Enrolment at our school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office.
In 2024 there will be three enrolment periods, one in each of the first three terms. Information for enrolments within each of those periods will be advertised part way through the previous term.
As our school operates a Cohort Entry policy for new entrants which means that new entrants start school in groups through the year rather than on their fifth birthday, at specified points in the year: either on the first day of term or at a mid-point of a term after they turn five. More information is at https://parents.education.govt.nz/primary-school/your-child-at-school/cohort-entry/
For the first enrolment period, the school has determined that up to 3 places for Year 1 (new entrant) students are likely to be available for out-of-zone students to start at the beginning of Term 1 2024 (Wednesday 31 January). The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone.
Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during the next year should notify the school by Friday 6 October 2023 to assist the school to plan appropriately for next year.
Applications are made online at https://enrolments.linc-ed.com/apply/NZ/2223
If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot for out-of-zone places is required, it will be held on Monday 16 October 2023. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three school days of the ballot being held.
Details relating to the next enrolment period will be published in 2024.
On Thursday 24 August, 40 year 7 & 8 students headed to Hāwera to participate in Intercschool Rugby, Football and Netball.
Rugby finished in 2nd place and Football 4th place.
Netball made it into the final against Mangorei School which was played at Mangorei School on Friday last week.
Our netball girls showed all four of our school values on and off the court during the final, helping them secure the win 29-24 and the Burkhart Cup for 2023. 
2023 Netball Team: Ella Rauputu, Erin Sowman, Jahlia Manukonga-Te Uira, Kallana Bradnock, Katie MacRae, Lydia Walthew, Mallory Leaf, Natalie Corin and Onaleah Zandbergen.
Well done to all our tamariki involved and thank you to the teachers, parents and supporters.
Duffy Stars 
Congratulations to some of our Duffy Award winners from the last couple of weeks.
And a BIG SHOUT OUT to Jahlia Manukonga-Te Uira & Brianna O-Keeffe-Wano for sorting through our Duffy books 
Each year we ask students to design a cover for our Learning @ Home books for the following year.
This year we asked our students to design a cover about OUR SCHOOL VALUES.
Congratulations Ella Rauputu and Iona Den-McKay for winning our Learning @ Home Book Cover Competition. We couldn’t pick from these two amazing designs so we are getting half the books printed with Ella’s design and half with Iona’s design.
There were also 10 other entires that received a special award for their amazing art work - Tess Balsom, Rangi Tau Brider, Skye Ramsay, Lucy Nicholas, Madie Cadman, Parker Smith, Nixon Gadsby, Harlee Ruwhiu, Tylah Taitoko and Sapphire Kuchler.
Pai tamariki 
This term's learning is all about my magnificent machine - my body: how it works, how to keep it healthy, what it needs to fuel itself and how do I compare to other living things?
Here is what some of our tamariki have learnt so far 
Rosie Wilson, 5 years: We have a rib cage to protect our lungs 
Aria Marshall, 5 years: We have a bone at the front of our head to protect our brain 
Isla Johnson, 10 years: The heart pumps and produces oxygen rich blood 
Parker Smith, 9 years: This is the cranium and it protects your brain 
Sapphire Kuchler, 10 years: The Femur is the biggest bone in your body, it is your upper leg bone 
Madie Cadman, 10 years: Your brain is like an engine, it is the engine for your body 
Ella Rauputu, 12 years: We have been learning about the human body and how it functions. I can name over 100 bones in the body 
Vinnie & Leo Luke, 12 years & 10 years : Everyones body has the same parts but all bodies are different. Most people breathe through their mouth and nose and it goes down to their lungs. Vinnie can't breath through his mouth or nose so he breathes through the tracky in his throat 
Lachie Waldron, 12 years: Look after your body because it is your machine. Then you can enjoy things like playing basketball 
Pippa Perkinson, 8 years: When you break a bone it swells and you need an xray to see where the break is. I fell off the monkey bars yesterday and had to have an xray on my bones 
Romie Marlow, 7 years: I learned about the digestive system and where the food goes. When you eat it goes down your esophagus to your liver then stomach, after that it passes through your large intestine, then your small intestine, before it comes out in the toilet 
Lucian Hoskin, 13 years: I have learnt that you need to protect your brain, like wear a helmet when on a bike or wheels. If you do not protect your brain and have an accident then it will impair your motor control meaning you would not be able to climb and swing from trees like this 
Kingston Benton, 12 years: Falangies are the bones in our fingers, they are connected by joints and ligaments. These help me play my guitar 
DAFFODIL DAY
This year we raised just under $200 for Daffodil day, to be donated to The Cancer Society.
