Newsletter Term 3 Week 2

NEWSLETTER

TERM 3 WEEK 2 2025

 Kia ora e te whānau,

Welcome to Term 3.  This is a very important term for us.

Whānau Voice – Shaping the Future Together

At Bulls School, we deeply value the vision you hold for your tamariki/mokopuna. As we begin to review and shape our school’s Strategic Plan, we want to ensure your voice and the voice of your children is at the centre of our direction and decisions..

This week, we have been gathering your aspirations, expectations, and priorities for your child’s learning journey — both now and for their future. Your insights will help us to reflect your desires in what we do.

Together, we can create a learning environment that empowers every child to thrive, grow, and succeed.

Aspirational Conversations

Thank you to those who have attended our Aspirational Conversations this week.  They are a valuable opportunity for us to strengthen the partnership between home and school. We know that when teachers and whānau work together, tamariki are more confident, engaged, and successful in their learning.

Your insights, knowledge, and aspirations for your child are vital. Together, we can ensure their learning journey is supported, celebrated, and meaningful — both now and into the future.

Thank you for being an essential part of your child’s education. We look forward to continuing to walk alongside you to achieve the very best outcomes for your tamariki.

School Board Elections – Have Your Say in Our School’s Future

Our upcoming School Board elections are an important opportunity for you to be involved in shaping the future of our kura. School Boards play a vital role in the success of our school – helping to set the strategic direction, support governance decisions, and ensure the aspirations of our community are reflected in the learning and wellbeing of all tamariki.

We encourage whānau to consider standing for election or supporting those who do. Whether through your skills, experiences, or commitment to education, your voice can make a meaningful difference.

Together, we can continue to grow a strong, inclusive, and future-focused school.

Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks about nominations and how to get involved.

Below is some information about who is on our School Board and what the School Board’s role is.

Key Responsibilities of The School Board

• Governance and Strategic Direction:
  The board establishes the overall direction for the school, including its vision, goals, and strategic priorities. 
• Policy and Procedures:
  The board develops and approves policies and procedures that guide the school’s operations. 
• Community Engagement:
  The board consults with the school community (parents, students, staff, and the wider community) on important decisions. 
• Financial Management:
  The board is responsible for overseeing the school’s budget and ensuring sound financial management. 
• Personnel Management:
  The board employs and manages staff, including the principal. 
• Property Management:
  The board oversees the maintenance and development of the school’s facilities and grounds. 
• Health and Safety:
  The board ensures the school provides a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. 
• Curriculum:
  The board ensures the school delivers a curriculum that meets national standards and caters to the needs of its students. 
• Accountability:
  The board is accountable for the school’s overall performance and for meeting all legal and regulatory requirements. 

Who is on the School Board

• Parent Representatives: Elected by the parents of students attending the school. 
• Staff Representative: Elected by the school’s teaching and support staff. 
• Principal: The principal is a member of the board and acts as its chief executive in relation to the school’s management. 
• Co-opted Members: The board can co-opt additional members to fill skill gaps or represent specific community groups. 

Interested in joining the School Board of Trustees?
Come along to our next meeting on Tuesday, 5th August at 5:30 PM in the staffroom. We’d love to see you there!

Every Day Counts – The Importance of School Attendance
Regular school attendance is a key part of your child’s success, both academically and socially. Every day at school matters — it’s where tamariki build knowledge, friendships, and confidence.

In Aotearoa, attending school every day is not just important — it is a legal requirement under the Education and Training Act. We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable, but we kindly ask that you let us know if your child is away and support regular, on-time attendance whenever possible.

By working together, we can help ensure your child gets the most out of every learning opportunity. If you’re facing challenges with attendance, please reach out — we’re here to help.

Something to consider :

90% Attendance

• Misses 1 day every 2 weeks

• Around 20 days missed per year

• That’s 4 weeks of school lost each year

• Over 8 yearsat primary school, that adds up to 160 days missed – nearly a full year of school

 80% Attendance

• Misses 1 day every week

• Around 40 days missed per year

• That’s 8 weeks of school lost each year

• Over 8 yearsat primary school, that adds up to 320 days missed – more than 1½ years of school

 70% Attendance

• Misses around 1½ days every week

• Around 60 days missed per year

• That’s 12 weeks of school lost each year

• Over 8 years at primary school, that adds up to 480 days missed – nearly 2½ years of school

Even a few days here and there quickly add up. Every day at school is a chance to learn, connect, and grow. Let’s work together to give every tamaiti the best possible start.

Megan Syme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlzJ5MegG2c

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.