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Newsletter – 13 August 2025

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

 Principal’s Message

Dear Parents and Whānau/Mālō e lelei

Board Matters

It was with some sadness that I farewelled our Board earlier this week. They have proved a wonderful team to work with, bringing expertise, goodwill and commitment to their governance role. Jared Dinneen was an outstanding Presiding Member. I thank all of them very much for their support during their term(s) as board members.

As we received 5 nominations for 5 vacancies, there was no need to proceed to a vote. Congratulations to new board members: Sian Akania, Solange Bason, Mark Bramwell, Nadia Dykes, Grant Webster and Kimberley Rivett (staff rep). Cockle Bay School is fortunate to have parents with such a skill set offering to serve on the board. Thank you! The new board takes over the governance of Cockle Bay School today. I look forward to working with them.

Mid Year Reporting

89% of our parent community attended the recent conferences with teachers. Thanks for the mid year feedback which helps us forward plan. If you didn’t catch up with your child/children’s class teacher, it isn’t too late. Simply email directly to the teacher or ask at the office for an appointment. This is an important way to help your child succeed at school.

At mid year 2025, 72% of students are achieving at proficiency/exceeding expectations in writing. 76% of all students are achieving at proficiency/exceeding expectations in Reading. The Better Start Literacy Approach is embedded in Years 1-3 and being introduced into Years 4-6 this year.

In mathematics, it is pleasing to note that 82% of all students are achieving at proficiency/exceeding. This is particularly positive and shows a strong continuation of our maths programmes. Maths pedagogies have been strongly prioritised and invested in throughout the past four years, both in time and resourcing.

Paid Union Meeting

Thanks to so many of you for planning to collect your child/children (if possible) on Tuesday 26 August at 12.30pm. Please would all families complete the form HERE so we know your plans for that day.

High-Vis Hero Needed – Friday Mornings Only!
Rock a stylish fluorescent vest and help our kids cross safely. Fame, glory, and waves from grateful parents included! It’s a short time commitment that makes a big difference. If you are available to help, please email amberm@cocklebay.school.nz.

2026 Term Dates

These are now on the website and below.

Parking on Sandspit Road

The Police and Auckland Transport have observed some dangerous/inconsiderate road behaviours:

  • Double parking (i.e. stopping in the white line lane)
  • Stopping in the bus bay or in the middle of the road to let a child out
  • Driver leaving a vehicle in two minute parking 
  • U-turns / 3 point turns in busy areas
  • Pedestrians crossing ‘anywhere’ rather than walking to traffic lights, or pedestrian island

To avoid a tragedy or maybe a fine, please take time and be considerate of others. If you park further away from the school and walk, these issues are avoided and everyone stays safe.

 

Thank you.

 

Dorothy Bigwood

 Positive Behaviour for Learning

Twice each term, our teaching teams come together to reflect on the behaviour needs within their classrooms and playgrounds. During these meetings, teachers look at patterns and discuss what behaviours need extra focus or reteaching. From there, each team chooses a specific behaviour to teach, model, and remind students about, ensuring a consistent and supportive approach across the school. This helps us stay proactive and responsive to our learners’ needs.

Year 0- Moving around the school

Year 1- Wheel of Choice

Year 2 – Know how to react appropriately when someone does something that you don’t like (Wheel of Choice strategies)

Year 3 – Treating guests with respect

Year 4 – Caring for each other

Year 5 – Treating each other with kindness and respect

Year 6 – Respect for others and self

As a school, we will also be placing a strong focus on self-regulation – supporting our students to recognise their emotions, manage their reactions, and make positive choices even when things feel challenging. Learning to pause, breathe, and respond calmly is an important life skill that helps students succeed in both learning and relationships. Through class discussions, modelling, and tools like the Wheel of Choice, we aim to help all tamariki develop greater self-awareness and strategies to manage themselves in a range of situations.

 Key Dates

  • Paid Union Meetings – Tuesday 26 August – children collected at 12:30pm if possible
  • PTN Disco – Friday 5 September
  • Out of Zone enrolments close – Wednesday 8 October
  • Art Expo – Monday 13th to Friday 17th October
  • Photolife New Entrant and Catch Up Photos – Thursday 16 October
  • Teacher Only Day – Friday 24 October
  • Labour Day (school closed) – Monday 27 October
  • Celebration Night – Tuesday 9 December
  • Last day of school – Thursday 18 December

 In Zone Enrolments

If you have a child turning five this year, and you have not yet completed an enrolment form, please do so now. Knowing student numbers is crucial for effective school planning and the allocation of resources (classrooms, teachers, and other essentials)

Forms can be collected from the school office or downloaded from the school website.

 

 Out of Zone Enrolments

Applications for out of zone enrolments will close on Wednesday, 8 October.
Application forms are available from the school office, or can be completed via the online form on our website.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

 Uniform Shop  – Donations Please!

The uniform shop will be open Monday, 25 August 8:15am-8:45am and 2:45pm-3:15pm.

Any uniform donations would be greatly appreciated.

The SchoolDocs review process allows the school community to provide feedback on policies and procedures, and ensures information stays up to date. To access our School documents, use the community usernames and password below:

Username: cocklebay
Password: sandspit

The following policies are under review Term 3 2025:

  • Child Protection
  • Abuse Recognition and Reporting
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Safety Checking
  • Police Vetting
  • Missing Student Procedure

 2025 Term Dates

Term Three (Monday 14 July – Friday 19 September)

Term Four (Monday 6 October – Thursday 18 December)

 2026 Term Dates

Term 1 

Monday 2nd February to Thursday 2nd April

Term 2

Monday 20th April to Thursday 2nd July

Term 3

Monday 20th July to Friday 25th September

Term 4

Monday 12th October to Thursday 17th December

TEACHER ONLY DAYS

Friday 29th May

Friday 3rd July

Friday 23rd October 

2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Waitangi Day, Friday 6th February

ANZAC Day, Saturday 25th April (Observed Monday 27th April)

King’s Birthday, Monday 1st June

Labour Day, Monday 26th October

 For Sale  

 
Piano – Strauss, Model UP-110A Series
$650 ONO
Small Piano, approx 10 years old in great condition internally. Some surface marks on the body.  Strauss pianos are made by the Shanghai Piano Company.
Pick up Cockle Bay School.
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