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Newsletter 12 December 2025
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Welcome to David Street School
A big welcome to Eileen, Owen and Daniel, who joined us at David Street School.
Nau mai, haere mai, ki te Kura o Rawiri
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A Reminder:
School finishes at 12.30 pm on Tuesday 16 December.
Reminder: Please let the office know if your child will be absent that day.
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Office Hours
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The school office will be closed from
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12.30 pm Tuesday, 16th December.
We will reopen on
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Monday 19th January to Friday 30th January 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
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Monday 26th January - closed for public holiday.
Term 1 2026 begins on Monday, 2 February.
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David Street School has had a celebratory few weeks reflecting on and celebrating the many successes and achievements of our wonderfully talented children and their teachers. We have also appreciated the many messages of encouragement and appreciation from our families over this time.
I wish to acknowledge our superb staff and children for the way they embrace and build on our unique and positive culture of learning. We all feel privileged to be part of something very special.
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This week we have farewelled 74 impressive and courageous Year 6 graduates who are very able and ready to take their next step in their journey as Year 7 intermediate students. They are courageous young people with huge dreams and talents, and with the attitudes, skills and belief to make a positive difference in our community and world beyond. We think they are amazing, and we are proud of each of them.
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Farewell
We farewell several superbly dedicated and inspirational staff members next week.
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• Wendy Borrie, our longest-serving staff member, is retiring after 34 years as a specialist literacy teacher across all levels. Wendy has had an extensive and positive impact on two generations of David Street School children. You are a legend, Wendy.
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• Emma Alsemgeest, who was both a student and then, from the age of 5, told us all she was going to be a teacher at David Street… and then became an exceptional one. She really is a ‘born teacher’, and her smile shows just how much she loves every aspect of working with our children. We wish Emma well as she moves to join her partner Lucas in Invercargill.
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• Owen Shanks, who came to us 5 years ago as a graduate teacher, and quickly became a respected and loved teacher across the school and community. Owen is moving back home up north to be with whanau and his community. You will always have a home here in Morrinsville, Owen.
• Sam van Waveren has been a perfect fit for David Street with her excellent skills and love of children. So much so that she is having a baby and has taken a years leave in 2026. You and Kyle will be fabulous parents, and we look forward to meeting ‘Little van Waveren’ early next year.
• Claire Hayr is taking time out to raise kid goats on their farm next year. Claire has been working part-time across the school and especially in Room 20. Thankfully, she will be back from time to time, relieving next year.
• Jena Kiddle, one of our kapa haka guitarists and sometimes reliever, is moving with her family to a more distant dairy farm in the coming months. All the best for your new farming adventures, and hoping to see you back sometime soon, Jena.
• Larissa Stevenson, who has been relieving in our New Entrant room this term, is off following her passion working with children with additional needs. She begins her new position as a ‘Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour’ (RTLB) based at Morrinsville Intermediate. Congratulations on your promotion to this role, Larissa.
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Next year we will proudly introduce you all to three new staff members who all come highly recommended and are also known to our school community.
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Kate Peddie will be working in the senior school.
Kacie Silvester and Hayley Arnold will both be working in the middle school.
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Congratulations to Aimee McGall, who has recently married. Aimee will continue her wonderful teaching in Te Ao Marama as Mrs Aimee Royal.
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Finally, staff wish to thank all of our parents and whanau for their generous support over the year. We wish you all a happy festive season and New Year.
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Home & School Committee - Thank you
I would like to extend a massive thank you to all our families for helping us raise an incredible $20,000 in profit for David Street School this year. This total was achieved through your support of ice-block sales, cookies, pizza days, Nothing Naughty bars, school discos, hot cross bun sales, just to name a few and the generous $2,500 donation from Danielle Kevin Deane Harcourts for houses sold through them. We simply could not have reached this milestone without your ongoing support.
