Newsletter – Week 3, Term 1 2025 – Botany Downs Primary School

Week 3, Term 1, 2025

Tēnā koutou te whānau,

Our recent BDS Whānau Picnic was a wonderful celebration of fun and connection for our tamariki and whānau. Families gathered on the bank and under the trees, enjoying the opportunity to relax and spend time together.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly our refurbished school pool and water slide, which provided endless fun and refreshing splashes—an absolute favourite among the children. The tug-of-war also brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition, adding to the excitement of the event.

It was fantastic to see our school community come together, meet staff, and strengthen relationships in such a positive and welcoming atmosphere. A huge thank you to everyone who joined in—we can’t wait for the next one.

Ngā mihi nui,
Vicki Parkins, Principal – Tumuaki (vickip@botanydowns.school.nz)

Coming Up @BDS

Tues 18 Feb – Yr 6 Camp Parent meeting, 6.00 pm in Room 24
Wed 19 Feb – PTA Jesters Pie Day / School Board meeting, 6.00pm
Thurs 20 Feb – Yr 5 Camp Parent meeting, 6.00 pm in Room 21
Fri 21 Feb – No Uniform Day
Mon 24 Feb – Bakesale @ Morning Tea
Wed 26 Feb – Whānau conversations, 3.20 – 6.00 pm
Thurs 27 Feb – Whānau conversations, 3.20 – 6.00 pm
Wed 5 Mar – Yr 6 Camp (returning Fri 7th)
Mon 10 Mar – Yr 5 Camp (returning Tues 11th)

Whānau Conversations –
Building Connections (February 26 & 27, Week 4)

*Remember to bring your Building Connections question form with you to your meeting!

During 2025, our focus continues to be on building connections and understanding to help support learning, progress, and achievement.

Whānau/parent conversations will be held in your child’s classroom:
Wednesday, February 26 & Thursday, February 27 From 3.20 pm until 6 pm on both days.
These discussions provide an opportunity for you as parents to share insights about your child.
The Building Connections questions were sent home and also emailed last week.

Your input is valuable in helping us support your child’s learning journey. We look forward to these conversations.

Book your interview here:

SCHOOL NEWS

Calling… Parent Helpers!

Are you able to help out in classrooms (anytime between 8:30 am and 10:30 am) with tasks such as sharpening pencils, cutting out activities, general organising of resources and activities ready for the day’s learning? If you have some time available during the school week to come in and help out in your child’s class then please email joanneh@botanydowns.school.nz with your contact details and when you are free! Thank you.

Joanne Hughson DP/SENCo Year 0-3

Keeping Our Tamariki Safe –
Parking Reminders

The safety of our tamariki is our top priority. Please remember:

No parking on yellow lines – these areas must stay clear for visibility and safety.
Do not park across driveways – this blocks access and creates hazards.

Let’s all do our part to keep drop-off and pick-up times safe for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.

Complaint to Auckland Transport On-line

2024 School Magazine –
Limited Copies Available

A few extra copies of our 2024 School Magazine are available for purchase from the school office for $20 each. If you’re interested, please email the office to secure your copy before they’re gone: Trish Toussaint, Executive Officer accounts@botandydowns.school.nz

Calling for Red Bottle Tops!

We are collecting red bottle tops from cream bottles for an exciting mural project. If you have any at home, please send them to the school office. We have a small number so far and would love to have more.

Tanya Jacobs, STEAM Teacher (tanyaj@botanydowns.school.nz)

School Assembly

We invite you to attend our school assembly on Friday at 9.10 am. We will be presenting our Botany Best Certificates and Values Bookmarks. This week our item will be from Room 22.

Our BDS Values

Congratulations to the following tamariki who have displayed our value of Relationships, Whanaungatanga: Jane Bong, Angela Cajayon, Fraser Shadbolt, Reyna-Lee Valdez Brown, Amber Ren, Ephraim Kazaroho, Chenuthi Konara Mudiyanselage, Charlie Pirie, Emma Sun, Angela Huang, Shawn Kim, Ella Blake, Eason Dong, Oliver Aye, Odette Apperley, Advik Advik, Caleb Moukarzel, Archie Barson, Elliot Cheng, Olivia Leaumoana, Kylo Chad & Erik Hu.

Our Capabilities

Congratulations to our following tamariki who have shown their Botany Best by displaying our Capabilities: Remi Atrushi, Chloe Simpson, Keren Muruganathan, Ranaya Galahitiyawa, Megna Swaraj Piper Hodgson, Zelda Brockwell-Gounder, Lillias Fisher, Cooper Ellis, Wianru Botha, Alice Wang, Madison Else, Eason Dong, Angela Chen, Mikaele Atoa, Jan Nieuwoudt, Emma Lee, Abraham Atoa, Artie Ong, Ryan Hu, Cassia Grisselle & DJ Brown.

PTA – No Uniform Day – This Friday

This Friday, 21st February is a No Uniform Day! Wear your favourite outfit and bring $2 to participate. All money raised goes back into improvements at school. Pay $2 cash to your teacher or via Kindo.

PTA – Fruju Friday!

Fruju Friday is back!Pay via Kindo by midnight Thursday or bring cash on the day. Frujus ($2) and icepops ($1) will be sold each Friday after school outside the staffroom until the end of term.

Fun & Learning @ BDS

Year 1 – Room 7 has been getting to know each other. We love sharing our classroom with our families:

Room 7 new to school 5 year-olds getting their special books from Mrs. Parkins:

Children Turning Five – Enrolment

If your child is turning five before June 2025 please ensure you
enrol them as soon as possible.

We are planning for classes and teachers into 2025 and this is made much easier if we have accurate numbers of new entrants even as far ahead as the middle of next year! Thank you.

Please collect your enrolment pack from the office, or email office@botanydowns.school.nz

Joanne Hughson DP/SENCo – Year 0-3 (joanneh@botanydowns.school.nz)

LIBRARY NEWS

Granny McFlitter Book Launch

Granny McFlitter Stitches up a Storm is inspired by many summers of stormy camping holidays. This story sees Granny battling the forces of nature along with the help(?) of her newest animal sidekick, Guzzle the Goat!

If you’re a die-hard granny fan – or if you’re just new to this fantastic NZ picture book series, come along to the book launch, hear the story, meet the author Heather Haylock and illustrator Lael Chisholm, and partake of some excellent afternoon tea!