Tawatawa News

2 May 2025

He mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa
Bonjour à toutes nos familles

Blessing of the pou

We had a lovely blessing of the pou on Tuesday morning. Thanks to everyone who came along. We were honoured to have kaumatua Peter Jackson conducting the blessing on behalf of Ihaia. Hopefully you’ve all had a chance to gaze on the magnificence of the pou! It’s been a big piece of work for our whānau hui group and it was great that so many of them could come, even though their children are now at college!

(It does look like there is an extra pou in this picture, but it’s just Jonathan in a pou-themed t-shirt. Fun fact about Jonathan, he has worn a different t-shirt to school every day this year! When will he run out? Nobody knows!)

Silent auction - live next Friday!

The fundraising auction is set to begin at midday next Friday, and will be open for two weeks (closes 9pm on Friday 23 May). The website is https://auctria.events/ridgway2025 - make sure to have a look.

Important points: 

1. We’re hoping each family can contribute at least one thing to the auction (activity or item) - there have been some sensational ones added already. To add something please fill out this form: https://bit.ly/ridgway_auction_offer 

2. Wish list: If you have anything you’d love to see added to the auction, email ridgwayauction2025@gmail.com with WISH LIST in the subject line. Maybe you have something specific that needs repairing, or you’re looking for a bike, or you’d love someone to pressure-wash your house. We’ll circulate the wish list next week in time for last-minute entries.  

3. It’s now possible to make a donation rather than bidding on an item (perfect for relatives who don’t live locally). Feel free to share the website.

A huge THANK YOU to all the generous donors who have made the auction possible.

Questions? Email ridgwayauction2025@gmail.com

Auction website: https://auctria.events/ridgway2025

To add an item: https://bit.ly/ridgway_auction_offer

Questions? ridgwayauction2025@gmail.com

Parking at pick up and drop off

This a heartfelt plea to follow the road rules and not park on yellow lines or double park. We need our children to be safe when they are coming to and from school, and cars that park on yellow lines or double park means they’re not. We know parking is hard to find at school, but driving round the block a few times isn’t the end of the world. Please keep our children safe and follow the road rules!

Student teachers

This term we are welcoming two student teachers. Owen will be working with Harriette and the Year 7 & 8s and Charlotte will be working with Jonathan in Kōtare.

Our French interns

Today we farewell our French interns Fleur and Camille who have worked tirelessly across the school since Term 1. We wish them all the best with their next adventures!