07/02/2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
We are very excited to welcome our tamariki and whānau back to kura apōpō to begin our 2026 journey! At Waatea School, we know that when our tamariki are present, they thrive in an environment that celebrates their identity, and we can’t wait to get back into mahi and hit the ground running.
Please find some important information for the week ahead:
📆First Day & First Week
Gates Open: 8:30 am tomorrow morning to welcome our tamariki.
🙏Karakia: Starts at 8:50 am in Tangaroa. Whānau are more than welcome to join us in the wharenui
👔Uniform Updates:
We have a new uniform provider, Lenco, as our previous provider went into liquidation.
🛜Orders: You can place orders online via the Waatea School Uniform website. Please note that shipments will not be ready until mid-February 2026.
https://www.lenco.co.nz/collections/waatea-school?srsltid=AfmBOooqNob4awGPbVhtivbck1EZJ9AxitbBGdZ1OQbmkTvQ9_HE0GTr
Grace Period: We know the start of the year can bring financial pressure. I am working with external providers to secure whānau support. In the meantime, please do not stress if your child does not have a uniform yet; there is a grace period until the end of Term 1.
📚Stationery:
To ensure all tamariki have what they need to start learning immediately, stationery is set at $20 per student for the year.
💰Payment Options: Cash at the admin office (please bring the exact amount) or via bank transfer
Multi-student families: Part-payment options are available to help manage costs.
Bank Details: ASB Bank | Waatea School Board of Trustees | 12-3021-0017059-00 | Ref: Child’s Name.
📍Whānau Support: Tessa, our Navigator:
To help with funding for stationery and uniforms, our Whānau Navigator, Tessa, will be at kura every Tuesday and Thursday (located next to Whaea Zara’s office). I urge whānau to take this opportunity to kōrero with her so we can provide support where required.
🧑🧑🧒🧒2026 First Whānau Hui: Picnic & Whakawhanaungatanga
Date: February 25th at 3:30 pm.
🧺The Plan: We are doing things differently! Bring your afternoon tea/dinner, blankets, and chairs for a school picnic. This is a chance for kaiako and whānau to mix, mingle, and introduce ourselves as we build our school community
✅A Focus on Presence:
Our goal for 2026 is a significant lift in Regular Attendance to ensure our learners catch the spark of inspiration every day. Every day counts, and we look forward to seeing our tamariki here daily to build their learning and social foundations.
🗄️Note: My office has moved! I am now located between Uenuku and Tangaroa on the ātea.
Ngā mihi
Whaea Zara
