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Newsletter ~ 18 June, 2026
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From the Principal
Kia ora te whānau Te Kura o Te Waipapa,
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Being an outsider to our community and School, I enjoy making observations of aspects that stand out and make Diamond Harbour special. Sometimes, when you have a long association with a school and region, you don’t see how unique it is. A number of these aspects resonate with me:
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The setting at DHS is inspiring. I love wandering around the grounds looking for views out to Godley Head and Lyttleton. The image of students playing with the backdrop of the harbour is very special, while looking back towards Mt Herbert, particularly with late sun, creates a spectacular vista. Not only is the setting unique, but the interval and lunchtime play activities are fantastic. It can be challenging trying to see everyone with so many building huts and engaging in creative fun in the tree area.
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I have had the honour of teaching a number of classes in the Senior school, usually for Physical Education. At the end of the lessons, several students will wander past, thanking me for the lesson. We really do have focused learners in our classes. I am impressed when visiting rooms, the level of engagement in daily learning, particularly in Literacy and Maths. In my observation, there is very little off task behaviour.
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Suffice to say, with only a few weeks to go, I am going to miss Diamond Harbour School!
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EnviroAfternoon
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During our recent Enviro Afternoon, students spent time in the school gully clearing weeds and watering native trees. Their hard work is helping our young trees grow strong and keeping our gully healthy and thriving.
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It was wonderful to see our tamariki showing great teamwork and the school value of kaitiakitanga as they cared for this special part of our school environment.
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In a big tray, we were given an animal and a sponge, and we poured the dirty water in. We had to protect the animals with the sponge to stop the dirty water. The sponge represented the wetlands, the wetlands are the home for lots of different animals. Wetlands soak up the dirty water, and wetlands are helpful. Wetlands are important.
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How Sediment gets in the Harbour
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In a bucket of water, we poured in different coloured dyes that represented dirty water. It made the clean water go green and dirty. When there is a flood, the dirty water rises up and fills the harbour up with sediment.
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Library
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With the school holidays fast approaching, the school library will be open after school
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3.00 - 3.30 pm on Wednesday 1st July (Last week of term 2), so whānau and/or caregivers can visit the library with their tamarki and get books issued for the holidays or simply just to come and have a look and spend time together in our wonderful, friendly space.
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Happy reading, and looking forward to seeing those who would like to visit.
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40 Hour Challenge
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40 Hour Challenge is happening this weekend, 19th-21st June. If your child is planning on signing up, it's not too late, and if they are already signed up, they've got the rest of this week to keep raising money.
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The WV leaders in Pioke have a fundraising goal of $5000, and we have just tipped over $1000, so there's a little way to go. Some of the challenges they are signed up for are: to go tech-free, sleep outside, only eat rice or live out of a backpack for 40 hours.
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Participants choose their own challenge...no talking / no electricity / no internet...? When you sign up, make sure you link to the DH School page so that your fundraising contributes to our total.
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Thanks, the 40 Hour Challenge team
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Salvation Army Thank You
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We have received another thank you from the Salvation Army following our recent Food Fairy Fun Run.
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They have let us know that the Diamond Harbour School community donated an amazing 475kg of food, which equates to approximately 800 meals for individuals and families in need.
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This incredible achievement reflects the generosity and kindness of our tamariki, whānau, and wider community. Every donation will make a real difference to people facing hardship, and the Salvation Army has expressed how grateful they are for the support.
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Their message to our school was simple: "We can’t do what we do without the support of the community. This donation will help a lot."
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A huge thank you to everyone who contributed food, supported the event, and helped make this initiative such a success. We are incredibly proud of our young people and the caring spirit shown by our Diamond Harbour School community.
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Matariki Art on Display at Our Night Mākete
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As part of our Matariki inquiry, all classes have been exploring the theme of light through a range of creative and exciting art projects. Our tamariki have been learning about the significance of light during Matariki and expressing their ideas through different artistic techniques.
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The amazing artworks created throughout the school will be proudly displayed at our Matariki Night Mākete, giving whānau and community members the chance to see the creativity and learning that has been taking place.
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Pātiki have been busy creating impressive light sculptures and shadow boxes, experimenting with how light and shadow can transform their artwork.
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Pioke have produced stunning photographic artworks, exploring different exposure techniques and using sunlight in creative ways to capture unique images.
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Te Kōhanga have been having fun investigating light with torches, creating some very cool and imaginative artworks that showcase their curiosity and creativity.
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We can't wait to see all of these fantastic pieces on display at the Matariki Night Mākete. Be sure to come along and celebrate the wonderful learning and artistic talents of our tamariki!
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Cashmere High School Presents: Big Fish!
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Big Fish is based on the novel and film of the same name, and tells the story of Edward Bloom, a man who has turned his past into fantastical adventures filled with mermaids, witches and giants. His son, Will, is about to get married and wants to know the truth of his family history. With big musical numbers and some incredible singing and dancing, this is the perfect show for the whole family!
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We would appreciate it if you could share this information with your staff and students. I have also attached the poster which you are welcome to add to your newsletter or share elsewhere.
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Ka nui te mihi and we hope to see you at the show!
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Matariki Night Mākete
Save the Date
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🌟 Save the Date – Annual Matariki Night Mākete 🌟
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Join us for our Annual Matariki Night Mākete on Thursday 2 July, from 5.30pm – 8.30pm at Diamond Harbour School.
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Come along and celebrate Matariki with our school and wider community. There will be food stalls, 2nd Hand goods, games, and a magical star walk for everyone to enjoy.
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Bring your whānau and friends and enjoy an evening of fun, connection, and celebration.
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We look forward to seeing you there.
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Pioneer Basketball Holiday Camps
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Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to send out a reminder that our Pioneer Basketball Holiday camps are coming up. We would love for you to register and be a part of the camps this holiday season if you haven't already registered.
Camp Details
Tuesday 7th July - Shooting Clinic (Year 5-8)1:30pm - 4:30pm @ Pioneer Stadium
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Cost - $60.00PP
Wednesday 8th July - Mixed Camp (Year 1-8)Year 1-2 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 Hours Only) @ Pioneer Stadium
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Year 3-8 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm (3 Hours) @ Pioneer Stadium Cost - $60.00PP (Year 1-2 Cost will be adjusted)
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Drama in the Harbour
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This looks like a case for Detective Inspector Sherbert Holmes. Someone has come to a sticky end and we need to figure out whodunnit, how and why.
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If you fancy a good night out on 24th and 25th July (doors opening at 6.30pm), then come along to the Diamond Harbour Memorial Hall.
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There will be a delicious two-course meal and a bar, and lots of fun. All profits from this event will go to the School's Save our Pool fund
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What's Coming Up at Diamond Harbour School
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- Friday 19th - Sunday 21st June- 40 Hour Challenge
- Monday 22nd June - World Cup Football Day
- Tuesday 23rd June - Rocket Launching Year 5 - 8
- Tuesday 23rd June - Zones Basketball Comp Year 5 - 6
- Friday 26th June - Diamond Challenge Assembly
- Monday 29th June - Pioke & Patiki Football Morning
- Thursday 2nd July - Matariki Night Makete
- Friday 3rd July - Last Day of Term 2
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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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