5 Oct 2026

Hi Everyone

I hope you are all having a great break from the school routines. ☀️

With the lovely weather we’ve had so far, I’ve seen many Prattley yards being towed around the district, so hopefully, that means docking is going well for everyone! 🐑

Introducing Lynne Bishop -

We are thrilled to welcome Lynne Bishop to our staff 🌟

Lynne will be teaching four days a week in Room 2 while Ali Symonds steps into the Acting Principal role for the term.

Lynne joins us from Our Lady of Lourdes School in Palmerston North, where she has been teaching a Year 1 class. Along with experience in rural schools, Lynne brings a wealth of knowledge from many years in junior classrooms and specialised roles supporting students with diverse learning needs. She also has an excellent understanding of Structured Literacy and Mathematics. 📚✨

We are excited to have Lynne join our team and know our school community will make her feel right at home! 🚜

Term 4 Staffing -

Acting Principal: Ali Symonds (teaching 1 day per week in Room 2)

Room 1 Teacher: Kim Roberston (5 days)

Room 4 Teacher: Heidi Hare (5 days)

Room 2 Teacher: Lynne Bishop (4 days)

Classroom Release: Tris Weston

Teacher Aide:  Yvonne Cameron

Office Administrator: Sarah Burge

Note: All teachers have five classroom release days per term. Tris Weston will cover teacher release on these days whenever possible, and Ali Symonds will also cover two release days in Room 4 this term. 🗓️ 

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions throughout the term. 😊

Warm regards,

Ali

 

24 Sep 2026

Hi everyone,

After exploring various avenues, the Board would like to confirm that Ali Symonds will be taking up the role of Acting Principal for Term 4. Ali has filled this role previously and we look forward to working with her through to the end of the year in this capacity. We'd like to thank Ali for stepping up, and are sure she will do a great job and be well supported. We are currently finalising Ali's release time and classroom arrangements and will communicate these as soon as we have these in place.

Applications for the Principal position opened on the 9th September and will close on the 14th October. Shortlisting will be occurring on the 20th October. The Board will be conducting interviews on the 31st October. 

Thanks again for your patience and understanding as we work our way through the process.

Kind regards,

Regan O'Brien
Presiding Member
Waituna West School BoT
 

 

16 Sep 2026

Can we please request that all Camp Forms are completed and returned to school as soon as possible please.

 

Thank You!

11 Sep 2026

Waituna West School and Community Survey 

Hi everyone,

We are seeking your input as we develop the Waituna West School Strategic Direction and Plan for 2027-2029. Schools do this every three years.

We feel strongly that all parents should be able to see their thoughts, interests and ideas visible for what and how we educate their children. 

The new National Education Learning Priorities set out the Government’s education priorities to ensure the success and wellbeing of all learners. Our goal is to seek your voice and combine that with these documents to design a strategic plan that is exciting, innovative and injects passion into teaching and learning at our school. It is the overarching document that guides us in reaching the optimal learning outcomes for every student.

We appreciate you taking the time to engage with us to make Waituna West School the best place it can be and ask that your thoughts and comments be constructive. Your responses will be anonymous.

Survey Link

The last day of the survey will be Friday 25 September.

Thank you

The Waituna West School Board of Trustees

8 Sep 2026

TOUCH 2026

Kids keen for Touch Rugby in Term 4?? Registrations are now open through the Oroua Sports Club. Register via the Sports Club Facebook page.

*  Thursday afternoons - 22nd October to 3rd December

* Starts with Yr 1-2's at 4pm and works up through age groups

*$20/child

**REGISTRATIONS CLOSE THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER**
                        - NO LATE REGISTRATIONS -

Any questions please get in touch with the Club - oroua2019@gmail.com or via FB messenger

 

 

 

Thanks so much,
Georgia Jenkins
Treasurer
OSC