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Thanks to this amazing effort, we have been able to provide:
• Sunblock for every classroom
• $100 to each classroom for essential learning materials
• An ice-block for every student on athletics day
• A $33,000 donation towards the incredible new turf
• $4,500 towards the new basketball hoops, which the students use daily
• A fantastic water play table and toys for the junior school to support sensory play
• Cups, spoons, and tissues needed for Matariki Day
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It has been a huge year, and I would like to personally thank our team and the staff who have supported and contributed to these achievements.
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We are looking forward to an exciting and busy 2026, filled with more great plans and fundraising opportunities.
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Jasmine Gallop (Home & School Chairperson)
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School Hat Changes for 2026
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David Street School is a SunSmart school, and all students must wear a school hat in Terms 1 and 4. Our “no hat, no play” rule remains in place.
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From 2026, families will purchase and own their child’s hat instead of paying the previous annual maintenance fee.
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The new Cancer Society black, wide-brimmed bucket hats (with adjustable toggle) will be available from January 2026 through the school shop or from the office for $13.00.
Sizes: Small 50–54 and Medium 54–58.
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Please purchase your child’s hat at the start of the school year. Your child's name will be added to the hat before it is issued. We encourage students to keep their hats in their school bags or desks.
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SCHOOL STAFF 2026
Deputy Principals
Michelle Fielding & Chris Marks
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Learning Support Leader / SENCO
Sandy Harrop
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Kowhai Team Year 5-6
Ako Tui - Nicola Soffe (Team Leader)
Ako Tui – Dom Lock
Ako Tui –Kyle Storey
Ako Kea - Aimee Royal
Ako Kea - Linda Marsh
Ako Kea - Kate Peddie
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Kauri Team Year 3- 4
Rm 7 - Kacie Silvester
Rm 8 - Kayley Martin
Rm 9 - Becky Pickett
Rm 10 -Janine Fiebig (Team Leader)
Rm 11 - Hayley Arnold
Rm 12 - Calie Strange
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Kahikatea Team Year 0-1-2
Rm 14 – Rebecca Bracey & Lisa Clark
Rm 15 – Susan Garrud
Rm 16 - Debora Priest
Rm 17 – Ashley Johnston - (New Entrants)
Rm 19 - Jo Keogh (Team Leader)
Rm 20 - Maia Ikinofo & Kellie Scott
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Rm 21 - Caitlin Hazlehurst / Sam Niven
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Julie Byers, Kellie Scott, Ange McWilliam, Elysia Gunn, Heather Taylor, Meryl Marks, Aniwa Armstrong, Jacky Hutchings
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Brenda Te Wiata, Susan Garrud,
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Deidre Hampton, Simone Vester
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Learning Assistants
Adele Alsemgeest, Ang Martin,
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Amy Nation, Anna Dewhurst, Fiona Bauke,
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Becs Hazeldon, Coralie Buser, Jayne Paitai,
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Deidre Hampton, Linley McMillan,
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Monica Ward, Tessa Steenhoven
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Office Staff Carey Burne (Office Manager),
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Kirsten Woolridge, Janelle Nicholls,
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Relief Caretaker Joshua Vester
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Lisa Hansen (Session Leader)
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Carol Hughes, Jazmine Birchall, Coralie Buser, Kayla O’Connor, Stephanie Skelling,
Brittney Hart, Grace Porter,
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Aimee Macbeth, Jessica Macbeth,
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Louise Pearson, Nicola Klinac, Reese Barker, Pippa Jackson, Esme Smith, Jessica Carr, Taya Cartwright, Kayley McMillan
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All school library books are due back now. Please encourage your children to look at home for any books and return them to the school library.
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Stationery Lists for 2026
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Stationery lists have been loaded onto the school website using the link below.
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Please note: Some of the Junior class's stationery lists differ. Before purchasing items, please check carefully which Year level and classroom your junior child is in for 2025 and match it with the stationery list.
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Stationery packs will be available from Paper Plus Morrinsville. They provide excellent prices.
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You can either purchase a pack (which contains all items as a set, at a discounted price) or choose individual items from the list.
