Balmoral School Newsletter - 13 June 2025
Te Tumuaki / Principal
Kia ora e te whānau
Last week, I received three emails about our school from different groups who've interacted with members of our community firsthand!
Academics from Vermont University, USA, when they visited, were impressed with how our school "lives the mission of ‘valuing diversity, developing curious, confident, and connected learners.'" They also commented on our effort to involve Te Ao Māori in our curriculum. They have identified our school as one of the schools they would like to showcase with other students and academics upon their return in 2026.
Following our recent EOTC Motutapu camp, the instructors also sent positive remarks. They praised the "high calibre" of our parent helpers and teaching staff, which "ensured the camp's success" and made their "work and instruction an absolute pleasure." What stood out for them was the "courtesy and honesty displayed by the students" and their remarkable "self-initiated ownership" when mistakes were made. They highlighted that students openly apologised and fixed up "without adult intervention, which is something in our line of work we seldom see," and concluded, "It is clear to us the school’s values are being upheld to a very high standard."
We believe the tamariki's sense of ownership of their behaviours results from our Restorative Practices.
Mike Cousino, a US educator who visited our school in February, told us that "our school has made an incredible impact on my approach to teaching and expanded my vision of what's possible." He mentioned that his school district is now adopting play-based learning and is hoping for our advice as they move forward—a fantastic acknowledgement of the innovative teaching and learning happening here.
These emails illustrate that creating a positive and successful learning environment is a community effort. It takes all of us working together to achieve these sorts of outcomes, and we should celebrate these comments.
Thank you to everyone—our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and the wider community—for your contributions to the lives and development of our tamariki. Your impact is being acknowledged beyond the shores of our motu!
Ngā mihi
Malcolm
School Board Elections
In September, we are holding our school board elections. Kyle MacDonald, our Presiding Member, and Sarah Jack (Deputy PM) are available to talk to anyone interested in standing. They are also available to discuss questions regarding the Board, such as time commitment, skills, and attitudes.
Sonya Singh, a previous Board member who served for ten years on our Board and nearly nine as our chair, is also available to talk to. She has extensive knowledge of school governance.
Contact details
Kyle MacDonald: kyle@psychotherapy.nz
Sarah Jack: sarah.c.jack@gmail.com
Sonya Singh: Sonyaboardelection@balmoral.school.nz
Board Elections: Parent & Staff Election Timetable
This year, our election will be held online. Please ensure your email addresses are up to date to enable you to participate.
Election Stage | Date |
Close Main Roll | By Wednesday 16th July |
Call for Nominations | Friday 18th July |
Close Supplementary Roll | Monday 4th August |
Nominations Close | 12 noon on Wednesday 6th August |
Voting Papers Issued | Wednesday 13th August |
Election Day | Wednesday 10th September |
Close Poll | 4pm on Wednesday 10th September |
Count Votes & Declare Results | Tuesday 16th September |
Board Takes Office | Wednesday 17th September |
Staffing Changes
Last week, the Board of Trustees accepted Heidi Mokhtari's (Hub 1A2) resignation. Heidi has accepted a position as a classroom teacher at an international school in Turkey. We'd like to welcome Mia O'Donoghue, who will be the new classroom teacher in Hub 1A2, Year 8.
At the end of this term, Deborah Gray will be leaving our school after over 25 years as a highly valued member of our school community, both as a parent and a teacher. Deborah has made a huge contribution to our school, initially as the Year 1 Team Leader and more recently as the Year 2 Team Leader. We'll truly miss her extensive knowledge of the curriculum, especially in the early years. Nadine Bargallo will join Hub 10 A3 as their new teacher. We wish Deborah all the best for her travels to the UK.
We look forward to Deborah continuing work with us in the near future on a part-time basis.
Joe Teague will be leaving us after six years. For much of this time, he has been our Year 8 Team Leader and our resident Philosophy for Children Curriculum Lead. We wish him and his family all the best as they return to England. In the past six months, the school has actively searched for a suitable replacement for Joe Teague (Year 8). Unfortunately, we have yet to find the right candidate. Starting next term, Dan Allen will take on the role of teacher for Hub 2A1 and will also act as the Year 8 Team Leader.
Niamh Cullen joins our New Entrant team as the new teacher for the class we will start at the beginning of Term 3.
NZMSM Piano Competitions: Congratulations.
On Saturday, 7th June 2025, New Zealand Modern School of Music held its Annual Competitions.
Congratulations to Amara Bruns, Thea Bruns, Austin Carter, Fiona Elliot, Theo Fisher, Tom Green Minnie Hilless, Chloe Hodgson, Adnah Manthri, Lucy Meade, Zoey Pearson, Susie Pham, Flora Roberts, Becca Spalding, Ellie Spalding, for their participation and hard work.
Thea Bruns received two Trophies, four Gold Medals, two Silver Medals, A Bronze Medal, and A Very Highly Commended Certificate.
