Tui/Weka Newsletter: Term 2 2026
Welcome back to term 2! We are looking forward to having a great term. There are 11 weeks this term with 2 long weekends.
Technology
Technology will be on odd weeks this term on Wednesdays. A reminder to be at School by 8.30am and for students to be wearing covered shoes. (some classes don’t require this however it is a good habit to get into).
Before School
Students can arrive from 8am. If they are here at this time they need to be waiting at the front until the bell rings at 8.30am.
Topics this term
Puberty - Harold the Giraffe visit and in school lessons covering puberty changes and friendships
Coding
Under the sea
Persuasive writing - speeches will be written in class with some at home support if students choose to take them home. They will need to practise their speeches at home.
Franklin Speech Competition Criteria:
*Content: The speech should include persuasive language as well as research and personal opinion. The speech should inform and persuade.
*Topic: Children may talk on a school approved topic. The quality of language must be appropriate for a formal public speaking situation.
*Length: 3 minutes: any speech less than 2 mins 30 secs or longer than 3 mins 30 secs will be disqualified (at the judges’ discretion).
There are to be NO props or costumes.
Gestures should be limited.
Speechmakers should not address the judges or audience at the beginning or the end of their speech.
Participation in an impromptu speech competition will be offered to Year 7 & 8 finalists only.
These will be based around a topic, object, statement, or word; the same being used for each contestant. This is a separate competition and schools are to nominate their contestant from the first competition to be part of this second competition. Not all speakers have to do this, only those who are able.
Art - assemblage and construction
Key dates for the term:
27/4 ANZAC day
8/5 School photos
11/5 Pukekohe High visit students at Buckland
12/5 Football - Tuakau, Lightbody Reserve
13/5 Auckland orienteering
Speeches due - end of week 4
14/5 Young leaders - Whanau team leaders and prefects
Week 6 25/5 3 way conferences
1 /6 Kings Birthday
2 /6 Teacher only day
4/6 Speech finals
Week 9/10 Life education visits
Franklin Speech finals 30/6
2/7 Ki o rahi tournament
3/7 Reports due
Stationery
Students will check their stationary this week and will come home with a list of any extra items they need.
Otago Math challenge
Students who signed up for this will have three sessions this term. They are in week 2, 6 and 10. They will be run with Mrs G.
Expectations
We have had a year 7 and 8 meeting this week. We went over reminders such as:
Long hair to be tied up, no painted or acrylic nails
A note for incorrect uniform
Returning to class on time
Completing school duties and letting us know if there is an issue with this. They have also adjusted their duties for the term to suit
Setting goals based on diploma check ins
Role modelling good behaviour around the school and staying in the bounds of the school
We would appreciate your support with upholding these expectations throughout the term.
Please use class dojo or write a note for your class teacher for any important messages such as early pick up time etc.
Kind Regards,
Steph Wilson and Matua Adam,
Year 7 & 8 Teacher