Term 3, 2025 Week 9

Kia ora e te whānau,

As we head into the final week of Term 3, there is plenty happening around Ridgeview School. Here’s what you need to know:

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week

Next week is Māori Language Week (15–19 September). Students have been given a notice to pre-order fried bread and whenua soup (vegetable soup) – remember there are no orders on the day.

Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to take part in fun activities celebrating te reo Māori, our official language.

Whānau Invitation:If you would like to come in and share a waiata, read a story, sing a song, or demonstrate weaving with our tamariki, we would love to welcome you!

Email Cassey: casseyp@ridgeview.school.nz

Around the World – Performance Night

Thursday 18 September | 6.00pm – 7.30pm

Our tamariki have been practicing hard for this event, and we are so excited to share their performances with you.

Tickets: These were limited due to seating capacity, but if you missed out, there will be standing room available at the back. Potluck Dinner: We will have tables set up for shared kai. Please bring a plate to contribute.

Learning Showcase: Students will also share the incredible learning they have done this term – a great way to celebrate and connect as a community.

🐇 New Additions – Salt & Pepper

This week we were lucky to be given two rabbits, Salt and Pepper, to look after at school. Just like our chickens, we love them dearly – but please remind your children to handle them gently and to make sure they stay safe.

Holiday Bunny Care: We are looking for whānau who can either take the bunnies home or pop in daily over the holidays to look after them. Please email Cassey if you can help: casseyp@ridgeview.school.nz

Seedling Club – Get Involved!

Phoebe from Sustainable Paremoremo is running a seedling club using our school’s tunnel house. The goal is to grow enough seedlings to share with the wider community so more people can grow their own food at home.

A great opportunity for kids to learn about plants and food sustainability!

Interested? Email Phoebe: connect.paremoremo@gmail.com

Fijian Language Week – Term 4

To start Term 4, we will be celebrating Fijian Language Week as a way to acknowledge and honour our Fijian community here at Ridgeview School.

Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to learn about Fijian language, culture, and traditions.

Whānau Invitation: If you would like to share something with our tamariki – a story, a song, a game, some weaving, or even a favourite recipe – we would love to include you in our celebrations!

Please email your child’s classroom teacher or Cassey at casseyp@ridgeview.school.nz if you are able to contribute.

Oxford Pies Fundraiser – Orders Due!

A friendly reminder to get your Oxford Pies and Lamington orders in!

Orders and payments are due on the first Monday back next term.

This fundraiser helps us raise money for resources and extra-curricular activities that benefit all our tamariki – we really appreciate your support!

And let’s be honest… the pies are absolutely delicious – and the lamingtons are definitely a favourite! Please email the office if you did not get your order form, or if you have lost it!

Term 4 Teacher Update

In Term 4, Katrina Hart will be taking some well-deserved refreshment leave after an incredible nine years of dedication to Ridgeview students. Throughout her time here, she has inspired and supported countless tamariki and even stepped up to lead the school as Acting Principal in 2024, guiding our community with care and commitment.

We are so grateful for the passion, energy, and aroha she brings to Ridgeview and wish her a wonderful opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time for herself and hope to see her return in 2026.

To ensure the class is well supported, Miss Prentice will oversee the programme and planning. A team of experienced relievers will help in the classroom, and Miss Prentice will be present regularly to support teaching and learning.

We are confident that our tamariki will continue to thrive and that their learning will remain engaging, consistent, and well cared for.