Newsletter Term 2 Week 6

NEWSLETTER

TERM 2 WEEK 6 2025

E muamua ona ou fa’atalofa atu i le mamalu o lo tatou aiga i Bulls. Tālofa, tālofa lava, malō le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā.

Hello family and friends.  Welcome to Samoan language Week. 

The 2025 theme for Samoa Language Week is ‘Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self, is a successful self’.

?? Samoa and Its Special Place in New Zealand’s Story ??

? A Very Old Connection

Samoa is one of the oldest and most important island nations in the Pacific. Samoans have lived on their islands for over 3,000 years, and are part of the Polynesian migration that explored the vast Pacific Ocean using stars, winds, and ocean waves to navigate.

Māori and Samoans are cousins from this great family of Pacific explorers. Their stories go way back to the same voyaging ancestors!

? Samoa and New Zealand’s History

In 1914, New Zealand took control of Samoa during World War I. It was a hard time — in 1918, a flu brought from New Zealand sadly caused the deaths of over 8,000 Samoans.

But Samoans stood strong and asked for their country back. The peaceful Mau movement helped Samoa become the first Pacific Island nation to become independent on January 1, 1962.

✈️ Moving to New Zealand

After independence, many Samoan families moved to Aotearoa to find work and better opportunities. They helped in factories, hospitals, schools, and farms—especially in big cities like Auckland.

But did you know? Samoan families also moved to small towns—like Bulls in the Rangitīkei!

Many came to help with farm work and at freezing works, and now their children and grandchildren are growing up right here in our school. They are part of what makes our community strong and special.

? Samoan Culture is Amazing!

Samoan culture adds so much to life in New Zealand:

• People celebrate White Sunday, a special day for children, and wear their best white clothes to church.

• Siva Samoa is a beautiful traditional dance that tells stories through graceful hand and body movements.

• The Samoan language is one of the most spoken in New Zealand after English and te reo Māori.

• Tasty Samoan foods like panikeke (banana fritters), sapasui (chop suey), and koko Samoa (a rich chocolate drink) are enjoyed by many.

? Let’s Celebrate Samoa

Samoan people are a big part of New Zealand’s story. Their culture brings pride, strength, and joy to our country.

? You could:

• Say “Talofa lava!” to greet someone

• Try learning a Samoan dance

• Cook a Samoan meal with your family

• Wear elei or lava-lava on a cultural day!

REMINDER – BULLS SCHOOL FEASTIVAL of LIGHTS

Begins next Monday (9th June) evening.  So bring your whānau and friends and enjoy the window displays which have been proudly created by our Kaimahi and ākonga.

On Wednesday 18th join us for our

CONCERT and KAI from 4:30pm onwards.

Kia pai tō wiki – Have a great week.

Megan Syme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ArjSXbqlws&ab_channel=OurKidsOnline

Scooters & Bikes at School

We are happy that our children use these methods to get to school. Once they reach the school grounds, we expect them to push their wheels to the bike stands to avoid accidents and mishaps. If your child is unable to adhere to these guidelines, we may have to ask them to discontinue bringing their bikes or scooters to school.

Students must place their wheels in the stands as soon as they arrive. We discourage ‘other’ types of wheels as this can create unnecessary issues. Our bike track is for everyones enjoyment. Helmets must be worn at all times.

Uniform Code

All students wear the Bulls School polo shirt, polar fleece, a Sports & Cultural top, and the logoed red bucket hat available from Academy Apparel in Palmerston North. Their ‘bottom’ is non-regulation other than a colour restriction to plain black (no writing, logos, stripes or other colours). Shoes need to be suitable for school wear.

Please name ALL clothing and shoes.

• In Terms 1 and 4 of each year, red Bulls School bucket hats must be worn when outdoors.
• If hair is long, we request it be tied back for safety, hygiene and practical purposes.
• Hair styles and colours should be as natural as possible and avoid extreme ‘trends’
• which may be seen as threatening.
• Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and not pose any health or safety dangers.

SUBSCRIBE TO APP GROUPS 

Di has refreshed this and named each group with 2025 so you know it’s relevant and up to date. You will all need to join the groups specific to your tamariki.

This has important notices for either the whole school or specific groups eg: Bus Students, Sports, Cultural, Hubs, etc that you can join according to what your child’s involved in.

Many notices or reminders go out via the APP so it is an important tool for parents to be aware of what is due eg: permission slips and dates for events offsite, transport required etc. This is also an efficient way to provide absence notices.

In many cases, parental permission may be given via the app as well.