Term 4 Newsletter 7

From the Acting Principal

As we approach the end of another incredible year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the achievements and growth we’ve shared as a school community. This year has been filled with learning, connection, and countless memorable moments. As the summer holidays and festive season approach, I wish you all a joyful and restful break with your whānau.

School Report

Pataka Kai (Foodbank)

On Wednesday we unveiled our new pātaka kai (foodbank) – “Bring what you can, take what you need.” We thank Mrs Fiona Blest along with our Wellbeing Leaders and School Counsellors who have brought this project to life and to Mr John Winters whose contributions have started our foodbank off with plenty to share.

If your family needs support, please come together as whānau to collect what you need. This is here for all of us, and it reflects the care and compassion that makes our school special.

“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.”
“With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive.”

Prizegivings

Thank you to all family members that attended our Prize Givings on Thursday and Friday. They were a truly wonderful occasion to celebrate the successful year of all our students in their learning teams.

We now look forward to our Year 6 Graduation event tonight held in our school hall.

Basketball

Last week was the final matches for our basketball teams. Well done to you all for showing sportsmanship, determination and growth in skill.

A special congratulations to the PMPS Beyond team who were champions in the Year 3/4 Grade and The PMPS Hi-5 team who clawed back a win to come 3rd overall in the Year 5/6 competition.

Staff Farewells and Introductions

At the end of this week, we farewell several longstanding staff members who have made remarkable contributions to our school and community.

Since her start at Pigeon Mountain Primary School, Mrs Trish Morgan has held a wide variety of roles and titles, including teaching students from Years 2–6. This year, she took on the role of Team Leader in Titoki while also acting as Associate Principal since April. In leadership, Trish has been personable, reliable, highly practical, and strategic. As Trish moves on to a Year 7 teaching role at Saint Kentigern’s College, she takes with her the leadership and management skills she has honed during her time with us.

Whaea Jordan Broomfield returned to Pigeon Mountain in Term 2, 2023. In 2024, she transitioned into a Classroom Teacher role, leading Team Māhuri to provide inclusive learning with a focus on te ao Māori. At the same time, Whaea Jordan has held the title of SENCo, inspiring our teacher aides to share responsibility for more learners, thereby creating a more united team. Whaea Jordan leaves us to pursue her dream of becoming fluent in te reo Māori at Te Wānanga Takiura. We hope to see her return one day, bringing her newfound knowledge and learning back to our community.

Miss Caitlin Myers started her teaching career at Pigeon Mountain Primary and has grown immensely most recently, leading a highly effective and cohesive Mānuka team over the past two years. Caitlin has been at the forefront of our coaching and wellbeing journey and has a wealth of knowledge to give. As she gets married over the summer and relocates to Taupō, we wish her all the best for her new classroom at Wairakei School as Mrs Bones. They are fortunate to have her.

Mr David Blake joined our team just this year and has prepared his Year 6 students in Room 22 for Intermediate. His expertise in maths and technology has shone throughout the year. David will be jumping over the fence next year, further developing his skills at Bucklands Beach Intermediate.

Mrs Liz Browne also joined our team this year as a teacher aide. Her work has been varied, stepping into classrooms alongside students to support their learning. Liz demonstrated empathy and diligence during her time with us this year.

Mrs Lalita Minocha began at Pigeon Mountain in the front office to support our admin team. In Term 4, she transitioned to supporting Mrs Fi Blest with the rapidly growing new entrant class. We will miss Lalita’s warmth and kindness towards our students and staff.

Finally, Mrs Maria Olsen will also be leaving us at the end of the year. Maria was out of school during 2024 after welcoming her daughter, Lily, at the end of 2023. After careful consideration, she has decided to fully commit to her role as a mother during this significant time in her life. Maria holds a lot of mana at our school, and we hope to see her back in the not-too-distant future!

We express our admiration and gratitude to these wonderful teachers and teacher aides and wish them good luck and best wishes as they embark on the next steps of their journey!

Maternity Leave

We wish both of our expectant mums, Mrs Abby Woolard and Mrs Sage Swart, all the best as they begin their maternity leave at the end of the term. Both women will be experiencing the joys of motherhood for the first time, and we have every confidence they will embrace this exciting new chapter with love and grace.

Introductions

We are excited to welcome several new faces to our team in 2025, replacing our wonderful departing teachers.

Mrs Debbie Watson has been appointed as the Year 5/6 Team Leader in Room 19. Debbie joins us from Diocesan Girls’, where she has taught for over 10 years. Currently the Maths Curriculum Leader, Debbie has also led initiatives in kapa haka, Health and PE, and Community Engagement.

Mrs Min Kim will be our other Year 5/6 Team Leader, based in Room 15. Min brings a wealth of experience from both Intermediate and Primary school settings, most recently teaching at Howick Primary. Her strengths lie in mathematics and leadership.

Miss Hayley Bilk has been appointed as the Year 2/3 Team Leader in Room 8. Hayley comes to us from Kauri Flats, where she honed her mentoring skills and teacher collaboration in flexible learning spaces.

Ms Amber Cambie completed her final teaching practicum at our school this year and has been appointed to a Year 5 class for 2025. As a PCT (Provisionally Certificated Teacher) in her first year of teaching, Amber brings significant experience in school environments, having worked as a teacher aide and sports facilitator at Macleans Primary.

Mr Nitesh Singh will join our senior team as the teacher of our Year 5/6 composite class in Room 16. With years of experience teaching in Fiji and a proven track record of raising student achievement, Nitesh most recently taught Year 5/6 at Tamaki Primary.

A reminder that school closes for the end of Term 4 on Friday at 3pm this week.

Dates for your Diary

Thursday 12 December – Popsicle Day

Friday 13 December – Last day of term – school finishes at 3pm

Wednesday 29 January 2025 – First Day Term One

Thank you

Thank you to all our parents, caregivers, siblings, Aunties, Uncles and Grandparents who have helped us with the many trips and activities our students have participated in this year. We could not do these without YOU!!