Minnie Hilless- A Trophy, 2 Gold Medals and A Bronze Medal.
Susie Pham - A Trophy, A Gold Medal, 2 Silver Medals, A Very Highly Commended Certificate, 2 Highly Commended Certificates.
Zoey Pearson - A Trophy, 2 Silver Medals, A Bronze Medal, 2 Very Highly Commended Certificates and A Highly Commended Certificate.
Amara Bruns - A Gold Medal, A Very Highly Commended Certificate and A Highly Commended Certificate.
Flora Roberts - A Silver Medal and A Very Highly Commended Certificate,
Ellie Spalding - 2 Bronze Medals and A Very Highly Commended Certificate.
Becca Spalding - A Bronze Medal, A Very Highly Commended Certificate and A Highly Commended Certificate.
Theo Fisher - A Bronze Medal and A Very Highly Commended Certificate.
Austin Carter - Very Highly Commended Certificate and A Highly Commended Certificate.
Lucy Meade - 2 Highly Commended Certificates.
Chloe Hodgson - A Highly Commended Certificate.
Primary School News
News from Whānau Koru
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou
With the sudden drop of temperature in the last few days we have been talking about what happens in our gardens during these winter months. The arrival of Matariki in these cold, dark days inspires the children to keep looking, to notice what is happening in their world around them to see the changes and the growth that is always happening. Last week we planted carrot seeds together and some early strawberry plants. Gardening jobs that never stop for the tamariki are to look closely, to monitor germination, check rainfall and water if necessary. We are noticing the children are showing a growing interest, respect and sense of kaitiakitanga for the garden. There is a feeling that their work is important.
On Monday this week the children discovered little, tiny shoots from where they had planted the carrots. After sharing different theories on how a carrot actually grows we watched some time lapse videos to gather more information. They were delighted and surprised to discover that they were eating a root. We hope they are still eating their dinner!
We are getting excited that Matariki is coming. We’ve been singing waiata, reading stories and investigating the significance of each of the nine stars. Within the play we see the children representing their thinking in lots of different ways, through play dough, artworks, dramatic and imaginary play.
This is such an important time to continue to develop our knowledge of tikanga and te reo Māori. We hope to see you all at the school Matariki celebration in week 9.
Koru Team
Intermediate School News
Hundertwasser in Hub 4
As part of our Inquiry work, we have looked at the work of the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian visual artist and architect. As we studied his art, the teachers challenged us to be free with our pencils and thoughtful about our colour choices. We started with lightly shaded lines - don't press too hard on the pencil! Leave the rulers please! We created wavy lines, rain drops, lollipop trees and onion houses. We allowed our imagination and the pencils to guide us. We then added colour, but not before we learnt how to blend. We chose colours that complemented each other. The most challenging of all was keeping our pastels clean, and like true artists, we pulled it off!
Above are a selection of our wonderful pieces, we hope you enjoy them.
By Harry W and Penny.
Sports Leagues
Netball Y0-2
Registrations are open for Term 3 Netball. Please click into the form via the website for more information. If your child played in Term 2 and wishes to continue playing in Term 3, they will need to re-register. All Y3-8 do not need to re-register. If you have a child in Y7 that would like to join netball, please email me.
https://www.balmoral.school.nz/netball
Flippaball/Minipolo Y4-6
Registration is open for Term 3 flippaball and minipolo. Please register via the link:
https://www.balmoral.school.nz/flippaball-yr46
Basketball Y5-8
Term 3 registration information is still being finalised and the registration form will be on the school website on Monday.
If you have any questions, please contact me
Meredith Hughes
sport@balmoral.school.nz
AIMS Fundraising
AIMS Fundraiser Gallery
Our teams are working hard to fund their trip to Tauranga for AIMS, Australasia’s largest junior sporting event. We are taking four teams: Netball, Boys Football, Basketball, and Girls Futsal. Alongside these teams, we have a number of individuals also competing in Badminton, Swimming, Sailing, and Gymnastics.
Every bit of support helps. If you would like to contribute, please click one of the links below to order and show your support! We are selling Samosas, Pies, Protein Bars, and a movie night (SAVE THE DATE).
Community News
National Youth Theatre is proud to present the spectacular production of Seussical, based on the immortal works of Dr Seuss.
Seussical brings to life the beloved Dr Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and, of course, the Cat in the Hat. These characters and stories weave together in a whimsical and wacky musical extravaganza, played out against an uplifting score, and highlighting the show's universal messages of love and acceptance - reminding us all that "a person's a person, no matter how small."
Bright, bold, and bursting with heart SEUSSICAL is a musical adventure like no other. Recommended for ages 3 to 103!
Performances: at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Friday 27 June, 7 pm
Saturday 28 June, 1:30 pm and 7 pm
Sunday 29 June, 1:30 pm
Tickets from Ticketmaster, click here
