Principal’s Message
Kia ora koutou Pigeon Mountain Primary School whānau,
What an exciting, wonderful, and yes, very busy first week it has been for me here at our fantastic school! A highlight was the opportunity to step into each and every classroom and connect with our amazing tamariki.
I had the pleasure of sharing a few of my favourite things with the students: my family, my incredibly fluffy cat named Star, my favorite place is Pauanui, my favourite animal is the tiger, and my favourite hobby is running.
It was delightful to hear about the things that bring joy to the children of Pigeon Mountain Primary. Pandas, capybaras, flamingos, cats, and axolotls were popular animal choices, while significant places like family homes, beaches, our school, the countries where students were born, held a special place in their hearts. Many students also shared their love for sports, reading, and playing musical instruments.
From my short time in the classrooms, it’s clear that our students have a real enthusiasm for learning and display lovely, respectful manners. I was also so impressed by our modern learning spaces, filled with beautiful displays of student work and how students were using their chromebooks to support and enhance their learning..
I’m feeling incredibly welcomed and am looking forward to continuing to get to know our wonderful students, staff, and community.
Ngā mihi nui,
Phebe Rossiter
Principal
Pigeon Mountain Primary School
Student Achievement and Celebrations
Year 5 Camp at Willow Park
Our campers had an amazing time at Willow Park camp – some of the highlights included the green machine (skid bikes), roasting marshmallows to make s’mores.We are excited to make this camp a regular yearly event for our Year 5 students. It is a great opportunity for our students to learn independence, cooperation and make new friendships at the start of the year.
School News and Announcements
Enrollment
Is your child turning 5 this year? Make sure that you complete your enrolment online.
If you are a new family at Pigeon Mountain Primary School we host a new families meeting with the Principal as an opportunity to connect with the school and ask any questions that you may have. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 13 May and we will have some tea, coffee, milo and biscuits and will be waiting ready to chat.
School Tour: if you know someone who lives in our school zone that would like to know more about our school please let them know that we host a school tour on Thursday 5 June and book your place via our website. Last week we had a number of prospective families join us for a tour. At this stage we are only accepting in-zone enrollments.
Morning routine
We have two bells that ring in the morning, 8.45am is a reminder to make your way to class to be ready to start the day and 8.50am students should be seated in their classrooms ready to start the day. We would recommend that your child arrives at school between 8.30 and 8.45am so that they have time to get ready for the day.
School Councillor events
One of the exciting challenges for our student leaders is to plan 3 evening events for our students. These events are highly anticipated and a lot of fun. Planning of these events is well underway. Please note the dates in your diary. More information to come closer to the event.
6th June, 1st August and 23rd October
Pink Ribbon Dress Down – Friday 9 May
Our school would like to support Breast Cancer awareness, a worthy charity. Please can you donate on KINDO and your child can wear non-uniform on Friday to show their support.
Pink Shirt Day – Friday 9 May
By taking part in Pink Shirt Day on Friday 16 May, you’re doing your part to eliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!
This event is organised by our Student wellbeing leaders. Students get to wear something pink
New Parent Portal
Attendance Information
One of the most powerful ways you can support your child’s success and well-being is by ensuring they attend school regularly. Every day at Pigeon Mountain Primary School is filled with valuable learning experiences, from those “lightbulb” moments in the classroom to the crucial social connections forged in the playground.
Think of each school day as a vital piece in the puzzle of your child’s education. When a piece is missing, it can create gaps in their understanding and make it harder for them to keep up, not just academically but also socially and emotionally. Being at school consistently helps children:
- Build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy: Concepts build upon each other, and missing even a single lesson can make it challenging to grasp future learning.
- Develop crucial social skills: School is where children learn to collaborate, communicate, build friendships, and navigate social situations – skills that are essential for life.
- Feel connected and secure: Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging and helps children feel like a valued part of our school whānau.
- Thrive in a consistent routine: Predictable routines provide comfort and security, allowing children to focus on their learning.
We understand that sometimes illness or unavoidable appointments can make attendance difficult. Please always communicate with us promptly if your child is going to be absent by using the @school parent app or the school website.
Important Dates and Reminders
Curriculum Day
The Ministry of Education has introduced nationwide PLD to support the implementation of the revised Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum, so we appreciate your support in keeping your children home from school on this day while we undertake essential professional development to enrich our mathematics practices.
The school will be closed on Monday 26 May for our teachers to work with expert facilitator Sue Pine on professional learning and development in Mathematics.
Term 2: Monday 28 April – Friday 27 June
Term 2 dates:
Friday 9 May: Pink Ribbon Dress Down Day
Friday 16 May – Pink Shirt Day
Monday 26 May: Teacher Only Day
Monday 2nd June: King’s Birthday (Public holiday)
Friday 20th June: Matariki (Public holiday)
@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.
Community Notices
