Principal’s Message
Kia ora koutou katoa,
What an absolutely wonderful start to the week we’ve had, immersing ourselves in the spirit of Matariki! A definite highlight for many of us was witnessing the incredible talent of the Kapa haka group from Macleans College. Their performance was simply outstanding, filled with passion, precision, and a deep connection to Māori culture. It was inspiring for our students to see such a powerful display, and we extend a huge thank you to Macleans College for sharing their gifts with us.
Today, it was especially lovely to observe our students from across the school working collaboratively on a variety of Matariki activities. From weaving projects and creative art pieces to games and enthusiastic singing. It’s a true joy to see our older students mentoring the younger ones, and the sense of whanaungatanga (connectedness) that emerges during these times is very special. We look forward to continuing our Matariki journey throughout the week and celebrating this significant time in the Māori calendar.
I would like to extend a special thank you to our school community. At our Sports Dress Down day last week we were able to raise just over $2000. We have ordered the mud kitchen and have quotes ready to go for purchasing the basketball/ netball hoops. It will be exciting to see our outdoor environment looking even better.
The safety of our students is always our top priority, and we need your help to ensure pick-up and drop-off times remain safe for everyone. We’ve noticed that traffic around the school has become increasingly dangerous, and it’s crucial that we all follow road rules diligently and exercise patience. Please remember to adhere to the speed limits, use designated crossing areas, and avoid U-turns or stopping in no-stopping zones. By being mindful of these rules and showing consideration for other drivers and pedestrians, we can collectively create a much safer environment for our children as they arrive and depart from school.
Ngā mihi nui,
Phebe Rossiter
Principal
Pigeon Mountain Primary School
Farewell to a Valued Member of Our Team
As the term draws to a close, we announce that Esther Kim will be leaving us to take up a new role at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. Esther has been an integral part of the Pigeon Mountain Primary School whānau for an incredible seven years.
Many of you will know Esther from her current Year 5 class, but she has taught across our school, starting in the junior school and later teaching Year 4 before moving to her current role. Esther is a truly talented teacher who has consistently gone above and beyond, training our school choir, attending overnight school camps, and taking on the vital roles of Team Leader and mentor teacher. Her dedication and the special relationships she builds with her students are truly remarkable.
We are incredibly grateful for Esther’s significant contributions to our school community. She will be greatly missed by staff, students, and parents alike. We wish her all the very best in her new position.
A Fond Farewell to Dylan Marshall
It’s with mixed emotions that we announce Dylan Marshall will be leaving us at the end of this term to take on the exciting role of Deputy Principal at Cockle Bay School.
Dylan has been an invaluable part of the Pigeon Mountain Primary School team since 2021. In his time here, he’s worn many hats, serving as a Team Leader, Acting Deputy Principal, and even stepping up as Acting Principal. Our entire community can be incredibly proud of how Dylan led the school during his time as Acting Principal, ensuring our school continued to be a high-performing and nurturing environment for our students.
Beyond his leadership roles, Dylan has contributed significantly to our school in countless ways. He’s led school camps, nurtured our kapa haka group, guided our chess club, coached our Mathex teams, and organized inter-school sports. Dylan truly embodies our school motto, “Education with a Heart,” in everything he does.
We are so grateful for all of Dylan’s dedication and hard work, and while we’ll miss him greatly, we wish him all the very best in his new role at Cockle Bay School.
Student Achievement and Celebrations
HPPA Competitive Football:
Our girls gave it their all at the first day of the HPPA competitive football day, showing resilience, positivity, and great sportsmanship. It was an excellent day of learning, growth, and team spirit! A special thank you to Macleans College first 11 players for their support and guidance.
East Auckland Interschool Chess competition:
We are thrilled to recognise the exceptional achievement of our chess team. A huge congratulations to our A team on their outstanding first-place finish in the East Auckland interschool Chess competition. Vincent, Oliver and Hayden are commended for their perfect scores, having won 6 games out of 6.
HPPA Hockey:
We had the pleasure of watching our two teams compete at the HPPA hockey competition on Monday, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and improving with each game. The students showed a strong commitment to our values of respect, resilience, responsibility, and excellence.
School News and Announcements
Matariki – Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar which marks the start of the Māori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.
Macleans College Kapa Kaka joined us for a special assembly on Monday, kicking off our week-long Matariki celebrations. The kapa haka group’s performance was outstanding, featuring impressive singing, performing, passion, and haka. We appreciated the group’s explanation of the story behind each performance piece.
