800 386 9663
SLCs
-
Hoodie Order close
All Day
Delivery will be approximately week 2 of term 3
Hangi Evening
-
Last day of Term 2
All Day
Regular Features
Regular information
School Lunches -Sushi and Wednesdays and The Bakehouse on Fridays
To Purchase: We have a stock of these at the school office (size 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14) to purchase. $35 via myKINDO or at the school office. Parents have commented that it is great to have their own shirt which they can keep track of, clean and pass onto other family members.
To Loan: To help ensure our uniforms are well cared for and returned, we have introduced a $15 bond for the loan of a school sports top. This bond will be charged to your school account each time a top is borrowed and refunded when the shirt is returned in good condition.
We appreciate your support in looking after our school uniforms so they can continue to be available for all students.
Hat/Pōtae
In term 4 & term 1 we require children to bring their hat/pōtae to school every day. We appreciate that the weather is up and down at the moment, however the sun is getting stronger, even on cloudy days. New whanāu hats are available in the office or via myKINDO for $20.
Te Whenua - Green
Te Awa - Navy
Te Waka - Red
Nga Manu - Yellow
Te Moana - Light Blue
Hoodies
The next order will close 26 June. Delivery will be early Term 3.
Colour: Navy Blue
Logo printed on front and back.
Your child's name can also be printed on the back. We have sample sizes to try on at the office.
Order via myKINDO or at the office. $50
Parenting Books to Borrow
We have a few excellent books in our office which parents are welcome to borrow. Please just sign them out at the office. Enjoy!
Community Notices
EL RANCHO JUNIOR LEADERS CAMP, 15th – 17th May.
If you're in Year 7, 8 or 9 at school, this camp is for you!
$85.00 covers all accommodation, activities and food for the weekend.
Local established artist Rochelle Andrews runs after-school art classes which are small (max. 3 per group) and tailored to spark each child’s individual creative gift. From exploring different mediums to insider tips, they’ll gain confidence and skills.
Kiwi Volley is a modified version of volleyball designed specifically for children aged approximately 5–12 years old. The game uses: *Smaller badminton-sized courts *Lighter balls *Simplified rules *4-a-side mixed teams
The format allows children to develop confidence and game understanding in a way that is age-appropriate and enjoyable.
Kiwi Volley focuses on: *Agility, balance, coordination, and movement *Fundamental skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, passing, and striking *Teamwork, communication, and physical literacy *Learning through play and game-based activities
It is suitable both for complete beginners and for children wanting to further develop their volleyball skills.
League Details
Venue: Kapakapanui School Hall, Waikanae Dates: Saturdays – 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th June Time: 10:00am – 11:00am (If more than 9 teams enter, the time may be extended slightly to accommodate scheduling, spots are limited.)
Each team will play: *2 games per weekend *20 minutes per game
League Fee: $60 per team
Teams may: *Represent their school, OR *Be made up of players from multiple schools * Have more than 4 players in the squad, with players rotating on and off during games
We understand this is a Saturday morning activity, therefore there is no requirement for school staff to attend. As long as each team has a supervising parent or adult present, that is absolutely fine.
Our goal is to create a positive and enjoyable introduction to volleyball while building connections between young athletes across the Kapiti and surrounding regions.
If your school may be interested in entering one or more teams, or you are happy to distribute this to your students, so they can self organise, or if you would like further information, please feel free to get in touch.
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