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Newsletter ~ 26 February, 2026
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From the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of Diamond Harbour School,
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May I begin by congratulating the children who participated in the Weetbix Triathlon last Sunday. Sadly, I did not get to see any of our children compete. I arrived just after 9.00, and was met by literally hundreds of children and supporting parents, so finding anybody proved particularly difficult. Eventually, I went in search of a coffee, which proved much more successful. So my apologies for not seeing the children.
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While Assessment in NZ Schools is in a state of flux at the moment, for clarity's sake, the teacher conference was the first part of a five-step reporting cycle, as currently practised at Diamond Harbour.
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At the end of the term, there will be a celebration of learning, where parents are invited into classes to see what children have been learning about, and children may talk about what they have been up to.
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At the end of term 2 there will be a written report, followed at the end of term 3 another celebration of learning. We will close the year with another written report. Assessment is undertaken throughout the year, and it is from assessment that reporting is taken. Currently, the assessment undertaken in NZ Schools is mostly in Literacy and Maths, or specifically those areas of the curriculum that can be measured.
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Other curriculum i.e, PE, the Arts, Science, Social Studies, Health and Technology, are often bundled up and reported as an Inquiry observation.
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While staff will continue to report on those areas that the Crown expects, I have begun to ask how we might better assess and report on the 'other stuff'. It is important that not only do we deliver a balanced curriculum, but we know and you know how well our children are achieving across the whole of what is being taught.
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As a staff, we have enrolled in Assessment PLD (Learning Development) that will align our Assessment practice to all other schools in NZ. This change is mandated for 2027, but I would like to think you will begin to see some changes to how and what we report on during this year.
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It is not by chance that the Ministry of Education reports on Attendance with the associated banner Every Day Matters. 65% of children at Diamond Harbour School attended school regularly last term. That is 65% of our roll were attending school for more than 90% of the time. Regular attendance is deemed to be 90% attendance or better. Well done to those children and families who achieved this attendance record. There is plenty of good research that alludes to both the power of education and the importance of regular attendance. Primary Education is, amongst other things, about acquiring elementary skills, and if a child is not at school, they don't acquire the necessary skills, or there is potential for gaps in learning to occur. I put it to the school community to work to lift our attendance beyond 65% this term and beyond.
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Currently, there are four policies to be reviewed. Alcohol, Drugs and Other Harmful Substances Policy, Cellphones and other personal digital devices policy, Sunsmart policy and Digital Technology and Online Safety Policy. You can contribute to the Policy reviews by going online to School Docs and following the prompts. Your suggestions will be added to our policy, making them Diamond Harbour specific.
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We would love to see parents enjoying time at school on a Friday morning at Coffee Club. If you are around on a Friday morning and would like a coffee, pop in and enjoy meeting others.
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As you will understand, the wearing of school uniforms has been staggered over the last few years, to this year, when everyone is expected to be wearing our school uniform. If you are unsure what that is exactly, please contact Gabe in the office, where there are 2nd hand uniforms available for sale.
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And last but definitely not least, Diamond Harbour School is to be in touch with the International Space Station later in April. We are one of the very few schools internationally that will be given this opportunity to talk with the astronauts. Children will be able to ask questions of the crew as the station passes over Lyttelton. We would like to make this a community event, given the enormity of the occasion, by hosting a community BBQ and inviting national media to share the experience. Kat has posted a Hero notice in respect of this event, so have read, have a look and be part of this enormous event. We will keep everyone informed as to the progress regarding our contact with the ISS.
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And remember, if you have an issue or would like to discuss a concern, please don't hesitate to pop in.
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I will look forward to seeing you at school.
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Hanmer Springs Yr 6-7 Camp
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On the second day of camp, groups 2 and 3 did mountain biking first that day. There were two groups, easy and advanced. I did easy, so I will be talking about easy...It was NOT easy!! We rode down steep hills, sharp turns, sharp ground and hard stuff like that, some turns were really difficult. Eventually, we rode back to camp and got ready for our next activity.
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One of our activities at camp was Mission Impossible, half of the year 6's and the year 7's did Mission Impossible first.
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The year 7's first did challenges with Maia, and the year 6's did other written-out challenges with the adults. The first challenge with Maia was the ski race. You had to use two planks and four pieces of rope, you would have to get all the equipment to the other side without touching the ground. Some of the other challenges involved golf balls, netballs and marbles.
