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Newsletter Term 3 Week 3
Fernside School - August 2nd, 2026
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Kia ora koutou e te Whānau,
What a vibrant and energetic week we have had at Fernside School! It is always such a privilege to watch our tamariki thriving across so many different experiences both inside and outside the classroom. From taking on new challenges on the slopes to connecting across year groups during our collaborative day, our school’s GROW values - Gratitude, Respect and kindness, Optimism, and Working together - have truly been alive and in action all week! There is also a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes as rehearsals and preparations for our upcoming School Production get underway—we are so excited about how it is all coming together, so please keep an eye out for further details and ticket sales coming soon!
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We are thrilled to welcome Mitchell Bailey back from paternity leave!
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Mitchell and his partner, Jasmine, recently celebrated the long-awaited arrival of their baby boy, Ashton Bailey. Both mum and baby Ashton are doing wonderfully, and we know you will join us in sending our warmest congratulations to their growing family.
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We have missed Mitchell’s presence around our community and are excited to have him back with us.
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Shape the Future of Fernside School: Strategic Planning Evening!
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Your Voice. Your Aspirations. Our Future.
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As we look ahead, we’re setting the direction for Fernside School for the next 3 years—and we need you to help us build that vision! This is your opportunity to have your say and help design the road ahead for our learners.
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Recently, we asked for your thoughts on some big questions:
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What aspirations do you have for your children?
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What should we Keep, Stop, and Start at Fernside School?
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Now, it’s time to take those ideas and put them into action. Come along to brainstorm the key experiences, opportunities, and learning environments you want your children to enjoy during their school years.
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Event Details
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📍 Where: Fernside School Library
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🗓️ When: Tuesday 4th August
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🍷 Drinks & Nibbles Provided: We’ll keep you refreshed while we collaborate!
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RSVP Required
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To help us cater accurately for drinks and nibbles, please let us know if you intend to come by emailing principal@fernside.school.nz by 10:00 AM on Tuesday 4th August.
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Let's work together to make the next three years at Fernside School the best they can be. We can't wait to see you there!
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Reminders
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Tuesday 4th August: Strategic Planning Evening 6.30pm in Library (all welcome!)
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Wednesday 5th August: - Book Character Dress Up Parade on Wednesday, starting at 9:15 on the court, with parents and grandparents invited to stay and read with their grand/children.
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Ski Days Update
While Mother Nature had other plans for our second day, our first ski day was a resounding success!
We were blessed with fantastic conditions on the mountain, and it was wonderful to see our students embrace the snow with such optimism, energy, and determination. We know how disappointing it was that Thursday’s trip had to be cancelled due to the weather forecast. However, safety on the slopes always comes first! The ski field is working with us to arrange a replacement day, and we will communicate those details as soon as possible to everyone who missed out.
A massive, heartfelt thank you goes to Lisa Bunton for her exceptional work in organising what was our very first whole-school ski trip! Bringing our school community together for an event like this is no small feat, and Lisa’s vision and dedication made this an incredible milestone for Fernside School. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the parents and caregivers who transported and supervised their children on the mountain. Thank you all for taking the time to accompany your children and making Day One such a fun, memorable experience - we look forward to getting the rest of our students up on the slopes very soon!
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Adaptive Learning Programme
Alongside our mountain adventures on Wednesday, our Adaptive Learning Programme provided another outstanding day across the school. It was brilliant to see our students working together, trying out new activities, and connecting with peers across different year groups. From problem-solving through group challenges to showing real respect and kindness during shared activities, our tamariki showed true community spirit.
Seeing older students patiently teaching younger ones the rules to a new game or making room at their table was a fantastic display of working together in action. A massive thank you to our teaching staff for their thoughtful planning to make these collaborative days such a success.
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Book Week & Upcoming Events 📚✨
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate Book Week this coming week! It is always a highlight of the term as we celebrate a love for reading and storytelling.
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Scholastic Book Fair: The Book Fair will be open throughout the week in the library. It’s a wonderful opportunity to browse a fantastic selection of books and support our school library.
Our library will be open for families and students to browse and purchase books at the following times:
Before School: Monday to Friday
Lunchtime: Tuesday to Friday
After School: Monday to Thursday
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Book Character Parade (Wednesday): Our annual Book Character Parade takes place on Wednesday! We invite all students to dress up as their favourite book character for the day. Starting at 9:15 on the court, with parents and grandparents invited to stay and read with their grand/children. We can't wait to see all the creative costumes on display!
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Thank you all for your ongoing partnership and support in everything we do. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Year 8 Wellington Trip Fundraising Update
Our Year 8 students are working hard to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Wellington, and we have several exciting ways you can support them while backing some fantastic local businesses!
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Carwash Tokens Available
We still have car wash tokens available for purchase from the school office for just $10 (normally $16, with no expiry date)! These can be redeemed at Big Dave’s Carwash in either Rangiora or Kaiapoi. Half of all proceeds go directly towards our Year 8 trip. A huge thank you to Big Dave’s Carwash for their incredible generosity in supporting our students!
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Home Maintenance with Mr Moss
Thinking about getting your roof, gutters, or paths cleaned up? Mr Moss Home Maintenance Specialists are running a wonderful promotion to support our school. For every moss treatment job booked between now and the end of September, Mr Moss will donate $50 to our Year 8 Wellington fundraiser! Check out the attached flyer or call 0800 355 000 to book. We are so grateful for their ongoing support of Fernside School.
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Mark your calendars for a fun night out! Reminder about our upcoming Paint & Sip Evening.
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When: Saturday, 19th of September 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Fernside School Hall
Tickets: $50 per person (Includes step-by-step guidance from a local artist, all art supplies, nibbles, and raffles/spot prizes on the night! BYO drinks)
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Fundraising Raffles – Starting Monday!
Starting this Monday, we will be selling tickets for the first of our fabulous fundraising raffles! Our Year 8 students will be selling tickets in the office before school and at the front gate after school, so bring along some spare change to be in to win.
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A massive thank you to the following generous businesses whose wonderful donations have made this raffle basket possible:
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- Barker’s of Geraldine
- Whittaker’s
- Griffin’s
- Heartland
- Propaganda
- North Canterbury Books
- Mill Orchard
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Thank you all for your ongoing support in helping our Year 8s make it to Wellington!
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Term 3 Dates to Diary
August
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th August: Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday 5th August - Book Character Dress Up Parade
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Tuesday 4th August: Strategic Planning Evening 6.30pm in Library
Tuesday 4th - Friday 7th August: Food for Thought - Whekī Hub
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Thursday 6th August: PTA Meeting 7pm in Staffroom
Monday 10 August: Junior Cricket Skills Session - Kiwakiwa/Kiokio/Kātote Hubs
Monday 17 August: Teacher Only Day with Rob Proffitt White (school closed)
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Wednesday 19th August: Cantamath - Horncastle Arena
Tuesday 25th August: Rakahuri Winter Tournament
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September
Thursday 3 Sept: Crazy Hair Day Fundraiser
Thursday 3 Sept: PTA Meeting 7pm in Staffroom
Tuesday 8 Sept: Shelter in Place Drill
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Monday 14th Sept - Tuesday 15th Sept: Production at Ohoka School Hall - Details to Follow
Friday 18th Sept: Science Road Show - Kōrau Hub
Saturday 19th Sept: Paint and Sip Fundraiser
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Please check the calendar regularly for updates.
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