Newsletter 2, 11 February 2026

Newsletter 2- February 11, 2026

Kia ora Whaanau

We hope you all had a happy long weekend celebrating Waitangi Day-New Zealand’s national day. Waitangi Day is recognised as New Zealand’s national day and is the most important marker in the country’s history. Ongoing recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi as the nation’s founding documents will continue to keep this celebration alive, as the Treaty continues to live as part of New Zealand’s past, present and future.

Waitangi Day has been a significant day on New Zealand’s calendar since Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed in 1840. The flagstaff which stands on the Upper Treaty Grounds marks the location of the first Treaty signing by representatives of the British Crown and over 40 rangatira (chiefs) on 6 February 1840. On 5 February 1840 a marquee was erected on the lawn in front of the home of the British resident, James Busby. Captain William Hobson presented a proposal for the attending chiefs to agree to British settlement in New Zealand. The meeting lasted throughout the day, during which the chiefs vigorously debated the proposed Treaty, with some rangatira supporting the Treaty and others opposed to it. The discussions continued that night across the Waitangi River at what is now Te Tii Marae. On February 6 the rangatira returned to the marquee at Waitangi, where over 40 signed the Maaori version of the document, now known as Te Tiriti o Waitangi. By September 1840 over 500 leaders from throughout New Zealand had signed the document.

Waterlea School reflects, celebrates and acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a variety of ways. Our Poowhiri, school karakia for opening and closing the school day, our school waiata outlining the story of the Tainui Waka arriving at Maangere Bridge ( Our Local Story ) and our MANA values are all in place as examples of keeping Te Tiriti o Waitangi alive and at the forefront of what we do here. It is also one of Waterlea School’s Strategic Goals- Strategic Plan.

Have a good week.

Ngaa mihi,

Andrea Jamieson and the Waterlea Team

Attendance:

We’ve had a great start back to school with most of our tamariki attending regularly. Infact our attendance rate as a school is at 100% because we have had no students away for more than 5 days. Keep up the great effort and let’s see how long we can keep our attendance rate between 90-100%.

Learning in the Junior School:

The teachers of Year 1 and 2 would like to invite their whaanau to a workshop looking at learning in the junior school. The workshop will be on Thursday, 19 February at 3.15pm. Child minding will be provided and the venue is yet to be decided. Check out Seesaw in the coming days for more information.

Sports News: 

Kia ora Waterlea whaanau

We are very lucky here at Waterlea School to be able to provide opportunities for our students to participate in a variety of Zone sports competitions each year. To support our teachers, we would really appreciate any help from parents and caregivers who have skills and enthusiasm in specific sports.  

Term 1 – cricket, softball

Term 2 – hockey, netball

Term 3 – rugby, football

Term 4 – athletics

If you have the flexibility during school time to coach a team, please get in touch with Georgina Robb.

georgina.robb@waterlea.school.nz

Important Dates:

13 Feb – MANA Assembly (9:45am)

17 Feb – Senior School Kayaking (Rm 7, 9 and 5)

18 Feb – Senior School Kayaking (Rm 6, 8 and 5)

19 Feb – Learning in the Junior School-Whaanau Workshop 3pm

23 Feb – Senior School Snorkling (Rm 6, 7 and 5)

24 Feb – Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30pm

27 Feb – Senior School Snorkling (Rm 8, 9 and 5)
             – MANA Assembly

5 Mar – Goat Island (Rm 7, 9 and 5)

9 Mar – New Entrant Cohort 2 first day

12 Mar – Goat Island (Rm 6, 8 and 5)

13 Mar – MANA Assembly

2 Apr – Last day of Term 1

20 April – First day of Term 2

Notice Board:

Music Lessons at Waterlea School!  Our good friends at Musiqhub are happy to announce that they’ll have some spaces opening up in Term 1 for new students.  They offer Keyboard, Guitar and Drum lessons onsite after school hours.  Please get in touch with paul.barry@musiqhub.co.nz for more info or to reserve a spot!