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Parent Hub News
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With fundraising efforts underway to support much needed repairs on our school pool, Parent Hub is gearing up for a busy and exciting term ahead.
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We have moved the coffee machine back down to Te Kete, and coffee will be available for purchase next Friday, the 27th of February, before school and after Patiki's assembly
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We are also warmly welcoming any parents who are interested in being involved with Parent Hub in any capacity. Your support, ideas, and energy are always appreciated.
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International Space Station News
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We have some exciting news to share with our whole Diamond Harbour community. Our school has been given the rare opportunity to speak to astronauts onboard the International Space Station!
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Not many New Zealand schools have ever had this chance, and only one school across the whole world is selected each week. The event will happen sometime between 22nd to 26th April, from 5:30-8:30pm. We won't know the exact time until about 4 weeks beforehand when the time of orbit of the space station across our habour is confirmed.
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Meanwhile, we are asking our students to think of some interesting, reflective and thoughtful questions to ask the astronauts. Twelve students from across the school will then have the chance to ask the questions directly to the astronauts through a radio communication link, which the Christchurch Amateur Radio group is helping us to set up in Te Kete. It would be great if you could have a chat at home about this exciting opportunity and discuss thoughts for some interesting questions to ask. We need to send our questions to NASA at the end of this week, so we will all have to get thinking quickly!!
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When we know the exact date and time for the contact, we will let you know as it would be great to have a full audience being part of this special, once in a lifetime occasion. I have attached a video to explain more about the ARISS programme which is making this link possible.
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Please email me with any questions about this event.
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This term, we have split the students into teams of two. Each pair will work together throughout the programme, taking responsibility for either gardening or cooking tasks on the day.
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Working in pairs has encouraged collaboration, communication, and shared problem-solving, and it has been great to see the partnerships already developing.
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In the kitchen, each group has their own table fully set up with chopping boards, measuring cups and spoons, and mixing bowls. Having their own dedicated workspace has helped students stay organised and take ownership of their cooking. They have been learning how to measure ingredients accurately, practise safe knife skills, and keep their stations tidy as they work.
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Last week, students cooked delicious corn fritters served with fresh salsa. Students enjoyed preparing the ingredients, mixing their batter, and seeing their fritters turn golden in the pan. The fresh salsa was a colourful and tasty addition, and many students were proud to taste a dish they had made themselves from scratch.
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We are now looking forward to heading back into the garden tomorrow. There is great excitement about caring for our plants and continuing to learn where our food comes from.
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It has been a positive and energetic start to the term.
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Walk or Wheel to School Week
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From next week Monday 2 March, our school is participating in Walk or Wheel to School Week, a fun and action packed week that promotes walking and wheeling to school.
Fun Themes!
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Move It Monday - Blast off the week with an active adventure! Walk, wheel, skip, or scoot your way to school and start the week with an active commute.
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Travel Together Tuesday - Celebrate by walking and wheeling to school with friends and whanau.
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Wacky Wednesday – Wear something bright. Look bright, be bright, stay bright!
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Thoughtful Thursday - Help the planet. Active travel supports a healthier environment. What else can you do to help?
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Funky Feet Friday - It’s time to dress up those feet. Decorate your shoes, wear something wild, or strut in your silliest socks. Glitter, feathers, gumboots, anything goes!
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Art Tuition 2026
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🎨 Art Tuition 2026
Discover your creativity with professional artist and illustrator Rebecca Gibbs.
Join our relaxed, inspiring art sessions designed for all skill levels.
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$25 per session, all materials provided.
Limited spaces available!
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To book, call 021 250 1596 or visit www.rebeccagibbsillustration.com
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Sushi Friday
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Lunch option update for 2026
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Sushi will be available every Friday from Nama Sushi in Lyttelton
Order forms can be collected from the office, and must be returned to the office by Thursday morning at the latest, along with cash/online payment
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The sushi will be freshly prepared and delivered to the school from Lyttelton via the ferry, ready for Friday lunchtime.
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School Lunch Menu Options
(Choose from Crispy Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Tuna, or Vegetarian)
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• 6 pieces Sushi — $10
• Rice Ball — $5
• Stick — $4
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School Uniform for 2026
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From the beginning of 2026, the Diamond Harbour School uniform will be compulsory for all students. Uniform items can be purchased online or in person from the NZ Uniform Shop, located at 455 Blenheim Road, Sockburn.
