1 Jul 2026

Kia ora whānau,

Just a friendly reminder that our 'Shared Kai and Shared Learning' is happening tomorrow.

We'll begin with our shared kai at 12:30 pm, followed by an opportunity to wander through the classrooms and see the wonderful learning our students have been engaged in over the past two terms.

I've attached an approximate timetable for the afternoon. Please note that the timings after the lunchtime are approximate and will depend on the turn out. 

If you're bringing a dish to share, we will have some fridge space available for items dropped off in the morning, although that space is limited. If you're able to bring your dish with you at lunchtime instead, that is much appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow for what promises to be a wonderful afternoon of food, learning, and community.

Lastly, I have some sad news to share. Friday will be Natasha's last day at Hillside School as she heads off to begin a new teacher aide adventure. Natasha has been a valued member of the Hillside whānau for some time now and has made a positive difference in the lives of so many of our students. 

Please join us in thanking Natasha for everything she has contributed to our school and wishing her all the very best for this exciting new chapter. We know she will be greatly missed, and we wish her every success in her new role. We will have a formal farewell on Friday at Assembly. 

Ngā mihi,

Sarah

Celebration-of-Cultures-Shared-Kai.jpg

30 Jun 2026

Good evening all, 

Just a reminder that tomorrow we are away on our 'Skate and Swim Trip' to Gore. Students are to come to school dressed in warm clothes please. Ensure they have snacks, a drink bottle, and lunch if they don't like pizza. The pizza lunch is being provided at no cost. 

We will be leaving by 9:15am, skating at 10:30am, swimming at 12:15pm and back at school in time for the bus/end of the day. 

Again, a huge thanks to the volunteers that are helping out on the day, without you we cannot run these days. Remember your warm clothes and swimming togs too if you're joining in adults. 

Any questions or concerns, please contact me on 027 339 0332. 

Thanks, 

Sarah 

28 Jun 2026

Kia ora whānau,

Another weekend has flown by.

I also want to keep you updated regarding the Junior Room teaching position. Unfortunately, I have had to re-advertise the role. The following is what we are putting in place to move forward.

Our aim is to have two teachers at school each morning until lunchtime so that our Literacy and Mathematics programmes can continue as they are now, with junior students learning with one teacher and senior students with the other (me). A new teacher on Mondays to Wednesdays and Jo on Thursdays and Fridays, with myself in the class until lunchtime each day. In the afternoons, the students will come together as one class for curriculum areas such as Art, Music, Food Technology, Social Sciences, and Inquiry learning.

My priority is to avoid having one large class for the entire day if we can. This approach allows us to continue providing targeted teaching in the core learning areas while also giving students the opportunity to learn together during the afternoons. I believe it offers the best balance for students and staff.

We have another busy week ahead as we head into our final week of term.

This Week at Hillside

Wednesday 1 July

• Skate and Swim Trip to Gore.
• Departing school at 9:15am.
• Ice skating at 10:30am, swimming at 12:15pm.
• A huge thank you to Rio, Matt, Tatum, and Miss Burr for helping with transport.
• A reminder that payment for the trip is due in our school account by tomorrow - Monday 29th June. Please reference your child in the reference. Banking details on the permission slip or reminder email that was sent out last week. 

Thursday 2 July

• Shared School Kai & Cultures Celebration – begins at 12:30pm.
• Families are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate together, bring along the wider family if you can.
• Mrs Horrell will be teaching in Room 1.

Friday 3 July

• Book Awards and Special Assembly – 2:10pm in the Library.
• Reports coming home. The same format that you're familiar with. 

We hope to see many of you at our shared kai on Thursday as we come together to celebrate our wonderful school community.

Have a fantastic week ahead.

Ngā mihi,

Sarah Wilson
Principal
Hillside School

23 Jun 2026

Good afternoon all, 

Our school managed to read 62 books last week as a team effort for Book Week. This means that your child will get a 6 inch subway for lunch tomorrow on me. I will collect their choice of order in the morning when they arrive at school. 

Thanks, 

Sarah 

21 Jun 2026

Kia ora whānau,

I hope you've all had a fantastic weekend and enjoyed the milder weather. We are racing towards the end of the term, and there is certainly plenty happening over the next couple of weeks!

Week 10 Happenings

Monday 22 June

• Mrs Amber Mitchell in Room 1
• I am away to Mt Cook in the classroom for the day to see how they structure and manage the broad curriculum changes in mixed year level class. 

Tuesday 23rd June

• Mrs Amber Mitchell in Room 1 - I am still away

Wednesday 24 June

• Mrs Horrell in Room 1

Thursday 25 June

• Mrs Horrell in Room 1

Friday 26 June

Assembly 2:20pm in the Library

 

Looking Ahead to Week 11

Swim and Skate Trip

·       Wednesday the 1st of July, leaving school at 9:15am.

·       Ice skating at 10:30am, swimming at 12:15pm.

·       I am still waiting on a couple of room 1 permission slips to come back.

Shared School Kai and Early Matariki Celebration

·       Thursday 2nd of July – everyone bring a shared dish - favourite food or cultural dish. 

·       Lunch starts at 12:20pm

·       Classrooms open to look at learning.

Book and Special Assembly 

·       2:10pm in the library

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Book Fair. I hope you have a great week ahead.

Ngā mihi,

Sarah Wilson
Principal
Hillside School