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Newsletter ~ 12 February, 2026
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From the Principal
Dear parents, Whanau and friends of Diamond Harbour,
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Welcome back to school after what can only be described as a mixed bag of holiday weather. I am delighted to be at Diamond Harbour School.
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You may have seen a short piece in the Diamond Harbour Herald, our way of introduction.
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My name is Sam Winterbourn, and I am contracted by the Diamond Harbour School Board of Trustees to support the school as acting principal.
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I have been doing this work for the last 6 years, and it has taken my wife, Jacky and me all over the country (from Haast to Gisborne) and while each placement is different, they have all been great fun.
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Jacky and I live between Wainui and Christchurch and have a great affiliation to the peninsula, my first principalship was in fact Pigeon Bay.
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I am always keen to meet parents and share thoughts about what is going on at school both good and bad, so please don't hesitate to pop in or give me a call to discuss your thoughts.
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School Pool Fundraiser
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Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising BBQ on Saturday, either by donating baking, buying some food or both!
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We managed to raise more than $2000 towards our pool repairs! Ka pai!
Also, a huge thank you to Four Square and DHSCT for the organisation, donations and support.
There's still a way to go to get to what we need to repair the pool, but we will get there!
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Especially with the support of our amazing school community and the wider community.
Keep a lookout for our next fundraiser!
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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 20th of February.
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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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Patiki Yr 5 & 6 Self Portraits
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This week, Patiki has been exploring the wonderfully weird world of Tim Burton by creating their own self-portraits inspired by his unique artistic style.
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Tim Burton is famous for his distinctive style of art and film. His drawings often feature tall, thin characters with long limbs, big expressive eyes, tiny waists, and unusual proportions. He loves using dark, moody colours like black, grey, and deep purples, often contrasted with pale faces and bold shadows. His style is sometimes described as “gothic” and “quirky,” mixing creepy elements with a playful, imaginative twist.
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Patiki studied examples of Burton’s artwork and noticed how he uses strong lines, exaggerated features, and dramatic expressions. They then sketched their own faces, stretching and shrinking their features.
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Some students gave themselves enormous eyes, others drew long, skinny necks or mischievous smiles. They used shading techniques to create depth and shadow, making their portraits look mysterious and dramatic.
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Patiki Yr 4 Self Portraits
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Patiki year 4 students have been busy creating vibrant self-portraits that truly stand out, and it’s all thanks to their incredible use of pattern!
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After carefully drawing portraits of themselves, students explored how backgrounds can enhance and transform an artwork. Rather than leaving the space behind their faces plain, they filled it with bold, eye-catching patterns designed to make their portraits pop.
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From repeating geometric shapes and swirling lines to intricate doodles, each background was thoughtfully created to highlight their features and reflect their personalities.
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Music Tutors 2026
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We’re excited to offer a fantastic range of music lessons at Diamond Harbour School this year, with four experienced music teachers available across a variety of instruments and styles.
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Clare is offering singing lessons this year, beginning with 30-minute one-to-one sessions. Students are encouraged to choose songs they love, and Clare will arrange accompaniment using recordings or live piano or guitar.
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Clare also supports students who are interested in songwriting, helping them develop original songs and create recordings using GarageBand, perfect for practising at home or keeping as special memories.
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Singing lessons will cover:
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Microphone techniques for live performance
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Diaphragmatic breathing and breath control
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Harmony work (with potential group sessions)
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Cost: $35 per 30-minute lesson
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Peter is back and offering guitar, bass and ukulele lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Lessons are 30 minutes long.
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Doug returns this year, offering drum lessons on Wednesday mornings.
Lessons are 30 minutes at $35 per session.
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Sue is once again offering piano lessons at Diamond Harbour School. She has taught here for many years and knows the students well. Sue is also a distinguished concert pianist.
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30 minutes for beginners and intermediate students
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45 minutes for more advanced students
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60 minutes for high school students
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Sue teaches on Monday mornings and hosts a small concert each term for her students.
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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 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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Tea Towel Fundraiser
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What's Coming Up at Diamond Harbour School
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- Tuesday/Wednesday 17-18 February - Living Springs Camp
- Wednesday-Friday 18-20 February - Hanmer Springs Camp
- Wednesday 25 February - Swimming Sports TBC
- Thursday 26 February - Mihi Whakatau to welcome new whanau
- Monday-Friday 2-5 March - Walk or Wheel to School Week
- Tuesday 3 March - Year 7 & 8 PCT Competition
- Monday 16 March - Swimming Zones
- Tuesday/Wednesday 17 - 18 March - Cycle Safety Year 6
- Tuesday 31 March - EnviroAfternoon
- 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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Drama in the Harbour
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Are you interested in working with a team of locals to entertain our wonderful community? On Monday 16th February 2026, we will be holding our AGM at the Memorial Hall. If you have thought that this is something you *might* be interested in, then come along and find out what we have got planned for 2026. We have plenty of non-acting roles that could be filled by a fun-loving local who likes working within a friendly and supportive group.AGM 7.30pm Memorial Hall Monday 16th Feb
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What's Up Outside Diamond Harbour
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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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