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The following items are part of the compulsory uniform:
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Diamond Harbour School polo shirt (short or long sleeved)
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Diamond Harbour School hoodie
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Diamond Harbour School sports shirt
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Students may wear shorts, trousers, skirts, or skorts, provided they are dark blue or navy. The school dress is also an approved uniform option. Please note that the sports shirt is part of the everyday uniform and is not limited to sports days.
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If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school
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Junior Learn to Sail – Optimist
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Term 1, 2026 courses now available for booking - last few spaces.
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Learning to sail is an empowering activity for children. Alongside being outside in nature and learning the fundamentals of sailing, children learn boat setup, maintenance, and basic repair. Sailors develop valuable life skills including independence, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving. The sheltered waters of Charteris Bay provide an ideal location for children to experience sailing for the first time.
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Courses include on-shore theory, rigging, launching, on-water coaching, fun activities, capsizing, and boat retrieval. Parents are expected to stay at the club and be actively involved. This also provides a great opportunity for adults to learn new skills. Green Fleet sailors are encouraged to participate in club day sailing every second Sunday during the season, in addition to Monday and Tuesday instruction.
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Children must be at least 8 years old, comfortable in deep water during capsize situations, and have basic swimming skills. If a child cannot swim 50m in a lifejacket, the course organiser and coach must be informed.
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Learn to Sail programmes run after school in Terms 4 and 1. This year, the annual Spring Clinic will be integrated into the Term 4 programme, opening the season with a full day of training for all participants.
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Football in the Harbour
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We’re excited to get football back up and running in the Harbour again this year!
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Based on feedback from families that took part last year, we’ve looked into the option of joining the Cashmere Technical competition.
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We’ve put together a short questionnaire with a bit more detail on what we’re thinking might work.
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Diamond Harbour Karate
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Ever wondered if you like Karate? Want to build confidence, strength, balance and speed ?
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Give Karate a go, first two lessons are free, no clothing or cost, just come along to the Diamond Harbour Community hall and give it a try.
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What's Coming Up at Diamond Harbour School
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- Thursday 26 February - Mihi Whakatau to welcome new whanau
- Friday 27 February - Patiki Assembly
- Monday-Friday 2-5 March - Walk or Wheel to School Week
- Tuesday 3 March - Year 7 & 8 PCT Competition
- Wednesday 4 March - Swimming Sports
- Friday 13 March - Te Kohanga Assembly
- Monday 16 March - Swimming Zones
- Tuesday/Wednesday 17 - 18 March - Cycle Safety Year 6
- Friday 27 March - Diamond Challenge Assembly
- Tuesday 31 March - EnviroAfternoon
- Wednesday/Thursday 1-2 April Living Springs yr 4 - 5 Camp Postponement date
- Wednesday 1 April - Celebration of Learning
- Thursday 2 April - Last Day of Term 1
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What's Up In The Local Community
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What's Up Outside Diamond Harbour
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Table Tennis New Zealand and Table Tennis Canterbury are celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 in the best way possible! With exciting free Have-A-Go sessions across the country designed for women and girls of all ages and abilities!
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Never picked up a bat? Haven’t played in years? Just curious to try something new? Perfect. These events are all about fun, movement, confidence and connection in a welcoming, supportive space.
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Bring your besties, come with family, or rock up solo and leave with new friends. Feeling competitive? Stick around for an optional team challenge after the Have-A-Go session for a little extra fun.
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From total beginners to seasoned pros, everyone is welcome. Meet amazing people, laugh a lot, and have an absolute blast.
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All equipment is provided - just bring your positive vibes and get ready to enjoy yourself
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We’re pleased to invite you to our FREE Women’s & Girls Have-A-Go session:
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Table Tennis Canterbury, 294 Blenheim Road
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YOUNG STARS – APRIL 2026 Know a young star in Christchurch? This April, it’s their time to SING • DANCE • PERFORM Our Musical Theatre Holiday Programme is open for ages 7–18, ending with an exciting showcase concert on stage!Monday 6th April-Wednesday 8th April 2026 9am-3pmWith a showcase concert on Wednesday 8th April at 5.45pmThe Black Box Theatre, Christchurch
$99 Early Bird now open. Strictly limited spots Sign them up here: https://forms.gle/e2Vv188SPPFsRC5N8
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