Thursday 2nd April 2026 Newsletter
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Thursday 2nd April 2026
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
As we wrap up our last day before Easter, I want to thank you for your support throughout what has been a busy and rewarding term. Students have put great energy into their learning, sports, and all the extra activities that have filled our weeks, and it’s been encouraging to see them give things their best.
We really appreciate the effort families have made with uniforms this term. The standard has been excellent, and it’s made a noticeable difference around the school. Today’s non‑uniform day was a fun way to finish up, and the creativity - especially the hair - certainly brought some smiles.
Our Easter egg competition was another highlight. The range of ideas and the effort students put into their creations were impressive, and it was great to see so many taking part.
Wishing all our families a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the 20th of April.
Ngå mihi,
Andrea Holt
Principal
VALUES AWARD WINNER - Francis
Congratulations to Francis this week's Values Award Winner,
Francis you are a superstar!
Francis is recognised for consistently demonstrating the values of our school.
Quietly spoken and unfailingly polite, he approaches every task with maturity and purpose. He completes his work diligently, listens carefully to advice and thoughtfully applies it to improve and grow.
He shows kindness in the way he treats others, is always considerate, always checking that those around him are okay. Without seeking attention, he uses his own initiative, gets on with what needs to be done and contributes positively to the class environment.
Francis is a steady, compassionate presence in or school community and we are proud to acknowledge the example he sets each day.
All in all, you are a wonderful asset to our school. Keep working hard - you will go far!
Francis displays all the Balfour School Values:
Be Respectful / kia whakaute
Be Positive / kia pai
Be honest / kai pono
Be in control / keite whakahaere
Thank you Francis for everything you bring to Balfour School
CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS
Marcos - for approaching every task with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Charlie - for showing resilience when working through challenges.
Jordie - for the longest Load-bearing bridge
Sienna - for building the tallest tower to withstand a weight.
Cooper - for putting your all into every task and showing great effort in your work.
Harvey - for consistently showing magnificent manners and support in and out of the classroom.
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD RECIPIENTS
Robbie - for managing belongings and classroom resources responsibly.
Flynn - for being a respectful learner, having good manners and trying hard.
Mele - for showing compassion and kindness by supporting others in need
and encouraging inclusion through thoughtful actions.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday wishes this week to Grayson.
We hope you had a fun birthday celebration.
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS - TERM 2 Monday 20th April - Start of Term 2
Wednesday 22nd April. - Firewise
Friday 24th April - Non-Uniform day
Monday 27th April - School closed
Wednesday 6th May. - Board of Trustees meeting, 7pm
Friday 22nd May - Cross Country (TBC)
Monday 1st June - No School - Kings Birthday
Wednesday 3rd June. - Northern Cross Country
Wednesday 10th June - Firewise
Friday 3rd July - End of term 2
TERM DATES 2026 Monday 20th April. - first day term 2
Friday 3rd July - last day term 2
Monday 20th July. - first day term 3
Friday 25th September. - last day term 3
Monday 12th October - first day term 4
To be confirmed - last day term 4
CONGRATULATIONS - EASTER EGG DECORATING COMPETITION
A huge well done to everyone who entered our Easter egg competition. You all put in such fantastic effort, and it was a real joy to see every creation. Choosing winners certainly wasn’t easy, but we could only select one from each class. Congratulations to Everly for her brilliant horse (definitely not a cow!) and rider, to Grayson for his impressive birthday cake, and to Arthur for his inventive air cannon. Enjoy your Easter eggs! Check out the eggs and winners below.
SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR VISIT
This week we had Stu from Active Southland visit and the students participated in some fun sports activities.
HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPIENTS
This weeks hot chocolate recipients enjoying their
hot chocolates with Mrs Holt.
Grayson, Luca and Jay.
100% ATTENDANCE
CRAZY HAIR DAY
KORIMAKO Week 9 marked the final week of the term, and it was a fun and memorable way to finish. The children enthusiastically took part in the Easter egg decoration competition, showing wonderful creativity and effort. We were also fortunate to have Mr Stu Brown from Active Southland visit again to teach students important cross-country running techniques as we begin preparing for the season ahead. To end the week on a high note, students enjoyed our no-uniform and crazy hair day, which brought lots of excitement and smiles. Wishing everyone a blessed Easter and a safe, happy school holiday break.
Ngā mihi,
Anish Krishna Korimako Class Teacher
PIWAKAWAKA This week in Piwakawaka we have been very adaptable. We did some marvellous activities with Mrs. Holt and Korimako, involving all sorts of math, english, art, and STEM projects on Monday, when Ms Fin's flight back home was cancelled on Sunday afternoon. Congratulations to Sienna, who built the tallest tower that could withstand a weight, and Jordie who built the longest load bearing bridge. We also had our last swimming lesson for the summer. Tuesday was a regular school day, and on Wednesday we had our Easter Egg competition, and cross country training with Stu from Sport Southland as well as finishing our money math and writing projects.
Have a super Easter and holiday break.
Nga mihi
Judy Finlayson. Piwakawaka Class Teacher
TUI Kia ora whānau,
This week we have had a great time being able to do some writing around leaves and Easter. We have also looked into poems, nouns, adverbs, and the expanding of sentences. In Maths we have been exploring money, what the different coins and notes look like, and how we can connect these to place value. On Wednesday we had the privilege of working with Stu Brown from Active Southland who came to help us with some running games and obstacles to help prepare for Cross Country next term. Ngā mihi, Natasha Humphrey Room Tui Kaiako
COMMUNITY NOTICES
