Tēnā koutou, Tālofa lava, Konnichiwa, Fakaalofa atu, As-salāmu ‘alaykum, Kia orāna, Hola, Mālō e lelei!
Dear Parents & Whānau,
This term has flown by and I’d like to say a special thank you to all the whānau who have helped out in various ways, including at our EOTC week, and at WRISSA. It certainly takes a village, and we’re very lucky with ours!
As we wrap the term, I’d like to introduce you to Nicola Clissold, our new Deputy Principal/SENCO. We are thrilled to have her in this role and know that she will be a valuable asset to the school’s leadership team. See a message from her below.
Finally, I’d like to wish you all a safe and relaxing break over the holidays and looking forward to seeing you back refreshed for Term 2 on 28 April.
Ngā mihi,
Toby Stokes
Principal | Tumuaki
Remember to check out the school’s Facebook Page, which has the latest updates about what is going on at school
Term 2 Dates
- Until 16 May – Bee Healthy Dental Van onsite
- 28 April – First day of Term 2
- 8 May – Student-led Conferences
- 20 May – School Board meeting, 6pm in the Staffroom
- 22 May – Parent info session hosted at SWIS – Understanding our kids’ online world by Rob Cope
- 2 June – Kings Birthday, school closed
- 3 June – Staff Only Day, school closed to students
- 17 June – School Board meeting, 6pm in the Staffroom
- 20 June – Matariki, school closed
- 27 June – last day of Term 2
- 14 July – Term 3 starts
School Notices
Reminder: Book your child’s Student Led Conference
Bookings are now open for Student Led Conferences on Thursday 8 May (in Term 2). These conferences are an opportunity for your tamaiti to share their learning with you, and a time for you to connect with kaiako as you work together to support your child’s learning and growth. See full details here about Student Led Conferences and how they work. Book a time here or through the School Bookings button on Hero.
Time slots for these conferences are flexible as we know everyone is busy, and we want to make sure there is every opportunity for you to come along. Each session runs for 30 minutes. You do not have to stay that long, you can come at the start and stay part of the time, come later and finish at the end time, or be here for the full time – whatever suits you.
Tamariki run the learning conversations and kaiako are there to support them and kōrero with you. If you have something specific that you wish to speak to kaiako about, please email them and they will connect with you.
Note that there is usually more than one whānau group in the classroom at a time, but the kaiako will make sure to speak with everyone.
School News
Introducing our new Deputy Principal/SENCO, Nicola Clissold
Tena koutou katoa
This is my fourth year at SWIS, and I’m proud to be the fourth member of my whānau to be part of this special school community. My partner, Thomas, was a student here, and our children, Ben (24) and Aimee (21), have also walked these corridors. In early 2025, I stepped into the role of Acting SENCO, and in April 2025, I was honoured to take on the permanent position of Deputy Principal and SENCO. Over the years, I’ve taught across Years 1–8 in both Aotearoa and the UK. My experience includes working for the Ministry of Education, leading teacher professional learning contracts, running an education website, and writing support materials for the MOE Literacy Series. Literacy is a particular passion, and I’m especially dedicated to helping students build resilience and confidence in their learning. I strive to create an inclusive environment where every learner feels supported. Outside of school, I love travelling, spending time with family and designing and sewing clothes and jewellery for my family, friends, and myself.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Congratulations to our SWIS 7s team
Congratulations to our SWIS U60kg Sevens team – Davui, Max B, Cooper K, Tadhg, Te Ramaroa, Kit, Noah M, Matthew J, Nixon, Isaac B, Jesse E. They played 6 games – 5 wins, 1 loss (finals), 135 points scored, 51 points scored against, and were the Runners Up out of 15 teams. Thank you to Miss Uini and the parents who also helped out. Ka Mau te Wehi!
A term of variety: from history to athletics to English
History: Polynesian wayfinding
In Term 1, we have been learning about the arrival of the first Polynesians to Aotearoa, with a focus on Polynesian wayfinding. One of the activities the students did was a research project where they would research different aspects of Polynesian wayfinding such as the variety of different navigation techniques employed. The students turned these into google slideshows to present their findings. Slides by Isaac & Jimmy; Lori, Julie, Katy & Millie; Max
Physical Education in Term 1: A focus on athletics
Earlier this term, we worked on athletics skills in PE. Students practiced discuss, shot put, high jump and vortex. Students who qualified for WRISSA will be competing in Term 4!
Learning about cinquain poems in English
Rm 10 has been studying mirror cinquan poems as part of our in class poetry writing unit (a 10 line poem with the syllable pattern 2-4-6-8-2-2-8-6-4-2). Here is a poem by Facu.
Wider Community Notices
Calling All Kids!
Whether you’re a dancer, an active go-getter, or just love to move – Enhance Your Skills at Bigair with Gym and Tumbling Classes! If you haven’t booked your child’s spot for Term 1 Gym Classes at Bigair Gym yet, there’s still time! Classes are almost fully booked, but the great news is we still have spaces left. But that’s not all – these classes build resilience, confidence, determination, and the ability to receive and apply feedback – valuable life skills for school, sports, and all life’s adventures.
Classes to Help Your Child Shine:
- Pocket Rockets Gym Classes (3-4 years) – Start building coordination and confidence early!
- Gravity Busters Gym Classes (5+ years) – Perfect for beginners looking to develop fundamental gym and tumbling skills.
- Team Extreme Gym Classes (Advanced) – For those ready to take their skills to the next level.
- Free Running (5+ years) – Enhance agility and aerial awareness through parkour and flips.
- Trampoline (5+ years) – Boost spatial awareness and acrobatic abilities.
- Recreational Cheerleading (5+ years) – Build strength, flexibility, and performance skills.
- Tumbling (5+ years) – Focused on mastering walkovers, handsprings, aerials, and more – perfect for dancers, mastering fundamental tumble moves like walkovers, aerials, and handsprings which can significantly enhance performance, flexibility, and overall stage presence.
Hurry – Book Now Before Spots Run Out! Don’t miss out on the chance to help your child grow, learn, and have fun at Bigair Gym! Contact us at: Bigair Gym Owhiro Bay: ph.383 8779, e.wgtn@bigairgym.co.nz at 14 Landfill Road, Owhiro Bay.
