Student Absences - We ask that all parents contact us if their child is absent from school. To assist parents who only have mobile phones, we have a school mobile phone for the specific purpose of receiving text messages. If your child is going to be away please text the full name of your child, their room number, and the reason for their absence. The number is 027 545 0530.  Another option is to send an email via our dedicated absences email which is: absences@waitohu.school.nz  As always, our landline is also an option, the number is 364 8272.  

 

Road Safety - If your child walks or cycles to school, the start of the year is a good time to remind them about safety around roads. Perhaps over the next weekend or two, you could ride or walk to school with your child to check that their road safety habits are in place.

School Patrol - Thank you to the students who have volunteered to be school patrollers this year. This is a very important job and we appreciate your willingness to help in this way. A huge thank you to Vicki Cracknell (Mondays), Emma Cracknell (Tuesdays), Niki Hurliman (Wednesdays), Ben Tennant (Thursdays) and Samantha Kellaway (Fridays) for supervising the Te Manuao Road pedestrian crossing between 8.30 – 9.00am. 

Sun Hats - During Terms 1 and 4 students are required to wear a school hat at morning tea and lunchtime. These hats are generously provided by our Home and School Association. As well as the hats, I encourage you to ensure your child has sunscreen on before they leave for school each morning.

LUCKY BOOKS
Scholastic Lucky Book Club Offer 1 2025, was handed out today. Orders are due by Thursday 20 February. The online ordering system now available is explained in the brochure or bring in your order and correct cash to the office.

 

 

Our fun, safe and friendly ‘on-site’ Before and After School Care Programme has casual and permanent spots available for Waitohu School students for 2025 and beyond!  Enrol, book and manage your bookings ONLINE! And ….. our breakfast club is free of charge! Come and visit our team after school at the Waitohu School Hall from 3.00pm for more information or find us online at  www.funzone.co.nz, email info@funzone.co.nz or contact us on 021 711 531 or 0800 543 9696.  
We are OSCAR approved and WINZ subsidies apply.

On Wednesday 26 February we will be having our annual school picnic at Waikanae Pools. We will be departing at 10.00am and returning by 2.30pm. This was such an awesome day last year, that we are all looking forward to it again this year. To make it happen we need:

- A signed permission slip and entry money ($5.00 per child - includes entry and hydroslide; please note all students are able to use the hydroslide). A separate permission notice has been given to each student.

- You and the rest of your family to join in

(Standard costs apply of $5.90 per swimming adult, $3.30 per adult with a community services card or a senior citizen, $2.00 per preschooler and $1.90 for an adult if swimming with a preschooler – please pay this money at the pool on the day. Children under 4 years are now required to wear a swim nappy, they are available at $1.60 each from the pool).

- We will be travelling to and from the pool by bus. If parents are able to come for the day (and we hope there are lots) they are very welcome to transport their own children.

This year the district commemoration of Waitangi Day is happening here in Ōtaki. An invite form Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki is below:

Waitangi ki Taumanuka
E ngā huiia, tauti mai ki Taumanuka e
Te wahi i tāngia Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Hoki mai, hoki mai rā .....

Ngā Hāpu o  Ōtaki warmly invites you to join us in commemorating Waitangi Day at our event at Taumanuka
Thursday 6 February - 9.00am to 3.00pm - 29 Health Camp Road, Ōtaki - parking available onsite
Please assemble at the pōwhiri tent at 8.30am in preparation for the 9.00am Pōwhiri

Please RSVP to office@nhoo.nz or 0276424278 by 31 January


AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC LESSONS
The Ōtaki Music Centre are taking registrations for after school music lessons. This is an opportunity for childrem to learn an instrument, Keyboard, Guitar and Drum lessons are available.  Classes are on Tuesdays from 3.30pm-5.30pm at Ōtaki College in the Performing Arts Department.  Registration day is Tuesday 18 February from 3.30pm - 4.30pm.  Lessons start on Tuesday 25 February. The cost is $60.00 per class per student for the year.  This is available for any primary school students from age 7 up to and including Year 8s (limited spaces available and older children have priority).  Please contact Anje Glindemann on 021 212 5440 or email gregandanje@xtra.co.nz for further information or to enrol your child.