Students have a range of matariki events this week including a Noho (sleepover) and Hiko early morning walk up Ohuiarangi.
We have a new pigeon at PMPS!
Our new Bird is officially called EWAH, short for Education with a heart. EWAH is looking forward to joining our students on class trips, team assemblies or some of the many exciting learning opportunities that are happening at our school.
Kereru Crew:
Unfortunately we did not have enough volunteers to create an official P.T.A. because of the requirements of the constitution. However, we do have some keen parent volunteers so we have created the ‘Kereru Crew’. This group of parents, alongside staff, have planned out some exciting upcoming events.
Second hand uniform shop (to be opened in early Term 3). The Second Hand Uniform shop will be set up in the entrance to the library. Once we have the shop set up we will be asking for donations of good quality second hand uniforms. We will be looking for 1-2 parents to help us open the shop either before or after school. All payments will be made through KINDO.
Pizza lunch – Friday 26 September to support Silly Sock Day, a Student Wellbeing Leader event. Students will be able to order half or quarter pizza on KINDO.
Summer lunchtime picnic – Term 4 Date TBC. This will be an opportunity for parents to join their children for lunch at school. This is a no cost event.
BBQ Sausage sizzle lunch – Term 4 Date TBC
Fruju Friday – Term 4 event.
Other possible events:
Afterschool cooking event
Bakers Delight – finger buns.
Parents who attended the PTA meetings will be emailed a link to a Kereru Crew WhatsApp group so they can offer to support events when they are available. If you are interested in being part of the Kereu Crew please email office@pmps.school.nz
In Zone Enrolments
If you have a child who is 4 years old please enroll them as soon as possible as we are planning our staffing and classes for 2025 and 2026.
ICAS Examinations
We will be participating in ICAS examinations and information regarding entries and dates will be emailed to year 4, 5 and 6 families.
Jammies in June
Our Wellbeing Student Leaders of 2025 are hosting an event to support the Middlemore Foundation charity for Jammies in June to children in need.
On Tuesday 24 June your child can wear their pyjamas to school.
We are collecting new pyjamas or blankets to donate to the Middlemore Foundation. Students can give these to their classroom teacher.
If you would prefer to make a donation please go to KINDO before 20 June and our staff will purchase new pyjamas to donate.
Before and Afterschool care
BizzyBodz is a great programme that supports our students before and after school. Bizzy Bodz’s After School Care Programme has been established to provide on-site after school care for children from Pigeon Mountain Primary School between the hours of 7.00 – 8.30am and 3.00 – 6.00pm. The completion of an enrolment form is necessary before a child can enter the programme.
It is Bizzy Bodz’s intention to provide a professional service, which will give your child a safe, secure environment and enjoyable care experience. See our school website for more information.
Important dates
Term 2: Monday 28 April – Friday 27 June
Term 2 dates:
18-19 June – Matariki Noho and Hikoi
Thursday 19 June – Salvation Army Food Drive
Friday 20 June: Matariki (Public holiday)
Tuesday 24 June – Jammies in June – students can wear their pyjamas to school
25 June – Reports emailed to parents
Friday 27 June – Last day of school for Term 2 – 3pm
Term 3: Monday 14 July – Friday 19 September
Monday 1 September – Teacher only Day
Term 4: Monday 6 October – Friday 12 December – 3pm
Reminders
@school parent app
Please ensure that you have downloaded the @school parent app. The @school parent app is our preferred method of reporting absences, accessing student reports, receiving newsletters and school notices. When setting up your app please make sure that you enter yes to notifications – this will mean that you will get an alert each time a notice/newsletter is available. Please contact the office if you are unable to access the @school app.
Absences from School
Please use the @school parent app to report an absence or the school website
Collecting Students during the school day
If you need to collect your child for an appointment during the school day please contact the office 09 534 9765 or email general@pmps.school.nz to arrange. If possible please arrange to collect your child before or after the morning tea and lunch breaks, as it is difficult to find children during these times. Morning tea is 10.50am until 11.15am, lunch from 12.45pm until 1.45pm.
Current Contact Details
It is important that we have current contact details for our students. If you have moved house, changed your email address or mobile number, please contact the school office to have our records updated. You can check the contact information that we have for your child on the parent app.
Chess Power Classes
