2 Jul 2026

Kia ora KingsGate Primary community!

We warmly invite you to join us for our Year 1–6 Primary Assembly tomorrow at 8.50am in the Totara LIFEspace.

Please note that, while our newsletter originally advised that our Year 1 students would be hosting this assembly, there has been a change to the programme. Instead, this assembly will celebrate our primary school as a whole and will be led by our capable Year 6 student leaders.

We look forward to seeing you there!

29 Jun 2026

Monday 29th June, 2026

Dear KingsGate Year 1–6 whānau,

We are getting so close to the end of the term! It has been a busy one, with so many exciting events and learning opportunities packed into these past few months.

As Term 2 draws to a close this week, I would like to share a few important updates with you.

Firstly, this afternoon you will receive a digital copy of your child's school report via email. Reports will be issued today for students in Years 2–6. Please note that Year 1 students who started school at the beginning of the school year will receive their reports early in Term 3. 

When you open your child's report, you will notice that it looks different from last year. This is due to new Ministry of Education reporting requirements. If you have any questions about your child's report, please feel free to discuss them during your child's Three-Way Chat on Thursday 2nd July.

Bookings for Three-Way Chats will close this afternoon, Monday 29th June at 3.00pm. Please remember that the normal school day will not operate on Thursday while these meetings are taking place. Students are encouraged to stay home if they are able to. However, school will remain open for those who require supervision. If your child will need supervision, please let the school office know so we can plan accordingly.

Secondly, I will be beginning maternity leave at the end of this term and I plan to return around Term 3 next year. During my absence, we have a wonderful leadership team who will be overseeing the primary school. Tilly Pointon will be providing oversight as Head of Primary, alongside Whaea Lovely and Mrs Neill. While I will certainly miss being part of the KingsGate community during this special season, I leave knowing that our primary school is in very capable hands.

Before I finish, I would like to sincerely thank you, our whanau community, for the incredible support you give to KingsGate. Whether you are attending assemblies, helping with sports teams and school trips, supporting learning at home, or simply greeting staff at the school gate each morning, your partnership makes a real difference. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive and caring school community.

As we head into the school holidays at the end of next week, I pray that you are able to take time to rest, stay healthy, and enjoy precious time with your families.

God bless,

Rachel Cadelis

 

25 Jun 2026

We’re excited to announce that HJ Elite Academy’s After School Soccer Development Programme is back for Term 3!

This fun and engaging programme is designed for both boys and girls who are new to soccer or looking to further develop their existing skills. 

Our focus is on:

• Recognising and nurturing each child’s individual abilities
• Supporting age-appropriate skill development
• Most importantly, making sure every child enjoys the journey

To register: click here  

*payment plan available

24 Jun 2026

Dear Parents and Caregivers of KingsGate School,

Please see below community information regarding Matariki.

Matariki in 2026 takes place from July 8 to July 11, with the official national public holiday observed on Friday, July 10. The Māori New Year marks the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster (the Pleiades) in the pre-dawn mid-winter sky, which is a time for remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and looking toward the future. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The 2026 national celebrations have a major focus on inclusion under the theme "Matariki Herenga Waka" (the gathering place of many canoes). [1, 2]  

This year’s theme of Matariki herenga waka is all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together. 

Key Details and Events around Auckland

• National Hautapu Ceremony: Hosted by mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the official national ceremony will take place at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point) in Auckland on the morning of July 10. [1]
• Auckland Festival: Tāmaki Makaurau is the focal point for the 2026 celebrations. The official Matariki Festival features more than 100 free and low-cost events across the region from July 4 to July 19. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Matariki ki te Manawa: The city centre is glowing with illuminated light trails, interactive experiences, and public artworks running June 15 until July 21. [1] https://waateanews.com/.../matariki-lights-up-tamaki.../
• Planetarium Experiences: To learn about the nine whetū (stars), purākau (stories), and the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), check out the Te Whatu Stardome immersive shows running during the festival. [1]  Shows running June 25 to July 31.

Events in and around Pukekohe
The Matariki Festival 2026 has incredible family-friendly events right on your doorstep in Pukekohe. Because this year's regional host iwi is Ngāti Tamaoho (who hold mana whenua in Franklin), South Auckland is the central hub for several major celebrations. 

Here are the best family-friendly Matariki events happening in and around Pukekohe:

Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki (Festival Pou Event)
This is one of the main signature events for the entire region, co-hosted by Ngāti Tamaoho. It spans across two beautiful local heritage hubs and is completely free to attend. 

• What to expect: Delicious kai (food) stalls, live cultural performances, markets, kapa haka, and the highlight event: Whakarewa Manu (Kite Day) where massive, vibrant kites fill the sky.
• Date & Time: July 10 and July 11, 2026
• Venues: Nathan Homestead (Manurewa) and Ngā Hau e Whā Marae o Pukekohe (Nga Hau E Wha Marae, Pukekohe).
• Cost: Free entry [1]

Matariki Moments at Pukekohe Library
A localized, highly interactive morning tailored specifically for young tamariki and whānau. [1]

• What to expect: A special live Matariki Kapa Haka performance by Pukekohe Intermediate. Kids can participate in star-themed crafting, decorate cookies, and learn how to weave a traditional harakeke (flax) flower. You can also bring along any broken household goods to be fixed at the on-site Deanz Repair Cafe.
• Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
• Venue: Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe
• Cost: Free 

"Whenua Mai, Whenua Atu" Art Exhibition - Pukekohe
If you want a quieter, creative family outing, take the kids to explore local indigenous storytelling through art. [1]

• What to expect: A stunning contemporary fine art exhibition by prominent artist Nyle Turuwhenua, focusing on connections to the land and the meaning of Matariki.
• Date & Time: Running from June 20 to July 8, 2026 (Open from 9:30 AM daily)
• Venue: Franklin Arts Centre, Pukekohe
• Cost: Free entry [1, 2]

Free Robotics & Matariki 3D Design - Takanini
A short drive up the motorway, this event perfectly blends traditional winter star knowledge with modern technology for creative kids. [1]

• What to expect: An interactive workshop run by Brain Play where kids use robotics and 3D digital design software to build their own glowing Matariki star clusters.
• Date & Time: Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM
• Venue: Takanini Library and Community Hub, 30 Walters Road, Tākanini
• Cost: Free, but bookings via Eventbrite are highly recommended. [1, 2, 3]

15 Jun 2026

Good morning Parents and caregivers of students in Years 7 and 8

Please see attached a letter from Health New Zealand/ Te Whatu Ora regarding changes to the delivery of HPV vaccinations in schools.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Information-for-Parents-Caregivers-HPV-vaccination-in-schools-14.pdf