Newsletter 26th May 2025

From the Principal

A warm welcome to our new families. We are fast approaching Sunday June 1st, the official start of Winter.

Next week we celebrate Samoan Language Week and over the next few weeks we have inter-school hockey, rugby and science competition for our middle school team, full school assembly, teacher only day and a long weekend celebrating the King's birthday.

School Survey Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has managed to fill in the survey sent home last week. If you haven’t had the chance please do take 10 minutes as your feedback is very important.

Is There Still A Shortage Of Teachers?

In February this year The Ministry of Education released the Teacher Demand and Supply Report 2024, which projects how many teachers will be needed over the next 3 years at both a national and regional level.

Some key findings in the 2024 report are:

• Roll growth is higher than forecasted in the previous model meaning an additional 1,000 primary teachers and 400 secondary teachers are needed to match the growth in 2025.
• The modelling shows that, at a national level, based on a medium level of supply projection, primary schools will be short of 750 teachers and secondary schools will be short by around 500 teachers in 2025.
• In secondary education, Taranaki (-6%), Otago (-4%) and Auckland (-4%) are facing the biggest challenges.
• Teaching retention rates have remained consistently strong at around 88% to 90% in recent years. This means the vast majority of teachers are remaining in the profession.
• Demand for teachers is expected to remain steady over the next 3 years

Auckland is experiencing a significant shortage of relief teachers, leading to increased pressure on schools and students. 

Elaboration:

• Finding Relief Teachers:
  Auckland schools are facing difficulties in finding enough relief teachers to cover absences and unexpected staff needs, leading to a strain on existing teachers and potentially impacting students. 
  
• Impact on Schools:
  The shortage is forcing schools to implement measures like splitting or combining classes, and even potentially considering rostering students for online learning if relief teacher shortages worsen. 
  
• Rising Absences:
  Staff absences are also contributing to the problem, making it difficult to sustainably staff classrooms. 
  
• Nationwide Issue:
  The shortage of relief teachers is a widespread problem, impacting schools across New Zealand, not just in Auckland. 

As we head into Winter be assured we are reluctant to split classes but often have no choice as relief teachers are just not available. 

Winter Flu 

Cold, flu and other respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common in schools and early learning centres during winter.  These illnesses can be easily spread by sneezes or cough droplets.  RSV infections may progress to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in infants.

We encourage all our students to use the tissues supplied in each classroom and also to cover up their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

Please avoid sending your child to school if they are unwell. 

Teacher Only Day and The King’s Birthday - Public holiday - All Schools Closed

When - Friday 30th of May - this week

Kings Birthday - Monday June 2nd - next Monday

School will close this Thursday 29th May at 3.00 pm and reopen Tuesday, June 3rd.

Schools Visiting To Observe Our Teachers In Action 

We have recently welcomed several leaders from neighbouring schools to observe how we have embraced a structured, research-based approach to teaching literacy. This method, grounded in the Science of Reading, focuses on explicit and systematic instruction to help students read words and understand language patterns. In the short time since its implementation, our teachers have noticed a positive shift in students' attitudes towards learning literacy. Students are more engaged and confident, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in fostering a love for reading and writing.

Attendance Matters

The Government is setting high expectations for student attendance so we are looking at creative and positive ways to improve attendance here at Pakuranga Heights.

A day here and a day here off school really adds up.

In April 2024, the Government announced a regular attendance target of 80 percent of students to be present for more than 90% of the term by 2030

How many students regularly attended school in Term One? 

71%  Regular Attendance (missing 5 days days or less a term)

33%  of students were late to class regularly

We need to do better

We are currently giving students the chance every week this term to have a free lunch with myself or Mrs Kandasamy which is proving to be popular. 

We can all play a part by leaving 10 minutes earlier or ensuring your child is at school unless they are sick.

Winter Hats - School Beanies

School beanies are available through the school office for $15.00

All beanies must be the school colour and not have any commercial logo advertising or branding.

School Values

The four broad values at PHS are; respect, responsibility, honesty and kindness. This term we are focusing on two of these values; kindness and responsibility. It is great to see so many kind and thoughtful children in the playgrounds during break times, with some great teamwork happening in the classroom. With the colder weather and unpredictable traffic having an easier morning routine can make a world of difference. Here is an interesting read around how you can support your child to become more responsible at home.

Celebrating Excellence

PTA News

Thanks to all the parents who completed the PTA Parents Survey and have indicated their
willingness to help out with events and committee work. The responses we received will help
the school and PTA to identify projects and activities that will benefit the teachers and
students and help to build school community engagement.

The annual AGM will be held shortly, so the PTA team have been busy updating volunteer
lists and reviewing the activities of the previous year for discussion. The AGM is an open
meeting where the PTA activities and financials are reported, and the annual elections are
held for the executive committee positions. Don’t get intimidated by the official structure - all
are welcome and we are a friendly supportive team that aim to have the most fun we can for
the minimum effort! If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know by emailing
PTA@pakurangaheights.school.nz.

From The Community

FARM COVE SWIM SCHOOL

Learn to swim at the best Swim School in East Auckland

We are taking enrolments for our HOLIDAY SWIMMING BLOCK COURSES

Swimmers usually make great progress during our block courses. They retain the skills they learn by swimming a few days in a row. All levels and abilities are welcome. Lessons are 30 minutes and swimmers will swim daily at the same time.  Our first lesson starts at 9am and last one finishes at 7pm.

Swimmers who attend our holiday block courses have preference for a space during term time. 

Email farmcoveswim@gmail.com to secure a place. 

 Phone 021 029 09067 if you have any questions.

You are welcome to come for a visit to watch some lessons, and you’ll be able to experience our private facilities, small class sizes and Playroom next to the pool.  Lessons are focused and we have competent, experienced teachers.

Fees per block (5 sessions) per swimmer:

3 swimmers per class - $125

2 swimmers per class - $187.50

Private lessons (one-on-one) - $375