Once again we have teamed up with Game Changer to provide quality Puketapu branded clothing.
Order directly through Game Changer and select shipping as 'I will pick up' - we will then arrange for the Game Changer Gear to be collected/dropped off in one go to save on shipping costs.
There is a range of colours you can choose from for most items and you can get your name printed on the back for no additional cost. Game Changer even have Laybuy and Afterpay available.
ORDER HERE : https://www.gamechanger.org.nz/puketapuschool
We will advise of the cut off date to ensure all orders arrive by the end of the term.
Save the date: Thursday 31 August (with a postponement date of Friday 1 September)
Times and more information will come out closer to the event.
Apologies if you had seen another date earlier, this clashed with other events.
Meet Our School Leaders!
Kaitiaki Tama
Kingston Benton 
Hey everyone! I'm Kingston, and I'm excited to be your Kaitiaki Tama this year. Puketapu School has been my home for the past five years, and I love the amazing kids and the incredible community here. As a music enthusiast, I'm determined to take our school band to new levels and make sure we have the best band experience ever!
Taylor Harvey Kia ora everyone! I'm Taylor Harvey, and I've had the privilege of being a part of the Puketapu family throughout my entire schooling journey. What I love most about our school is the diverse range of subjects and opportunities it offers. As your Head Boy, I'm here to encourage each and every one of you to take all the wonderful opportunities that come your way. Together, we'll make this year unforgettable!
Kaitiaki Kotiro
Erin Sowman Hi, everyone! Erin here, proudly serving as one of your Kaitiaki Kotiro. Puketapu School has been my second home since I was five, and it's where my passion for sports came from. As Head Girl, I'm excited to grow my leadership skills and make a positive impact on our school. Let's make the rest of this year full of energy and sportsmanship!
Ella Rauputu , Kia ora tamariki & whānau! I'm Ella, and I have spent my entire schooling journey at Puketapu School. What makes this place so special to me is the bond I share with my teachers and friends. As one of your Kaitiaki Kotiro, I want to ensure we have amazing sports opportunities that bring us all together. Kia Manawanui, Kia Kaha, Kia Māia, Kia Ora!
We are proud to lead Puketapu School for the last half of the year. Let's work together to create unforgettable memories and make Puketapu even better than it already is!
Introducing a Dynamic Duo of Teachers in Kōwhai 1!
We are thrilled to introduce the fantastic teaching team in Kōwhai 1 for the remainder of 2023!
Please join us in warmly welcoming Milly Tuheke and Joshua Moreland, two incredible educators who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our school.
Milly joined us in Term 2, returning to the workforce after taking time off to raise her young son Tatum. Whaea Milly brings with her over 5 years of teaching experience and some of you might remember her from her placement days here at Puketapu School during her studies. We are delighted to have her back at Puketapu School. Whaea Milly is Ngāti Maniapoto and is on her own Te Reo Māori journey, joining a Kapa Haka Rōpū while studying online through Te Wānanga o Raukawa.
Joshua Moreland
Joining forces with Milly is Joshua Moreland, who many of you may already know from his part-time relieving work with us over the past year. Matua Josh has an extensive background in the early childhood sector with over 9 years of experience under his belt. Apart from his role as an educator, Josh also runs a business called MagicWorks, where he works as an entertainer, bringing joy and wonder to the lives of many children in Taranaki.
Together, Whaea Milly and Matua Josh make an exceptional team, blending their diverse experiences and teaching styles to create an environment that nurtures each child's individual growth. They share a common goal of inspiring curiosity, fostering a love for learning and encouraging their students to embrace challenges with confidence.
