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Newsletter T2W5 2026
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Newsletter T2W5

22 May 2026

From the Principal




Kia ora koutou,
EZ Lunch
I’m pleased to announce that we will be launching our new lunch system in the next few weeks. We are going to be partnering with EZ Lunch, a nationwide lunch provider. EZ Lunch is owned and operated by Kindo, so lunch orders will now be - processed via the Kindo app. Next week we will push out a special newsletter with more information, so watch this space.

Life Ed Caravan
We have enjoyed four amazing weeks with the Life Education Caravan onsite. I’m sure many of you will have heard some exciting stories about Harold the Giraffe and all the great learning that takes place inside the caravan.

Hosting the Life Ed Caravan is an annual event at our school. However, there is a substantial cost to this wonderful resource. You’ll see on Kindo we have added a $10 donation request per child to support the cost of having the teacher and caravan at school for four weeks. This is not a compulsory payment as this activity is part of the core curriculum, and not something schools can charge for. However, the long-term sustainability of this activity would have to be reviewed if we weren’t receiving enough support. Please consider making the payment to help maintain the hosting of this valued resource.

Staffing News
I am pleased to let you know that Mr Peter Kloppers will be returning at the beginning of next term to take up a PE teaching position. He will also resume some of his property responsibilities. Mr Kloppers will be well known to most of our community having taught at Glendowie for 25 years. We look forward to having him back in July, or sooner if we can.

Have a great weekend!

Paul Crowhurst | Principal
Matariki
As per the last two years , we are celebrating Matariki with a special assembly on Friday, 3rd July (the last day of term). School will start at 6.45am and will finish early at 1pm. Parents are welcome to attend assembly. More details to follow.

Board Meeting
The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, 23rd June from 6.30pm in the boardroom. Anyone is welcome to attend and a copy of the agenda is available from the school office from 3pm on the Friday before the meeting.
AIMs Games 2026
The school will again be supporting intermediate students to attend AIMs Games in 2026. AIMs is an awesome event attended by over 10,000 student athletes from around the country and overseas. We have steadily been building our participation in this event over the past three years and in 2024 Glendowie School won our first two medals. For a student to attend this event they must be managed by a parent. If your child is interested in attending the annual AIMS games in Tauranga please have a look on the AIMS games website for information.
Contact Miss Murray by the 1st of June, 2026 to register - heidim@glendowie.school.nz
Middle Years Programme (MYP) Information Evening

At Glendowie School, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered from Year 0 to Year 6. In Years 7 and 8, students progress to the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which builds on the foundation of the PYP by extending their learning into subject-specific disciplines. The MYP shifts from transdisciplinary learning to an interdisciplinary approach, while introducing structured subject learning and formal IB assessment criteria.

We would like to invite you to an information session about our Middle Years Programme In Year 7 and 8, so you can see where your child’s learning will head towards under our IB programmes.

This information meeting is also applicable to our Montessori families.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday 26th May
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Minihall

During the meeting, we will provide an overview of the MYP philosophy, its structure, the key differences between the PYP and MYP, and an update on our MYP candidacy progress. You’ll also be guided on a tour of our technology block and intermediate classrooms, with time set aside for a question and answer session afterwards.

Please register here.
Bay Suburbs Football
'On Tuesday 12 May we went on a bus to Glover park for our Bay Suburbs football tournament.
We played five 30 minute games and we had two 30 minute breaks. Our first game was against St Thomas and we tied 1-1. It was so close, they scored at the last second to tie the game.
Then we played an epic game against St Heliers, but we lost 2-1. After that we played against Churchill Park and we tied 3-3.Then we played against St Ignatius and we won 6-2. Then finally we played Parnell and we won 8-0. It was crazy and out of 14 teams we came second overall. Then we hopped on the bus back to school at 2:00pm.

We had an epic day. It was so much fun, it was our second tournament and even though it was raining we had an incredible time.' - James F & Stan H, Y5

'Today was the football tournament. We were excited and a little bit nervous. First we had to put shin pads and long socks on. Then we rode the bus to Glover park.
There were so many people. There was Churchill Park school, St Heliers school, St Thomas school, Parnell District School and St Ignatius. When we got out of the bus we had a good stretch. Then we walked down to our gazebo and put our bags down so we could have a wander around the big field.

We first played against St Thomas. They were tough but we managed fine in a flash. It was half-time already by the end of that game the score was 3-2, some of us were so tired but we had a break and that was a relief . We went to our gazebo and took out our lunch boxes and sat down to eat. Our parent helper was Elsie’s mum and she told us to just eat a snack.

When it was time for our next game we were really positive. We were playing St Heliers when the bell rang that meant that we had to get to the next field. We saw the other team get into position so we got in position too. When the ref blew the whistle we were into action. We dribbled and passed the ball. It was a pretty quick game. When we finished the game the score was 4 to 2.

After the whole entire tournament ,we were puffed out and extremely tired. Then we went on the bus back to school. We all know that it was the best tournament ever.' - Katie H & Olivia, Y5

Litex and Auckland Writers Festival
On Tuesday last week, ten MYP students were lucky enough to attend the Auckland Writers Festival! We drove to Aotea Centre and heard four incredible authors speak. They shared their journeys to becoming authors, how they build their fictional worlds, and where they draw their inspiration from. Olivia B. was one of six students selected to go up on stage and share some of her writing with the audience. Several students were able to stand up and ask the authors a question and we were also able to get the authors to sign books for our library.

On Monday this week, eight students competed in the annual Litex competition. This is a contest based on the students’ knowledge of books and reading, but it also has a running race component! Both teams performed amazingly well, with Amy V, Alex F, Koen D and Felicity H coming in second overall. Well done to Alex F, who was the winner of the individual competition that takes place while the team scores are being tallied.

