INTRODUCTION FROM OUR TUMUAKI - PRINCIPAL |
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Tēnā koutou katoa Ko Gary Veysi ingoa Ko Mauo te maunga, Ko Wairoa te awa No Tauranga ahau engari Ko Gary Charles toku papa Ko Kathleen toku mama Ko Angelina Veysi taku wahine Ko Renee taku tamāhine ma Braedyn ma Curtis ma Marcus taku tama Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa |
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My name is Gary Veysi the Principal at Whenuakite School - Te Kura o Whenuakite. I feel very honored and privileged to be the Kaitiaki that will help develop our school. We are building positive relationships with the tamariki, whanau and the wider community. As a child, I grew up in Tauranga with my parents and my four sisters. We lived close to the water with nearby estuaries, the Wairoa river, McLaren falls/lakes, Tauranga harbour and Mount Maunganui beach. This is where my passion for aquatic activities started and I enjoyed fishing, swimming, bush walks and sports. I have enjoyed taking many camps as well as class team building trips, leadership and using the outdoors. The outdoors is an area I feel passionate about and we are fortunate that we live in Aotearoa/NZ. I really enjoyed playing multiple sports growing up and believe every child should have the right and opportunity to learn how to ride a bike, swim and be involved in team sports/recreation. I was a member of the Hora Hora school tennis club and touch team. I have played volleyball and tennis as part of a Te Ranga team. Touch in Maraetai and social Soccer and Hockey in Mamaku/Rotorua. I believe as teachers - kaiako we have a crucial role and my aim in this role is to empower students to become the best versions of themselves. I am passionate to work with the future of tomorrow to support children in leading fulfilling lives. Through the value of whānaungatanga and creating strong relationships in order to create a sense of belonging, I believe this can be achieved. I believe as the Principal, leader of learning I need to have in place strategies and systems to enable the children and staff to develop to their full potential, academically, socially, physically and culturally in a challenging and stimulating environment. I call this doing your P.B – “Personal Best with Positive Behaviour”. I am fortunate to be working with teachers, support staff, parents, Boards of Trustees and communities, who all value life long learning, and who work together being proactive in providing the best outcomes for everyone. I have a very definite child-centered view of education and learning. This is demonstrated in my own philosophy and belief that every decision made in a school must help improve the child as a whole person and be robust, and sustainable. I promote a collegial style of leadership and have mentored many potential and future leaders. I look for the strengths in others and provide open opportunities for mentoring to build consistency and capacity. I will endeavour to bring enthusiasm, experience and excellence. Ngā mihi nui Gary Veysi
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He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people! |
 Students with Toby our therapy dog |
 Junior trip to Hahei Beach |
 New Students Arrive |
 House competition and fundraisers |
 Celebrating support staff day |
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House captains meeting Mayor Len Salt with a Mihi Whakatau - Welcome |
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20 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 2026
28 Apr 2026
Students Unwell
We just wanted to let you know that this afternoon during the first 20 mins of kapa haka in the Activity Room we had a couple of students feel unwell and like they were going to faint.
They were removed to the sick bay and quickly felt better. We called an ambulance to check on them - as this was obviously a very unusual reaction. Children were then quickly moved back to classes as it was upsetting and we were unsure of the cause of the students feeling unwell.
There is apparently a gastro bug doing the rounds at the moment, although we cannot be sure that this was the problem.
Please assure your child that all is well as it was an unsettling thing to happen at school.
Please feel free to get in touch with Nicola Riedinger if you have any questions.
nicola@whenuakite.school.nz
Congratulations!
The MBGFC Juniors Fishing Tournament was run over the holidays, many Whenuakite students entered and did so well, we also had some big winners!
Willow Scotland - Jordi's little sister - 2nd heaviest mackerel
Levi Nicholson - heaviest snapper and heaviest 15.92kg Kingfish setting a new MBGFC Junior Kingfish record on 8kg line!
Jesse Thomson - won a rod and reel through a lucky draw as no marlin were weighed in.
Hunter Nicholson - won the $10,000 worth of goods from Hunting and Fishing - gate prize!
Tu meke, well done for getting out there in pretty hard conditions! Awesome fishing!
Kia ora whānau,
If your tamariki are interested in participating in the 2026 Whiti Run Fest on Saturday 30 May, you can use our code WHENUAKITEKIDS2026 to register for free.
Kia ora whanau,
This term we have senior electives for 2 blocks of three consecutive sessions on Thursdays.
7 May, 14 May, 21 May and then 4 June, 11 June, 18 June.
Thank you to the lovely whanau who have offered to help take activities.
We need two more helpers if you have an idea and think this could be you, or think you could help and we could help with the idea, please email:
Thank you so much in advance!
Senior School Teachers
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The countdown is officially on! We are incredibly excited to head away to Finlay Park Adventure Camp for a week of challenges, teamwork, and leadership. This camp is a highlight of the year, and we can't wait to see the students tackle new experiences in such a beautiful lakeside setting.
Important: Day One Requirements
To kick off our adventure, we will be stopping at Maungatautari (Sanctuary Mountain) on our way to camp. This is a world-class conservation project where students will learn about our native ecosystem firsthand.
Please Note: We will be going on a bushwalk as soon as we arrive at the sanctuary. Because our main luggage will be packed away, students must have the following items packed in a separate day pack (small backpack):
- Sturdy footwear: Proper walking shoes or sneakers are essential. Please, no Crocs for the bushwalk.
- A rain jacket.
- A packed lunch and a full water bottle.
- Any personal medication needed during the day (e.g., inhalers).
Logistics & Timing
Please ensure students arrive promptly so we can manage gear loading and head off on schedule.
Departure Day
Monday, 20th April
Arrive at school by 9:00 am (9:30 am departure)
Return Day
Friday, 24th April
Estimated arrival back at school at 3:15 pm
Our Parent Helpers
A huge thank you to the following parents who are giving up their time to make this trip possible. We couldn't do it without you!
Wayne Bowen, Chelsea McLean, Kelly Walker, Katherine Fraser, Jimmy Ryan, Melita Johnston, Kuika Illingworth, and Logan Bowen.
Quick Reminders
Gear List: Please double-check the attached packing list (including sleeping bags and warm layers).
Medication: All medication must be clearly labelled with the student's name and dosage instructions. Please hand this directly to Chris on Monday morning.
Dietary Requirements: If you haven’t updated us on specific allergies or needs, please do so immediately so we can finalise details for the week.
We are looking forward to an epic week away! If you have any last-minute questions, feel free to send us an email.
Ngā mihi nui,
Chris, Paige, and Gary
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