Birchwood School

21/09/2026

“If the rarest bird in the world can be rescued, then given human determination and effort, no species need become extinct.” Dr. Dan Merton

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.

Thank you so much for your support of Birchwood School's campaign in Bird of the Year 2026.

The winner was Karure, the black robin. In 1980 there were only FIVE karure alive, so the species was almost extinct. After a lot of whanaungatanga and grit from scientists and people working in conservation, there are now 350 of these lovely manu.

Our fabulous Matuku Moana, Reef Heron got a total of 2504 votes, the most votes it has ever gotten!

Please keep learning about the unique birds of Aotearoa and the special habitats we need to protect for them to survive.

20/09/2026

Pyjama Day!!!
Our students have voted, this Thursday will be a pyjama day! Our wonderful manukura counted the votes on Friday. Over the term our tamariki have been voting every time they are recognised for showing our grow values. It was a close vote with a school disco and sports afternoon close behind.

https://hail.to/birchwood-school/article/Ew5wTsD

18/09/2026

Today was definitely a ‘Friyay!’ 🎉

‘Yay’ because we celebrated the final day of a very successful Book Fair with a fantastic Dress Up Day and parade.

‘Yay’ because we counted hundreds of GROW tokens earned this term — a great reminder of just how many of our students are demonstrating our GROW values.

‘Yay’ because Pyjama Day is our whole-school reward this term and it’s happening next Thursday! We can’t wait to see everyone arrive at school in their PJs. 💤

And finally, ‘Yay’ because we had the opportunity to celebrate Ethan, who was awarded the Birchwood Cup, as well as recognising the students who received this week’s Class Awards. A fantastic way to finish the week!

Have a fabulous weekend, Birchwood whānau — put your feet up, recharge and get ready for Pyjama Day… because apparently dressing for school is about to get a whole lot easier! 😴🎉

17/09/2026

We are so lucky to have Kaitiaki Karen at our Kura creating so many creative artworks. Her latest project is this amazing picnic table that our tauira are able to enjoy

https://hail.to/birchwood-school/article/4qsMmot

16/09/2026

The aim of the annual Forest & Bird Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau (Bird of the Year) is to raise awareness of our rare and endangered species.

Today senior students went to each class and spoke about some of the 'underbirds'. These are manu which have never won the competition and are also classified as 'in serious trouble' meaning they are in the most endangered category.

After the presentation, ākonga were given tokens to vote. Senior students are using this data to tally and graph results for our school and the votes will be sent in for the official competition. How great to see them stepping up as leaders, speaking clearly and showing patience with the younger tauira.

Tragically, many of Aotearoa’s native species are in danger of becoming extinct, 8 out of every 10 in fact, so they need all the recognition they can get!

Forest & Bird Nelson-Tasman

15/09/2026

Kia ora whānau,
Here is our latest newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading about what has been happening at kura.

Check out this Email Newsletter designed by wendy safey.

15/09/2026

At Birchwood we love to champion the underdog, or in this case, underbird!
Voting closes this weekend. Click on this link which will take you straight to Reef Heron. Choose 'click here to vote for me' and submit your vote so you dont get distracted by those other colourful, cheeky, charismatic birds!
Remember to verify your vote by opening the link in the email you will get after voting. https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/?bird=reef-heron

15/09/2026

Student-led Conferences in action! It has been great to witness our students confidently discuss their progress with whānau today. The next session takes place on Thursday this week. If you haven’t already, there is still time to make a booking.

15/09/2026

https://hail.to/birchwood-school/article/2uXxnm7

14/09/2026

Our Book Fair is in full swing. Make sure you come into the library and check it out!

https://hail.to/birchwood-school/article/2mej4Ry