Term 3 finishes tomorrow Friday 19 September at 2.00pm. There are no bus services at this time. 

Term 4 begins on Monday 6 October.

For a number of weeks this term, we have been entertained by talented and courageous tamariki performing during our lunchtime, ‘Waitohu’s Got Talent’ gatherings in the hall. Dancing, magic tricks, poetry, singing  …….. it has been totally delicious. To every student who performed we are so grateful for your aroha, talent, bravery and sharing of what you love - you were AMAZING. This opportunity was made possible through the generosity of Whaea Kirstin and Whaea Andrea. Your behind the scenes mahi, to enable our treasures to shine, is much appreciated.   

TENNIS TOURNAMENT
On Tuesday Jacob Easton and Sidney Growcott represented Waitohu School at the Kapi Mana Primary Schools Singles Tennis tournament. Well done to both boys, who played well in their respective divisions and represented Waitohu School with pride. Congratulations to Sid who came 2nd in division 2.
Ngā mihi nui to Abe Growcott for transporting and supervising the boys for the day.

ATTENDANCE
It is a Ministry of Education aim that by 2030 80% of students attend school 90% of the time. 

To provide you with absolute clarity, we are emailing you updates of your child’s attendance, twice a term (mid and end of term). This Monday, you will receive an end of term update. Celebrating great attendance with your child or noting improvement is needed, is the aim of these emails. If improvement is needed, we are here to support. 

This increased emphasis on attendance is due to research undertaken by the Education Evaluation Centre that highlighted a concerning decline of attendance by students in Aotearoa New Zealand schools. The point that stands out most strongly is the direct link between time spent at school and student achievement gained. Put simply - the more you are at school the better you do, the less you are at school the worse you do.

If you haven’t ordered your child’s class or individual photos yet, you still have time to order and pay for these online and get free shipping to school next term.  For free shipping, orders must be placed by 24 September. Go to https://lcscott.co.nz/orderonline to order. Contact the school office if you have misplaced your child’s key code.

All lost property has been displayed to students this week. I encourage you to pop into the hall and check the lost property cupboard to ensure you get all the items that belong to your whānau. There is an abundance of sweatshirts and jackets. All items that remain at the end of the term will be given to charity. 

Our fireworks are going to happen - Yes, TUMEKE, Yee hah, KA RAWE, Whoop Whoop.

EVERYONE please put Friday 7 November in your diaries and let family and friends know. Our wonderful Home and School Association are working hard planning and organising this spectacular event. We will need lots of helpers to make this the special night that it has been, for over 30 years. PLEASE seriously consider how you may help. We will be asking for helpers from the start of next term.

Again this year purchasing tickets prior to the night will be cheaper than at the gate. Pre purchase is $5 per adult or child - on the night is $8 adults & $5 children (under 5’s are free). We are looking forward to a brilliant night. Tickets will be on sale 2 weeks prior to the Fireworks Extravaganza. 

For those wishing to enrol children at Ōtaki College in 2026, there is an online enrolment form available on the College website, or you can go directly to https://otakicollege.school.kiwi/ to start the enrolment process. If you prefer to fill in a hard copy form, this is not a problem. Forms can be downloaded in pdf form from the College website, or collected from Waitohu School or Ōtaki College offices.

 

    Term 3      Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September

    Term 4      Monday 6 October to Friday 12 December

ABSENCES
Before 9.00am, please phone 364 8272, text 027 545 0530 or email absences@waitohu.school.nz to inform us that us that your child is away and the reason for their absence.

FUNZONE ONSITE BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE (UNTIL 7.00PM)

Our fun, safe and friendly ‘on-site’ Before and After School Care Programme has casual and permanent spots available for Waitohu School students for 2025 and beyond!  Enrol, book and manage your bookings ONLINE! And ….. our breakfast club is free of charge! Come and visit our team after school at the Waitohu School Hall from 3.00pm for more information or find us online at  www.funzone.co.nz, email info@funzone.co.nz or contact us on 0800 FUNZONE (0800 386 9663) or 04 298 4287.
We are OSCAR approved and WINZ subsidies apply.

Enrolments for the September/October School Holiday Programme at Funzone are available now. Visit  www.funzone.co.nz to book.  See the attached flyers for the junior and senior programmes.  For more information ring 0800 FUNZONE (0800 386 9663).

 

HANDS-ON ECO FUN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT NGĀ MANU
22nd September - 5th October
These school holidays, Ngā Manu is hosting a series of hands-on, family-friendly events that inspire a love for nature and sustainable living. From building cosy bug hotels to cooking with the power of the sun, and enjoying a heartwarming puppet show, there’s something for everyone.
You can also join us for our daily Lil' Explorer trail, eel feeding plus our experiencesthroughout the holidays including: the Native Bird Close Encounter and Kiwi Night Encounter.
Bookings are recommended during the school holidays to secure your spot! Go to www.ngamanu.org.nz to find out more.

ŌTAKI KIDS MARKET IS BACK ON SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER 2025

Rangatahi and tamariki get ready to showcase your creativity.

The Ōtaki Kids Market is a vibrant and creative event that provides a unique platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and entrepreneurial spirit.  This special market invites tamariki and rangatahi from 5-19 years old to become stall holders, offering them the opportunity to sell their handmade art and crafts, delicious home baking, toys, and books.

REGISTER: www.otakiwomensclub.org/kidsmarket

STAGLANDS WILDLIFE RESERVE AND CAFE
After many months of dreaming, planning and hard mahi, our brand-new main entrance & café is now officially open!
To celebrate this huge milestone, all kids will get ½ price entry to Staglands these school holidays!
It’s the perfect chance to gather the whānau, explore the beautiful new space, and enjoy a fun day out together.
Plus, our always-popular free tractor trailer rides will be running (weather and circumstances permitting) , and with spring in the air, you can expect to meet lots of adorable new babies too! Hope to see you at Staglands these holidays!
 Offer valid: 20th September - 5th October -  Not valid with any other offers.

TENNIS COACHING FOR BEGINNER CHILDREN IN TERM 4
Fun, active and very supportive lessons.
$55 for a 7 week course at Ōtaki Sports Club. For ages 6-12.
All equipment provided. Tennis NZ accredited coach.
Mondays 3.30pm for ages 6-7 and Tuesdays 3.15 for 8 years upwards.
Places are limited. To book in, contact Adam on 027 286 9820 or tennis@otakisportsclub.co.nz or
https://www.facebook.com/otakisports/posts/1249387563656214