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Call into Paper Plus Morrinsville, and they will assist you.
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Type in the school’s name to buy a pack and choose your child’s year/class. (Discounted Back to School prices will finish on 2 March 2026).
Please note: Layby is available in store from the 16 December 2025.
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Afterpay can be used both in-store and online.
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Care for Kids is taking Bookings for the
December 2025 / January 2026 Holiday Programme
This programme is only open to our David Street School families
If you would like a place for your child, please book now to avoid disappointment, or contact Pia as soon as possible. Ph: 0273 691 263
• Please be aware that once your child’s enrolment is confirmed, you will be charged if they are absent unless we have received a minimum of a week’s notice of change.
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• We MUST have a completed Safety Form completed on EnrolMy with emergency contacts, pick up persons and any medical conditions we need to be aware of.
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Launchpad Christmas Special
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Over 200 students enjoyed a dance, song and drama performance by a talented group of young people from Cambridge recently.
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We even had a couple of DSS teachers join the cast. The message was of the special gift that we receive at Christmas.
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The Launchpad Programme will be held at school again in 2026, so look out for the permission slip early next year.
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Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the Launchpad Team.
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Last week Altrusa Morrinsville gave out local literacy awards to primary/intermediate students for reading/writing progress
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The following students from David Street School received awards:
Rylan- for showing great improvement in reading.
Georgia - demonstrating progress in writing for Year 5/6.
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Weetbix Kids Tryathlon
Well done to everyone who competed in the Weetbix KidsTriathlon last Sunday!
Everyone had a great day achieving their goals, having fun.
It’s a great fun day for all the family. Keep an eye on our newsletters next year; we would love to see more DSS kids join us.
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Principal Awards
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David Street School celebrates children who have been showing our values in their behaviour and actions at school. Recipients of the Principals' Awards were:
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Sebastian
Received his award for showing the courage to push himself out of his comfort zone. He has grown in independence and perseverance this year, demonstrating a hardworking attitude and a determination to keep improving. Sebastian is making progress in his learning and taking on new challenges with confidence.
Kia māia, keep striving for excellence and giving your best!
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Louis is a courageous and respectful student who consistently demonstrates the David Street School values in all that he does. He shows genuine respect toward both his peers and adults. Louis takes responsibility for his learning, works confidently and independently, and has an impressive memory for facts and information, which he readily and happily shares with others. Ka pai, Louis!
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Lachie
Received his award for being a curious learner who asks thoughtful, inquisitive questions and shows a genuine interest in the world around him. His love for learning is contagious, and he brings so much energy to our classroom. Ka mau te wehi, Lachie!
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Hannah
Hannah has worked hard and shown persistent determination throughout the year. She has a fantastic ability to view challenges as opportunities, working through them to find solutions. Hannah's commitment ensures that all the work she produces is of the highest standard. Her confidence has blossomed, and we are excited to see Hannah continue to shine brightly next year in Year 6!
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Addi has shown outstanding perseverance and dedication to her learning this year. She is always willing to seek out new challenges and strives to be the very best she can be. Addi has shown exceptional growth in her self-belief and now confidently sees herself as the capable and successful learner that she is. Her positive attitude towards learning shines through and is a reflection of her growing confidence and determination.
Ka pai, Addi!
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We have been so super proud of all Lucy's efforts over the past few terms!
She is the definition of resilience and hard work, and we have noticed a huge growth in all areas.
Keep up the amazing mahi, Lucy - we love teaching you.
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Quinn is a friendly, polite student who has made huge strides in her confidence this year. She has been courageous by consistently taking risks in both her learning and on the playground. Quinn has pushed herself outside of her comfort zone. I'm so impressed with the year she has had and the growth she's made.
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Reading with Rotary Awards
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Morrinsville Rotary Club and Paper Plus Morrinsville are kindly sponsoring prizes to promote reading in our school and other local schools.
