Welcome
Welcome to the following children who started with us this week, Summer Gibbs, Aarna Rao Pavan, Naveen Nilakant, Josh Payne, Kakau Admore, Ethan Zhao, Will Thomson, Felix Stirling, Louie Barnes, Miela Joyce, Lyla Joyce, Tamer Alqaq and Maria Alqaq. Our current roll is 704.
Te Rito (Bilingual Class/Akoranga Reorua) in 2026
Silverdale School has a bilingual Te Reo Māori class, Te Rito, that started in 2025. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing a rich and inclusive learning environment that celebrates Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage.
Class Structure and Curriculum / Te Whakatakotoranga Ākoranga me te Marautanga:
- The class will be led by Matua William, a skilled teacher with experience in Te Reo Māori immersion methodology.
- Instruction will be delivered in Te Reo Māori for 30% to 50% of the school day, fostering an immersive language learning experience.
- The class will follow the New Zealand Curriculum, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education across all subject areas.
- The integration of Te Reo Māori throughout the day will enhance students’ linguistic capabilities and cultural understanding.
Class Composition and Integration / Te Whakatakotoranga Ākoranga me te Whakauruuru:
- The class will cater to 24 students from Year 5 and Year 6.
- Currently, Te Rito has 13 tamariki in Year 5 and 10 tamariki in Year 6.
- In 2026, there will be 11 spaces for Year 5 tamariki.
- Te Rito is an integral part of Team Tūī, with students participating fully in all team activities.
- Year 6 students enrolled in the bilingual class will join their peers from other Year 6 classes for the school camp in 2026.
Benefits of Bilingual Education / Ngā Huanga o te Mātauranga Reorua:
Research consistently demonstrates the cognitive, academic, and social benefits of bilingualism. Students in this class will:
- Develop strong communication skills in both Te Reo Māori and English.
- Gain a deeper understanding of Māori culture and values.
- Enhance their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities.
- Develop a strong sense of cultural identity and belonging.
Expression of Interest / Heria Mai tō Ngākau Whakapuke:
Current Year 4 parents interested in enrolling their child in the bilingual Te Reo Māori class are invited to complete an expression of interest form. A link to the expression of interest form will be sent to all Year 4 parents on Thursday 9 October.
We believe this bilingual class will provide a unique and valuable educational opportunity for our students, contributing to the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori and fostering a more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment for all.
Sandy Evans Manaakitanga Memorial Award for Term 3
Sandy Evans, was teacher aid at Silverdale School for 16 years. She died suddenly in a tragic accident in January 2012. Sandy had an enormous empathy for all students and particularly those she worked with.
Silverdale School Board created a Manaakitanga Memorial for Sandy as they felt she embodied the principles of manaakitanga – extending the hand of friendship, finding positives in all activities, exemplifying tolerance, kindness and empathy to others.
This memorial will be awarded at the end of each term at the final assembly of the term to the student that staff feel is the most worthy recipient from the designated team.
Guidelines for awarding the Manaakitanga Memorial
- Consistent application of being kind to others.
- Going the extra mile without seeking recognition.
- Positive mind set to self and others.
- Ongoing evidence of respect, tolerance and empathy for others.
- Consistently showing our KERI Values of Kindness/Atawhai, Excellence/Hiranga, Respect/Whakaute, Integrity/Ngākau pono
The Manaakitanga Award in Term 2 was chosen from Team Kiwi.
This student is someone who truly embodies the essence of Manaakitanga. A key part of their character is how they are consistently kind to others. This isn’t something they turn on and off; it is a fundamental part of who they are, woven into everything that they do.
We often see this student going the extra mile without seeking any recognition. Whether it’s helping a classmate who is struggling, offering support to a teacher, or simply doing a kind deed when no one is watching, their motivation is always genuine. This is driven by their incredibly positive mindset, which they apply not only to their own challenges but also extend to everyone around them, encouraging others to see the best in themselves.
They show ongoing evidence of respect, tolerance, and empathy for others. They listen with an open mind, treat everyone with dignity, and make our school a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
In every way, this student embodies each and every one of our KERI values.
Their everyday actions are full of Kindness/Atawhai. Their commitment to always doing their best and helping others do the same is a clear display of Excellence/Hiranga. They live and breathe Respect/Whakaute in how they treat their peers and teachers. And by always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, they show the highest form of Integrity/Ngākau pono.
This student is a wonderful role model for all. It is with great pleasure that I award this term’s Manaakitanga Award to Jordan Snell.
He whetū koe, Jordan!
The second student to receive the award is Harrison Webb.
This student is a joyful and caring learner who brings such a warm heart and a big smile to school each day. He is a great friend to all in our class whānau, building strong, positive relationships with his peers and kaiako through his atawhai, curiosity, honesty, and empathy.
He fills people’s buckets with his kind compliments, notices when others need help and is quick to offer support with a thoughtful, “Can I help you?”, “Of course, I can do that…” or asking “Have you had a great day?” He often seeks out an adult if a class friend needs extra care, showing compassion and maturity beyond his years.
He is also a curious learner, asks thoughtful questions and reflects on his learning. His eyes sparkle with excitement when discovering something new or when he makes a connection. His genuine love of learning extends between both home and our kura.
His intrinsic motivation, positive spirit, and caring nature make him a valued and much-loved member of our classroom whānau. Thank you for making others feel valued and for noticing the small yet special things in life.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that this term’s Manaakitanga Award goes to Harrison Webb. Thank you, Harrison, for the joy you bring to our class, for looking out for others, and for showing us how simple acts of kindness and aroha when shared frequently with others can make the greatest difference!
He whetū koe, Harrison!
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