Newsletter – Week 8 Term 1 2026 – Botany Downs Primary School

Week 8 Term 1 2026

Kia ora koutou Parents and BDS Whānau,

What an amazing start to our Book Week. A huge thank you to our Book Week Committee for all their hard work. Our staff brought the theme All Creatures Great and Small to life at our Ignite Book Week Assembly on Monday morning. There are so many exciting and engaging activities happening around the school this week. We can’t wait to see all our tamariki dressed as their favourite book characters on Friday for our big parade. BDS whānau are welcome to come along and watch the parade at 9.05am.

Last week it was so wonderful to see so many of our BDS whānau at our Pōwhiri. Thank you Mrs Takaiti, Kapa Haka, Mr Insley and Luke Buckley. This was such a very special event indeed and you can read more about our Pōwhiri further down in the newsletter.

On the last day of the term we wish Brittany Morron all the very best as she begins her maternity leave. This is such an exciting time for Brittany and her whānau, and we look forward to meeting the newest member of her family. We look forward to welcoming Mrs Moron back in 2027.

On Thursday next week, Taylor Holmes is heading off on her Overseas Experience (OE). Taylor has been a valued Teacher Aide, working closely with both our tamariki and teachers. We are grateful for the care and support she has shown, and we wish her all the very best for her travels and the adventures ahead.

I would also like to let our school community know that I will be on a ten-week sabbatical during Term Two. Mr Insley will be stepping in as Acting Principal from Week 1 of Term 2. I look forward to returning to school in Week 11 and hearing all about the wonderful learning experiences from Term 2.

Have a great week everyone.

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

Coming Up @ BDS

Week 8: Mon 23 – Fri 27 Mar – BOOK WEEK
Wed 25 Mar – HPPA Swimming / Grandparents’ Afternoon, 2.00pm
Fri 27 Mar – Book Character Dress Up Day & Parade, starts 9.05am
Tues 31 Mar – Parent Curriculum Evening, 6.00pm
Wed 1 Apr – PTA Jester’s Pie Day
Thurs 2 Apr – Last Day of Term 1
Mon 20 Apr – First Day of Term 2
Mon 27 Apr – ANZAC Day (public holiday)

KINDO

We are proud to be a KINDO school, making it easier than ever for our families to manage school payments online. KINDO is our trusted platform for purchasing school-related items, paying for trips and events, and even ordering lunches, all in one convenient place.

Using KINDO means no more searching for cash or last-minute trips to the office. Instead, you can take care of everything from the comfort of home, anytime that suits you. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to set up your KINDO account and enjoy the ease of managing payments digitally.

For more information or to get started, visit www.botanydowns.school.nz/kindo/ or contact the office for assistance.

Parent Curriculum Evening

When: Tuesday 31st March

Time: 6.00pm

Where: Botany Downs School in the Staffroom

We warmly invite parents to join us for an information evening about the recent updates to the New Zealand Curriculum and what these changes look like at Botany Downs School. We will also outline the adjustments to our mid‑year and end‑of‑year reporting in line with Ministry of Education requirements.

As our School Hall is currently unavailable, we ask that you please complete the Google Form by this Friday if you plan to attend. Please only complete it if you are attending. Thank you!

Attendance at Parent Evening – Google Form

SCHOOL NEWS

School Pōwhiri

On the 18th of March, we had our Whole School Pōwhiri to officially welcome our new staff, new tamariki and their whānau into our Botany Downs School community. It was wonderful to see so many of our whānau attend the special occasion.

The morning began with a powerful Karanga (a call of welcome) led by Francis Sekona and Joy-Ellen Tokai, this was followed by a chant performed by our Kapa Haka. Our tamariki were equally impressive with the respect shown throughout the ceremony.

As our whānau made their way to their seats, they were embraced with great mana and passion. Deputy Principal Mr Insley welcomed our visitors with his Pepeha (introductions) followed by a waiata sung by our kura. On behalf of our Manuhiri (visitors), Luke Buckley delivered his whaikorero (speech) and received a beautiful Koha (gift) created by Rooms 21 and 22.

After the formalities and lifting the tapu, Mrs Parkins ended our Pōwhiri by welcoming our whānau to join us for morning tea and our new tamariki enjoyed a treat.

We wish all the best for our new staff, new tamariki and their whānau this year.

Mrs Takaiti

Book Week Fun!

Book Week celebrations are underway with lots of fun activities and reading happening in and out of the classroom. The Book Fair is a treasure trove full of awesome books and gifts… and a few animals have been spotted in the library too!

The Book Fair is open for purchasing each morning 8.30-9.00am and Tues, Wed, Thurs afternoon 2.45-3.30pm. Remember to visit the Book fair and Photo Booth on Grandparents’ Afternoon!

Enrol Now If Your Child Turns 5 in 2026!

We are currently planning classes and staffing for 2026, and having accurate numbers of new entrants — even those starting mid-year — greatly helps us with this process. Thank you for your support.
Enrolment packs are available from the school office, or you can request one via email: office@botanydowns.school.nz

Rachel Ryan, DP/SENCo – Year 0-3 (rachelr@botanydowns.school.nz)

LIBRARY NEWS

Auckand Writers Festival – Dav Pilkey

Calling all Dog Man and Captain Underpants fans – author Dav Pilkey is coming to Auckland! Get your tickets to hear from this internationally bestselling author!

Dav Pikey @ Auckland Writers Festival