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It is great to back for the start of Term 3, with lots of excitement around the opening of our new library. We will end the 'Book Week' tomorrow with students and staff dressing up as their favourite book character.
A warm welcome to our many new students and whānau who started school this week. Along with the focus of lifting attendance, literacy and mathematics, there will be a lot of learning through the arts. The year 5 and 6 students are already starting to plan their productions, with performances mid and later on in the term.
Thank you to our parents for coming along to Learning Conversations with your child's class teacher. We are also appreciative of those that have given us feedback via the survey that was emailed to you.
Just a reminder that board elections will be held on the 10th September. This year this is being run electronically. By now you should have already received your first email confirming your details are correct for the election roll and calling for nominations.
This year our school is transitioning to the new curriculum, in readiness for the ministry requirements and expectations for the full implementation 2026. All aspects of our planning and assessment are using this as a basis for teaching and learning in reading, writing and mathematics. To increase understanding of what this looks like in the classroom, as well as how you can help your child/ren at home, we will be holding two parent information evenings at the end of August. The information covering Years 0-3 will be held on Monday 25th August and for Years 4-6 on Thursday 28th August. Both of these meetings will be held in the school hall from 6.30 - 8.00pm.
Noho ora mai
Junior School
Room 21
Room 21 was lucky enough to be one of the first classes to visit the newly renovated school library on Monday! It was wonderful to see how excited they were to explore the new space and check out some new library books.
Here is what the students had to say:
The library was cool and there were lots of new books. I really like the Fairy books and the Rainbow books on the early chapter book shelf.
Matilda
I like that there are lots of Geronimo Stilton books because they are fun to read. I like to read lots of books from the library.
Kye
When we visited the library, I liked all the little pictures up on the wall. I also like that there are lots of books. My favourite books are superhero books.
Owen
I like how there were boxes with the numbers on them because we can sort the books out and put them back easily. Books are really fun to read. I like Mini Wings books and I am going to dress up as a character from them.
Allegra
I like the Batman books and I like getting the picture books out of the boxes.
Mack
Middle School
Kia atawhai, kia māia - Be kind, be brave!
Kia ora koutou! We have started our term by celebrating all the kindness and wonderful personalities that we have in our classroom. We have had rich and meaningful discussions all about kindness in our classroom, around the school and in our communities. We have loved unpacking some of these stories to help us understand the value of sharing our kindness and celebrating the ways we SHINE!
Senior School
This week in the senior school...
Our brand new school library is open for business! Some not so secret bookworms have been working hard on this wonderful learning space for everyone to enjoy. The library is a great place to go on wet, rainy days. All of our classes at Hillcrest get to see the new library once a week and issue their new books. The fantastic library is a special learning space for everyone so we're happy to see it up and running again.
A special thanks to Mrs Lynch, Mrs Ramsay, GG and Matua Andy for making our library come to life. We are so excited to see all the cool book characters at school tomorrow dressed up for our book character day!
Meanwhile, the senior school is also fired up for production this term! We can feel the drama fever starting to spread. Rooms 8,22 23 and 24 have already begun their production journey and things are starting to look pretty exciting, with all their songs we hear them practice and take opportunities to step into the light of acting. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!
At the same time, room 6,7, 9 and 10 have only just begun their journey. We are very excited to see what this term will look like for us, and we have already thought up some very creative ideas. Let's see what will happen next!
Written by Charlotte and Elias, Room 10
Every three years, School Board elections are held across New Zealand for all state schools.
If you’ve ever wondered how the board works or how decisions are made, we warmly invite you to attend our next board meeting which is now on Wednesday 30th July at 5.30pm in the staffroom. It’s a great chance to see how a meeting runs and learn more about the meaningful role you could play in shaping our school’s future. You are very welcome to attend but please note that it will be as an observer, you are not able to participate in the meeting itself.
If you would like to attend please contact the board secretary at bot@hillcrestnormal.school.nz.
Nominations are now open for the election of 5 parent representatives to the board.
Please refer to your emails for information about nominating someone or yourself. If you did not receive this email please check your spam folder or contact our Returning Officer, Julia French to update your email address - jfrench@hillcrestnormal.school.nz.
Nominations close at noon on Wednesday 6th August 2025.
For further information about school board elections https://www.schoolboardelections.org.nz/
Julia French - Returning Officer
jfrench@hillcrestnormal.school.nz
Design your own Helmet Competition’ is now live… this competition runs all term and is a great rainy day activity. Also a great time to discuss wearing your helmet when scootering and biking to/from school.
This is the 9th year we have run this competition and we have seen winners from across majority of Hamilton schools. Attached is the template.
Only one entry per person. Entries must be received no later than 5pm on Friday 19 September 2025.
Late entries will not be considered.
All our year 6 students will have received an enrolment pack at the end of last term.
Information Evening - Thursday 31 July
All families are invited to this event, which aims to provide parents and students with information about teaching and learning at Berkley. A flyer will be enclosed in the prospectus, which gives specific details about this evening.
Enrolment Forms
ALL enrolment forms must be received at our school office by 4pm Friday 29 August 2025
Out of Zone Ballot
A ballot for all out-of-zone enrolments will be held on Monday 08 September.
ISSUE 5 is open and will be coming home with your child this week. There is lots to get excited about in this Issue.
DOUBLES PASSES TO SEE GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE!
We’re giving away 15 double passes to see DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie. See the back page of the catalogue for more details.
Brand-New Books from Beloved Authors!
This Issue features Two Cranky Bears by Nick Bland and Alpacas in Space by Matt Cosgrove – stories kids will love from authors they already adore.
Our $5 Promo Code is Back!
If you earnt a voucher from Issue 4, you can use it in on this Issue! Plus, you can earn another $5 promo code to spend on Issue 6 when they order from this Issue.
If you are new to Scholastic, and would like to order, all the details are on the pamphlet about setting up an account and ordering on line. If you order before Friday 1st August, it will be delivered to school and then to your child's class. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Julia in the office.