Each term, a student from the junior, middle and senior school will be awarded a prize for significant reading progress.
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Sophia-Rose has made outstanding progress in her literacy learning this year, and her hard work has contributed to this. She approaches reading with determination and a positive attitude, which has led to a real growth in her skills and confidence.
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Aniel has made great progress in his literacy this year. His determination and positive attitude have helped him grow in both skill and confidence. We are very proud of how far he has come.
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Yuan has made excellent progress in his reading. He uses the information he has read about and transfers it to his writing.
Yuan is positive towards reading and asks questions to deepen his understanding.
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James
James' concept thinking and learning have been exceptional this year. He has put 100% effort into his independent learning. James has shown himself to be a courageous learner by asking questions and sharing his ideas with the class. Keep being inquisitive and showing an amazing learning attitude, James!
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Year 6 Leaving Social 2025
Our Year 6 leavers celebrated their Leaving Social on Tuesday evening, providing a very special evening for both students and their families, as well as teachers.
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Thank you to staff and parents who kindly shared photos from the evening.
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Year 6 Prize Giving Celebration
Senior School Year 6 Prizegiving, Graduation, and Celebration was held on Wednesday. Our whole school came together to celebrate our Year 6 graduates with kapa haka performances, school-wide singing, and awards for outstanding achievements.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in recognising and celebrating our Year 6 students.
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Year 6 Prize Giving Cups & Highly Commended 2025
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Congratulations to all of our children for all of your successes this year.
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Willis Cup
Awarded to: Marlum McKenzie & Mac Loveridge
Recognising excellence in all areas of school life, including personal qualities, high academic achievement, sporting and cultural achievements both inside and outside of school, learner qualities and the potential to continue.
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Highly Commended: Harrison Lee, Summer Hexter, Mackenzie Hadj-Blaha, Allan Cui,
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Mikiah Goodwin, Zinah Gill, Harrison Marsh, Harper Brownlie, Arshpreet Kaur
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Kia Maia - Goodall Cup
Awarded to: Levi Bracey & Ollie Lyttle
For displaying courage in their learning, consistently displaying the David Street School Values, and always looking at ways to do and be better.
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Highly Commended: Lily Kay, Kora-Jayd McIntyre, Ashriel Prasad, Moss Byers, Talia Davison,
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Freddie McQuinn, Arshpreet Kaur, Zinah Gill
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Te Whānau O Te Kura O Rawiri
Awarded to: Mikiah Goodwin
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For leadership and teamwork in all areas of school life, with a focus on all things Maori.
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Talia Davison, Isobel Tuck, Marlum McKenzie,
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Lincoln Jamieson, Kora-Jayd McIntyre, Harrison Marsh
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Keanu Akauola, Zinah Gill, Mia Tuira, Arshpreet Kaur,
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Duncan Cup
Awarded to: Harper Brownlie
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For all-around leadership
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(as nominated by their year 6 peers).
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Whelan Cup
Awarded to: Eddie Mules
In recognition of outstanding service to the school.
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Arshpreet Kaur, Ayla Bartrum, Emily Campbell,
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Georgia McNamara, Harper Davie, Jay-Lyn Sun, Lily Kay
Mia Tuira, Olivia Bartrum, Sam Lopes, Savreen Kaur
Summer Hexter, Zinah Gill, Chase Dinnington
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Year 5 Award
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Compton Cup
Awarded to: Amelia Furniss
For displaying general all-round excellence as a Year 5.
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Nathan Silcock, Anahera Thompson, Rachel Herd,
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Amy Munn, Elliott Callaghan, Jac-Lyn Sun, Ayla Clark,
Sophie Dickson, Alex Murti, Madison Cooper,
Carter Scott, Emma Rayhin
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Brightwell Endeavour Cup
Awarded to: Ashriel Prasad
Awarded to a Year 6 student who has made outstanding progress through hard work.