All the students were fantastic representatives of our school; they were polite, respectful and engaged learners who made the most of all the opportunities presented to them.

Year 1 - Systems

At Glendowie Primary School, our Year 1 students have been learning about the many systems that help our community and school work together. As part of our unit of inquiry- How we organise ourselves, the children interviewed our Deputy Principal, Mrs Sinclair, to learn more about the important role of the school office and leadership team.

“Which job do you do?” - Aria G, Y1
“My job has lots of little jobs in it,” explained Mrs Sinclair. “I help look after teaching and learning in Years 0–4 and make sure teachers have the support and resources they need.”

The children were fascinated to learn how many people work together behind the scenes to help the school community thrive.

“Who do you work with?” - Kimberley GR, Y1
“I work closely with Dr. Crowhurst, Mrs. Kingstone, Mrs. Vigers, Mrs. Elesara, and many other people around the school. We work together to support learning, organise resources, and help our community.”

The students were especially interested in learning how the school office is an important system within our community. The office helps organise learning, support families, solve problems, and make sure the school runs smoothly each day.

“What is your most important job?”- Freddie S, Y1
This the answer connected beautifully to our school values.
“To make sure everyone — teachers, students, and our community — feels happy and safe so learning can happen.”

The children also loved hearing about her favourite place at school.

“Why do you work?” - Macie, F, Y1
“I like being with teachers and children,” she explained. “Usually you enjoy where you feel happy and good at something.”

Through this special interview, the children gained a deeper understanding of how many people, roles, and systems work together every day to help make Glendowie Primary School a safe, caring, and connected community.

Year 5 Bike Safety & Skills

'On Monday 11th May and Wednesday 13th May, the Year 5s had their bike safety and skills session provided by Bigfoot Adventures.
We learnt how to make sure our helmets are safe by using the "4 S’s".
  • Shell: Check your shell to make sure it doesn't have any cracks or dents.
  • Styrofoam: Once again, check for cracks or dents, but in the Styrofoam.
  • Straps: Make sure the clip is close to your chin but not too close. You should be able to slide two fingers through the gap.
  • Stickers: Inside your helmet, you should have stickers that show a bike or say it is approved for cycling.
Next, we checked if our bikes were safe to ride. First, we pushed on the tires to check the air, and spun the wheels to make sure the brakes worked. Then we did the drop test, where we lifted the bike slightly off the ground and dropped it to listen for any loose parts.

After the safety checks, we played fun games to practice our hand signals for turning and stopping. We also did obstacle courses that taught us how to ride in tight circles, move in zigzags, and fit into small spaces. Our favourite game was Mingle Mingle, where we rode around until the leader called out something like "green helmet!" and we had to quickly get into groups together.

We all had an awesome day, and can’t wait to ride our bikes to school! '- Kayla B & Jade FE, Y5

Parents' Association

As winter approaches and the temperatures continue to drop — especially during those chilly morning drop-offs — don’t forget that our Second Hand Uniform Shop is a great place to pick up spare winter items. If you’re needing an extra jumper, jacket, or beanie, now is the perfect time to stock up!

The next opening day for the Second Hand Uniform Shop is Friday 29th May, 8.30am
The next PA meeting is Thursday 28th May, 7am - Staffroom, all welcome.

We’re also excited to announce that tickets for the Movie Night are now available on Kindo! Tickets can be purchased until 10th June, and we’d love to see as many families involved as possible.

Junior Movie: Zootopia 2 — starts at 4:30pm
Senior Movie: Night at the Museum — starts at 7:00pm
Pizza is also available to purchase with your ticket.

Please check Kindo for full details and ticket information.

2026 Event dates:
  • Movie Night - Friday 12th June
  • Disco - Friday 14th August
  • Runathon - Tuesday 25th August
  • Parent's Social Evening - Friday 18th September (please note date change)
  • Expert Speaker - date TBC
  • Colour Run - 4th December

Upcoming Events

  • Monday 25th May - Y5 Wastewise Trip , Rooms 13 & 14
  • Tuesday 26th May - MYP Information Evening, 6.30pm - Minihall
  • Wednesday 27th May - Y5 Wastewise Trip, Room 16
  • Thursday 28th May - Parents' Association Meeting, 7pm - Staffroom
  • Friday 29th May - Second Hand Uniform Shop, 8.30am
  • Monday 1st June - King's Birthday - School Closed
  • Tuesday 9th June - Bay Suburbs Rippa & Rugby
  • Tuesday 9th June - Glendowie College Parents' Information Evening, 7.30pm - Glendowie College Hall
  • Thursday 11th June - Eastern Zones Rugby
  • Thursday 11th June - Y3 Assembly, 1.30pm
  • Friday 12th June - Second Hand Uniform Shop, 8.30am
  • Friday 12th June - Movie Night
  • Monday 22nd June - Eastern Zones Hockey
  • Tuesday 23rd June - Bay Suburbs Netball
  • Tuesday 23rd June - Board Meeting, 6.30pm - Boardroom
  • Friday 26th June - Second Hand Uniform Shop, 8.30am
  • Friday 26th June - Y4 Assembly, 1.30pm
  • Friday 3rd July - Matarki school gathering & breakfast, 6.45am
  • Friday 3rd July - Last Day Term 2 - School starts 6.45am, closes 1pm

Community Notices

Parents' Information Evening - 2027 Enrolment Process
Join a free series of community bike rides at Maybury Reserve, hosted by the Glen Innes Bike Hub. ParkRide Glen Innes is designed to help families stay active over winter. Ride at your own pace with friends and whānau, or meet new people along the way. You can choose your route. Distances range from 2km for children, 6km through to 9km for those wanting a longer ride. Fun activities and spot prizes encourage everyone to give it a go. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Learn more here