Pīwakawaka Hapori News

PBL (Project Based Learning)

Over the past five weeks we have become budding astronauts and space scientists, as we unpack our big question "How can we learn from Space, past, present, and future?"

The children have been exploring knowledge about the sun, stars, moons, planets, and space travel/rockets. We are discussing what we know already, and finding out what new learning we can discover. Throughout this topic we are also working on our PBL skills, such as working collaboratively and being critical thinkers.

Pink Shirt Day

Last Friday, our school became a sea of pink as students and staff came together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day! Thank you for supporting this important day- by dressing up, our school community helped promote kindness, inclusivity, and an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

Bob Bickerton

The children were fascinated by the Taonga Pūoro performance we saw this week. Bob showed us different taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments) and he could play every single one. He even played one with his nose!

As well as demonstrating the instruments, Bob told us some pūrākau (old stories) that gave background stories to the taonga.

The stories included a creation story- the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

Bruce Potter

We have also been lucky to have a visiting author and illustrator come and talk to us this term, Bruce Potter. He shared some of the books that he had worked on, and the children watched as he created some funny illustrations for us. The children have been excited to find some of the books Bruce worked on in our school library!

Little Miracles Fundraising Day-School Council News

Wear something purple or bring your favourite baby doll or soft toy on Thursday, the 28th of May, to support the Little Miracles Trust.

The 2026 school council has decided to fundraise for the Little Miracles Trust, which supports families with babies in the NICU by arranging meals, transport, and clothing for the baby, as well as counselling, so the unexpected stay in hospital is a little smoother.

So we are going to raise money for the Little Miracles Trust. To help all the little miracles, please bring in a gold coin donation. There will be cupcakes for sale, too.

• When: Thursday, the 28th of May

• Wear Purple

• Bring: A gold coin donation and your baby doll or favourite soft toy. Bring a pram for your doll if you would like to.

• Cupcakes will be on sale for $2.

All money raised goes to the Little Miracles Hospital.

Please wear anything purple (e.g., PJs, slippers, clothing, hats, etc.) on this day. You are also welcome to bring in a soft toy or doll.

Thank you,

From your school councillors, Maggie and Mae.

Kā mihi nui,

Emily Armstrong

Nicole Wilson

Imogen Youngs

Paula Fisher

Sam Baker