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Ellie Klinac, Zinah Gill, Elijaha Smith, Lily Kay, Blake Mitchell
Keanu Akauola, Harper Davie, Georgia McNamara
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Commerce Cup
Awarded to: Mikiah Goodwin
For displaying excellence in concept learning with a broad general knowledge.
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Edward Mules, Ryder Johnston, Levi Voschezang,
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Liam Carter, Jaxon McCarthy, Levi Brunton, Allan Cui,
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Heath Stevenson, Savreen Kaur, Georgia McNamara
Cohen Stringer, Harrison Marsh,
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Marlum McKenzie, Mackenzie Hadj-Blaha, Cameron James
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Blyth Cup
Awarded to: Allan Cui
For showing excellence in mathematics.
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Mac Loveridge, Harrison Lee, Summer Hexter,
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Mikiah Goodwin, Mackenzie Hadj-Blaha
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Literacies Cup
Awarded to: Allan Cui
For showing excellence in Literacy across the curriculum.
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Mackenzie Hadj-Blaha, Georgia McNamara,
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Marlum McKenzie, Heath Stevenson, Mikiah Goodwin,
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Zinah Gill, Arshpreet Kaur, Harper Brownlie, Harrison Lee,
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Freddie McQuinn, Edward Mules
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Visual Arts Cup (The Golden Paintbrush)
Awarded to: Heath Stevenson
For demonstrating excellence in Visual Arts.
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Eyaneeka Hirawani, Georgia McNamara, Marlum McKenzie
Jack Baucke, Kendrick West, Keanu Akauola,
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Robb Family Cup
Awarded to: Brocklin Rogers
For all-around champion in boys' swimming.
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Rogers Family Cup
Awarded to: Harper Davie
For all-around champion in girls' swimming.
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Kilpatrick Cup
Awarded to:
Lincoln Jamieson & Freddie McQuinn
For all-round excellence in boys' sport.
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Moss Byers, Harrison Lee, Levi Bracey, Allan Cui,
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Mac Loveridge, Brocklin Rogers
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McFadyen Cup
Awarded to: Harper Davie
For all-round excellence in girls' sport.
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Millie Atkinson, Harper Brownlie, Summer Hexter,
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Emily Campbell, Jay-Lyn Sun, Mackenzie Hadj-Blaha
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Prize Giving & Year 6 Celebration
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Middle School End of Year Assembly
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Our Middle School Assembly was held on Thursday. It was a wonderful celebration of student achievement. Certificates were presented to a number of our Year 3 and Year 4 students in recognition of their hard work, effort, and growth. We congratulate all recipients and extend our warmest praise to every Year 3 and 4 student for a wonderful year of learning.
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We also took a moment to farewell Mr Shanks and Mrs Van der Waveren, who will be leaving David Street School.
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Ako Awards
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These students have shown academic excellence across the curriculum this Year.
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Cultural Contribution Awards
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These students have shown dedication and commitment to our weekly Te Ao Māori sessions and/or in Kapahaka.
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Jahvarn Herewini-Pirere, Tamihana Nowland, Reiko West,
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Emily Beecher, Elias Tuira, Graysn McKenzie
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Puiaki Awards
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Our Puiaki Awards recognise the traits we value in our learners.
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Kia Maia: Courageous Learner Award
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These children have embodied our school motto: Kia Maia - Have Courage and have had an outstanding contribution to school life.
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Outstanding progress and perseverance Award
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Learner Assets Awards
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Aarahi Awards - Leadership Award
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Please support the businesses that support our school!
A big Thank You to those businesses that support our school by advertising in our newsletter:
Danielle Callaghan-Harcourts Morrinsville, McLarens Rural,
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Morrinsville Decor, Hunt Building Limited, Odlum Hire,
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She Moves, Container Works, CooperAitken,
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Contacting us
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The absence line is available 24 hours 889-7780 ext 1 or you can use our School App to notify us when your child is away. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home and contact the School Office before 9am to let us know.
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Download our school APP from your App Store - SchoolAppsNZ
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Community Notices
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