Tawatawa News

13 February 2026

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

Our Year 7 & 8 programme

After reviewing the technology programme previously offered to our senior students by another school, we saw an exciting opportunity — to design and deliver our own innovative, future-focused programme right here at Ridgway.

With a clear goal of creating the most engaging, hands-on, real-world technology experience possible, we launched the programme on Monday with a hiss and a roar. Our seniors are already embracing the challenge, creativity, and responsibility that come with authentic learning and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive!

Our Year 7 & 8 Technology Programme includes: 

• Digital Media - Film and Content Creation

Digital Media is a creative programme where learners explore storytelling through film, photography, editing, and music production. Students develop skills in camera work, video editing, audio production, and digital storytelling while producing authentic, meaningful media projects. This is led by two staff members: one with a degree in Film Making and the other a Masters in Sound Engineering.  How lucky are we?!

• Workshop - Design Build Create 

Workshop is a practical programme where learners develop skills in working with wood, tools, and other materials to design, create, and produce functional and creative outcomes. Students learn safe use of tools and construction techniques while engaging in problem-solving and design thinking. As the programme develops, we explore additional materials such as metals, plastics, and mixed-media. This is taught by a local expert builder and the incredibly talented Māori carver we have on staff.

• STEM Lab - Innovate Build Code Explore

STEM Lab is an engaging, hands-on programme where learners explore engineering, robotics, computer coding, and creative problem-solving. Students work with tools, materials, and technologies such as Makey Makey, robotics kits, and coding platforms, and participate in school-based EPro8-style engineering challenges, designed to develop teamwork, design thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Whenua to Wharekai - Grow Harvest Prepare Share

This is the Garden to Table programme where they experience food from the garden to the plate, building practical skills, environmental awareness, and an understanding of kaitiakitanga — caring for the land, people, and environment. They are involved in sustainable gardening, composting, food preparation, and visits to our local community orchard. Guided by the Enviroschools philosophy, they learn to reduce waste, make responsible choices, and contribute to the wellbeing of people and the planet too.  Hopefully they’ll be cooking more dinners at home too! We have a team of expert gardeners and experienced cooks championing this programme.

Our Library Grand Opening

Massive shout out to the wonderful Lucy King, for being the driving force behind what is now a beautiful library space. Hours and hours of mahi (work) was spent designing the space and then bringing it to fruition. The opening was a great celebration of all things reading with Alan Dingle (previous Reading Ambassador for NZ) and Ellie from the National Library. The library is now open at lunchtimes and some mornings before school when we have a volunteer there. Let lucy@ridgway.school.nz know if you can help out!

On the hunt for a German teacher

We are looking for a German teacher to teach small groups on Fridays. The students are a mixture of native speakers and beginners. If you have any leads, get in touch. 

Menu Mess Up

Somehow, annoyingly, when Lunchonline was bought by a new company, they changed the menu that was available without any consultation.  The options that became available do not fit our Healthy Eating Policy so we have removed them.  It seems as though the prices have gone up too which is annoying but out of our control. We are back to our normal sushi and Pita Pit options now! 

Athletics Day…..(uh oh, weather isn’t looking good, again!)

This is coming up on Tuesday next week. However, the weather forecast is once again looking rubbish! Fingers crossed for a change in the forecast so we can go ahead as planned.  Unfortunately we aren’t allowed to book postponement days…sigh. 

Weet Bix Kids TRYathlon

We are aware we have a few tamariki taking part in the Weet Bix Kids TRYathlon this year on 15 March. 

For many of our younger kids, it really helps to know another friendly face at the start line.  We have a parent who has offered to coordinate a meet up spot so our Ridgway crew can sit together, support each other, and head through the start area as buddies.  Perhaps we will even have a school banner on the day! 

If your child is participating in the TRYathlon and you would like to join this Ridgway group, please email Becky Ramsay/Jack's Mum (beckymasters@gmail.com), who will set up a WhatsApp comms channel for our little triathletes.

Recycling Bags

Any spares, please send them to school. We’re so good at recycling, we’ve already run out! 

Jean Packman - principal of Ridgway School 1983 -1986

Jean Packman, who was principal from 1983 to 1986, passed away on New Year's Eve. She was later principal of Ngaio School for 15 years, president of the New Zealand Principal's Federation, and a JP and marriage celebrant after she retired. Two of her great-grandchildren attend our school now. Her grandson (a parent at our school) said she was always very proud of her time at Ridgway. 

Upcoming Events:

• 17 Feb - Athletics Day at Newtown Park

• 23-24 Feb - Goal Setting Conferences (late night Tuesday)

• 5 March - Year 7 & 8 camp/tramp at Catchpool Valley, Remutaka Forest Park 

• 6 March - mid term hui 2.15pm (change of date!)

• 16 - 18 March - Forest Lakes Camp for Year 5 & 6 

• 24 March - Southern Zones Football 

• 2 April - last day of the term and mid term hui 9.15am

• 3 April - Good Friday (school closed)

• 20 April - start of Term 2

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