Newsletter 11- Term 3
Principal’s Message
Dear Parents and Whānau,
Welcome back to what is already shaping up to be an extraordinary and action-packed term. Although we are only in our first few weeks, the school is buzzing with energy, enthusiasm, and rich learning experiences across every classroom and year level.
Our students have already jumped headfirst into a vast array of engaging opportunities that allow them to explore new ideas and proudly demonstrate our school values. Highlights from the past few weeks include connecting with local Iwi, working in our house groups to learn and celebrate Matariki, our talented dancers who delivered a wonderful performance and our gymnastics teams have been to the Howick Gymnastics Club this week, working hard to practice and perfect their routines with fantastic determination.
On a personal note, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the recent Principal Appreciation Day. I was so touched and humbled to receive a collection of beautiful handmade cards, thoughtful messages, and creative drawings from our wonderful students. Taking the time to read through each of their kind words reminded me just how fortunate I am. I feel incredibly honored and grateful to serve as the principal of Pigeon Mountain Primary School alongside such a supportive community, dedicated staff, and inspiring group of children.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we kick off this exciting term. I look forward to seeing all that our students will accomplish in the weeks ahead.
Ngā mihi nui,
Phebe Rossiter
Principal
Pigeon Mountain Primary School
Student Achievement and Celebration
Hikoi: On Friday, 24 July, our staff, students, parents and siblings gathered before dawn to wrap up our Matariki celebrations with a memorable hīkoi up our local mountain, Ōhuiarangi.
Meeting at school just before 6:00 am, we set off under the cover of dark, navigating the new mountain track as the morning began to unfold. Upon reaching the top, we gathered together for a Matariki karakia, followed by our school karakia. our Kapa Haka group then led us in a beautiful song (waiata).
Up at the summit, we took time to search the sky for the Matariki star cluster and paused for a quiet minute of reflection to remember loved ones who have passed, honoring the connection to the Pōhutukawa star.
We then made our way back down to school, where a warm and delicious breakfast awaited, hot Milo, sausages, muesli, fruit and yoghurt cups! It was an amazing way to conclude our Matariki celebrations. A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this special morning.
Dance festival:
On Thursday 30 July, our talented Year 2 and 3 dance team lit up the stage at the HPPA Dance Festival! Performing alongside 15 other local schools in this exciting showcase, our students truly dazzled the crowd in their vibrant lion costumes as they danced to "I Just Can't Wait to Be King."
Having practiced tirelessly over the past term, the team took the stage with massive smiles and incredible confidence, exemplifying our school value of Excellence.
A huge thank you to Mrs van Breda and Mrs Thompson for their hard work, dedication, and guidance in coaching the team. We are so proud of our wonderful performers.
Year 5 and 6 Speech finals: This year the theme across Auckland was Our roots, Our voices, our future. Staff and students have been working really hard to write and present a 3 minute speech. On Monday this week 12 finalists across Year 5 and 6 presented their speech to the senior school, staff and families. A huge congratulations to our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners Kayley, Alisha and Jim in Year 6 and in Issa, Meredith and Penny Year 5. We are excited to support Kayley on Monday 17 August at the HPPA speech final with her speech.
100 days at school: Last week we celebrated 100 days at school. Students and staff dressed up like they were 100 years old. During class time they engaged in maths activities based around 100, listening to stories or completing writing activities based on our '100 Days' theme. It was a fun way to celebrate just how far our students have come in their first 100 days of school. They’ve grown in confidence, friendships, resilience, reading, writing, maths, and so much more. Looking back, it’s incredible to see the progress they’ve made.
School News and Announcements
PB4L:This week, our PB4L lesson focus has been on creating SMART goals for the rest of the term. Students have reflected on their learning and behaviour and set specific, achievable goals to work towards. They will revisit these goals throughout the term to reflect on how they are going and identify their next steps.
A message from the police: We have recently seen an increase in the theft of mountain bikes from both schools and public locations across the area. Working together to promote crime prevention measures can help reduce opportunities for theft and improve the chances of recovering stolen property.
Proposed change to cohort entry: Please take time to complete the survey around cohort entry that was sent out at the end of last term. Survey link: https://forms.gle/zMhiquofMZeE5QqeA
Enrolment - Important: If you have a child in Year 6 please ensure that you have enrolled either in-zone or out-of-zone for intermediate school. In zone enrolments help the school to know how many out of zone places may be available.
If you have a younger child turning 5 in 2027 please can you complete an enrolment form for them so that we can start planning staff and classrooms.
We have some out-of-zone places (see below) available at Pigeon Mountain Primary School for 2027. Please complete the Out-Of-Zone applications form on our website before Wednesday 14 October.
Year 0: 50 places
Year 1: 18 places
Year 2: 15 places
Year 3: 9 places
Year 4: 13 places
Year 5: 8 places
Year 6: No places available.
Thank you Fresh Choice Half Moon Bay: A huge thank you to Fresh Choice Half Moon Bay for their support in donating prizes for our litter-free lunch competition at the end of Term 2. We were able to award 27 prizes to our students.
Artificial Intelligence: This week, our Year 5 and 6 students and parents attended an insightful presentation by Chris Clay on Artificial Intelligence. The session focused on understanding AI, spotting AI-generated content, and developing strong critical thinking skills around modern technology.
We are actively shaping our school’s approach to AI and will keep families updated on how we intend to harness these tools to support student learning.
Prizegiving and Graduation:
Prizegiving and Graduation: This year our prizegiving and graduations will be celebrated during school time. Please see below for dates and times. You may like to make a note of these in your diary. All prize givings will take place in our school hall, the Year 6 Graduation will be held at Bucklands Beach Intermediate. Our Year 6 student leaders will also plan a special evening event for our Year 6 students.
Thursday 10 December
9.00 - 10.30am Pohutukawa
11.00 - 12.30 pm Māhuri
1.30 - 3.00pm Kahikatea
Friday 11 December
9.00 - 10.30am Titoki
1.00 - 3.00pm Kauri Graduation at BBI
Teacher Only Days:
At our school, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of curriculum implementation to ensure the very best learning outcomes for our students. In Term 4, our teaching staff will participate in two dedicated Professional Learning days, during which the school will be closed for instruction.
Friday 23 October: We will be working alongside mathematics expert Sue Pine to implement and embed the refreshed mathematics curriculum.
Friday 6 November: We will be working with writing expert Murray Gadd to focus on best practice and student engagement in writing.
We appreciate that school closure days require extra planning for families, and we thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we invest in our staff's professional growth.
Important Dates and Reminders
Term Dates
Term 3: Monday 20th July - Friday 25th September
Term 4: Monday 12th October - Tuesday 15 December
Curriculum Day (Teacher Only Day) Friday 23rd October
Labour Day – Monday 26th October
Curriculum Day (Teacher Only Day) Friday 6 November
Important event dates at Pigeon Mountain Primary School:
Please check our school website which has a link to our Pigeon Mountain Community Calendar
Community Notices
Art with Janet
PMPS Wednesday after school art class
Art class: drawing. painting. oil pastels drawing
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3.15pm-4.15pm
Fee: $17 per hour
Classroom: Room 23
Please phone: 027-6555574 Janet
Email: janeto@xtra.co.nz
