Term 4 Newsletter, No 3 2025

Principal's Message

Tena koutou Parents, Caregivers and Sunnynook whānau

We are coming closer to the end of year and the graduation of our Year 6 students. There are several things happening around school in these few weeks, so please make sure you read the Hero posts and newsletter to keep up-to-date on events.

Last week we had ‘Wheelie Day’ where some students practised their cycling and scootering and had a lot of fun in the process. They also learnt about keeping themselves safe on the road. See the photos later in the newsletter, along with photos from Diwali and from our clever Arts and Crafts club students!

Last week we had a uniform check where everyone who had on the correct uniform which includes black/navy socks, plain hair ties, and fully black shoes received 100 housepoints! It was very pleasing to see how many children achieved this. Keep up the great work in ensuring our Sunnynook uniform is worn with pride.

For the next two weeks we are focussing on having really great manners, always saying please and thank-you, greeting adults and holding doors for them to name a few. Having great manners is one way to express our school value of Maanakitanga which can be explained as how we show hospitality, kindness, generosity, and support - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others. Through manaakitanga we express kindness and respect for others, emphasising responsibility and reciprocity. Manaakitanga is extending aroha and is found in acts such as helping, encouraging and supporting others. Manaakitanga secures the strength of our whānau and community. Take the time to talk to your child(ren) at home about manners.

Next Monday, 10 November, is the Wairau Art Extravaganza and I would encourage you to go along to the opening night to see the fabulous artwork our tamariki have created, and to also enjoy the performances from our Kapa Haka, Pasifika and choir groups. Details of the opening night have been posted on Hero.

We have our Year 3-6 Athletics Day next Tuesday 11th November, and it has been great to see the enthusiasm of our tamariki while they practice all the events. It is always a fun day - please remember to make sure they have sunblock, sunhats and plenty of water.

Ngā mihi

Virginia Montague

Term 4 is a busy and exciting term at kura as we gear up for the end of the year. Our Year 6 students are preparing themselves for the next step in their educational journey as they move from Primary to Intermediate and our younger students are looking forward to moving into their new year groups.

Kaiako are currently busy assessing and writing reports with many an evening and weekend spent on this. During our past few staff meetings we have been moderating which is where we compare assessments and overall teacher judgements with teachers in the same year groups then across year levels to ensure that we have consistency. We also moderate against other schools in our Kāhui Ako. During this robust process, seeing how well our teachers know each of their students is phenomenal. They can confidently talk about each child in their care describing their strengths and their next learning steps. We are incredibly proud of the high calibre of the teachers here at Sunnynook teaching your child(ren).

Teaching and learning carries on full steam ahead throughout these processes.

In Ngā Kauri, tamariki are busy writing complicated ‘pick your ending’ stories which they will then use their digital technology skills to publish allowing the reader to move through the variations in the story, I can’t wait to read them!

Using knowledge gained through Zoo Ventures and research, Nga Kōwhai are using mind maps and sort and classify living things as well as learning about what different animals need in their habitat. They have also been researching animal adaptation.

Tamariki in Nga Tōtara are exploring their big inquiry question: “How do different cultures use patterns in their art to tell stories and show what is important to them?” and are now looking at how they tell their own story. They have written stunning pieces to describe their place and will go on to complete artwork to accompany these. Read the stories below written by Year 3 students:

I come from a place where Tawhirimatea blows within the land. I come from a place where waiata spreads peace and calm. I come from a place where people respect me. I come from a place where colour fills my head. I come from a place where plants grow and kindness blows in the air. I come from a place where there is a horizon stretching East to West. I come from a place where Kiwis come out in the night saying ‘Kakaaaka’.

I come from a place where the spirit is around me, my ancestors telling me their stories from long ago. I come from a place where my family believes in me and that I can do anything! I come from a place where warriors prepare for battle, slapping their thighs and poking their tongues out. I come from Aotearoa.

Cohen, Rm 7

I come from a place where the sunset makes yellow and red reminding me of luck and happiness. I come from a place where panda crunch the green bamboo forrest one by one. I come from a place where restaurants make dumplings that smell good and taste delicious. Dragons roar making me safe but scaring others away. I come from China.

Ethan, Rm 7