To celebrate Matariki we will be having a special Matariki Hāngī Disco Day on Thursday 2 July. 

If possible we ask that all students contribute either a potato, kūmara or a piece of pumpkin to go into our hāngī. The vegetables will be prepared on Wednesday 1 July by students. Can you please ask your child(ren) to give their vegetables to their classroom teacher on or before Tuesday 30 June. School will be providing the meat portion.

On Thursday morning our hāngī pit (on the school field) will be lit at 6.30am. All are welcome to come and be part of this experience. All students will be able to see the kai going into the ground at 9.15am. Around 12.00pm students will watch the kai coming out of the hāngī pit. At around 12.30pm all students will get to enjoy feasting on our hāngī. 

The aim is for students to contribute to and learn through experience, about the process of preparing for a hāngī, watching how the kai is cooked and then savouring the hāngī kai.

Disco

Our junior syndicate students (Rooms 1, 2, 8, 10 & 11) will be able to enjoy this fun between 10.50am and 12.00pm. Between 1.15pm and 2.30pm our senior syndicate students (Rooms 3, 4, 5, 6 & 12) will get to have their turn.

All students will be experiencing and enjoying the hāngī at 12.30pm.

As always the hall blinds will be closed, the disco ball will be up and dancing games are being organised. Coming dressed up or in bare feet, both are perfect! There will be some treats for the students to enjoy.  

Parents who would like a smile are most welcome to join us for the fun.

What a magic Matariki celebration day we are hoping to have. Please note that lunch in schools will be served 

at 10.30am on this day.

HEAD LICE - CHICKEN POX - CONJUNCTIVITIS - SCABIES - EAR INFECTIONS - PAIN & FEVER MEDICATIONS
You may not be aware that the government has made changes to the medications that can now be dispensed from the chemist, without the need to go to the doctor. These include treatments for conjunctivitis, scabies, ear infections, head lice and pain and fever medication. For children under 14 these treatments are free. 

If you need any treatment for any of the above, Ōtaki Pharmacy is providing this service.

FACEBOOK
Waitohu School will soon start a Facebook page. The aim will be to more regularly inform, celebrate student success and share learning with whānau. It is our hope this page will be enjoyed by immediate whānau and those further away who would like to keep connected. Before we start, we would appreciate any whānau who do not want photos of their tamariki shared on our school Facebook page, to please let us know by Friday 5 June. Please let the office know by ringing 06 364 8272 | email office@waitohu.school.nz or calling in to tell us.

Scholastic Lucky Book Club Offer 4 2026 orders are due by Thursday 4 June. The online ordering system now available is explained in the brochure or bring in your order and correct cash to the office.

ROAD PATROL SUPERVISION
Next term we need a parent to supervise our Te Manuao Road pedestrian crossing in the mornings between 8.30am and 9.00am on a Wednesday and Thursday. Please seriously consider whether there is any possibility of you being of service to our school community in this way.  If you would like more information or are able to help please don’t hesitate to speak with Shelly Matheson or ring or email the school office. Ngā mihi.

We are really grateful to Terry Poko, Kāpiti Manager of Zeal, who has been coming weekly, last term and this, on Tuesdays at lunch time, to teach any interested students to play TAG. There is an awesome energy and high participation rates from keen tamariki. Ngā mihi nui Terry and your team of helpers for making this difference for our tamariki - it is really appreciated.

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.  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.

 EVENTS – UPCOMING

    Term 2      Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July

    Term 3      Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September

    Term 4      Monday 12 October to Friday 11 December

SHORT-TERM GENERAL ELECTION WORK AVAILABLE
The Electoral Commission are seeking people from the local community for short-term work to assist with the 2026 General Election that will be held on Saturday 7 November.  They need people with different skills and backgrounds, from students to experienced workers, to fill various roles.  There are work opportunities for several weeks or just on election day.  Go to work.elections.nz for more information about the roles available and to register your interest in working today.

RAUKAWA BASKETBALL - SKILLS AND DRILLS
Skills and Drills for ages 10plus will be run by Raukawa Basketball from May 10 - July 1, Sessions are on Wednesday mornings at 6.30am and Sunday mornings at 10am for 7 weeks.  Registration is $40.00 and includes your own customized Raukawa Basketball to keep.  Sunday skills will alternate venues each week between Ōtaki College Gym and Ngā Purapura, starting at Ōtaki College this Sunday. Wednesday morning sessions will be at Ngā Purapura. Click on the link to register https://forms.gle/VW9XxZmto27qsSTt7