Term Dates & Calendar

NAU MAI, HAERE MAI

WELCOME TO ARARIMU SCHOOL

The Board of Trustees, Staff, Students and Principal would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our website.

Ararimu is a small rural school with an enviable reputation. It offers a wide curriculum for Year 1 – 8 pupils. Students achieve well and we encourage and welcome students who are self managing learners.

The Ararimu Valley is within a 15 minute drive time from both Papakura and Pukekohe. The school sits in a valley bordered by the Bombay Hills to the south-west and the Hunua Ranges to the north-east.

Our educational goal is to provide an environment that is positive, progressive, stimulating, rewarding and FUN! An environment that provides for the development of each child's individual potential. We aim, with the involvement of parents, to develop confident, happy, independent students by providing programmes of work that cater for all levels of achievement, concentrating on individual needs across the curriculum.

Ararimu school Aerials from The Media Clinic on Vimeo.

Principal's Welcome

At Ararimu School, we believe that education is a journey of discovery, and we are committed to providing an environment where your child can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Here are a few key highlights about our school that I would like to share with you:

Academic Excellence: We have a dedicated team of educators who are passionate about teaching and learning. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering a love for knowledge and critical thinking.
Holistic Development: Education is not just about textbooks and exams. We focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals by offering various extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.
Safe and Supportive Environment: Your child's safety and well-being are our top priorities. We maintain a safe and inclusive environment where students feel valued, respected, and encouraged to express themselves.
Parent Engagement: A strong partnership between school and parents is essential for a child's success. We encourage open communication, involvement in school activities, and opportunities for you to be an active part of your child's education.
Community and Values: Our school is more than just a building; it's a community. We uphold the "RILEY" Values - respect, integrity, leadership, excellence and how this relates to our growth and development as learners and citizens at Ararimu School.

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. I invite you to explore our school further and get to know our dedicated staff, who are committed to providing the best possible education for your child. I also encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns. Your active engagement in this process is essential, and we're here to help you with all the information and support you need.

Thank you for considering Ararimu School for your child's education. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you and your family into our school community and helping your child embark on a path to a bright and successful future.

Ngā Mihi,

Craig Henderson | Principal

Wed 29

Music with Kathy (Piano)

29 Oct 2025

Latest Notices

Franklin Group Day

29 Sep 2025

Back to School Messages, Key Term Four Dates and the Week Ahead Term 4 Week 1

29 Sep 2025

Messages to start the Term

I hope everyone enjoys a restful holiday season. We have a busy 11-week term that will conclude on Wednesday, December 17th, at 1:00 PM.

The builders have moved on to the library and rooms 4-6, and there is scaffolding and fencing set up everywhere. All classes transitioned last term and are expected to remain in their current locations until early 2026. I do not anticipate the library and classrooms to be completed until after school concludes for this term. There have been some changes to the toilets, as one block is now closed, and teachers will discuss this with students on their return. The library block has asbestos, and this is being removed on Wednesday, 1st October and if needed, Thursday, 2nd October. It is best to stay away from school on these days.

The builders and any deliveries will use the top car park in term four. This arrangement minimises disruption on school grounds and places them closer to the construction site. You may still use this car park to drop off students in the morning; however, please refrain from parking there. Staff and parents are required to park in the bottom car park and outside the hall. Please be aware that this area will be extra busy, especially after school, so proceed with caution and reduce your speed.

Due to a lack of space, any assembly held this term, will also be held in the hall. If the weather prevents us from getting to the hall dry and safe, the assembly will be postponed until the following Friday. We will do our best to give you advanced notice of any postponements.

I am starting to look at numbers, teachers, year levels and class splits (where needed) for 2026. If you know your child will not be attending Ararimu School next year, and you have not already told me, I would appreciate knowing. This helps me decide where to split classes, if needed, as well as balance numbers across the school.

I look forward to catching up when school goes back. Enjoy the rest of the holidays.

P.S. Don't forget to add the dates below to your diary - especially the Teacher Only Day. We will advise you of any extra dates as they arrive.

Regards, Craig

Key Dates for the Diary

13/10 to 16/10 Epro 8 in-school competition week

20/10 Room 4&5 Speeches

21/10 Room 7&8 poem recitations

27/10 Labour Day School Closed

28/10 Teacher Only Day (MoE ) School Closed

4/11 Athletics, day split between senior and junior

7/11 Gumboot Friday

11/11 Hunua Cultural Festival

5/12 Helpers Morning Tea

12/12 End-of-year Reports go home

15/12 Year 8 Graduation

16/12 End of Year Prize-Giving

17/12 School finishes at 1.00

Week Ahead for Parents

Term 4 Week 1

Monday 6th October

Guitar with Sean in the staffroom

Tuesday 7th October

Board of Trustees Training for New Members (Ngākōroa School, 6.30 pm, confirmed)

Wednesday 8th October

Music with Kathy in the staffroom
Senior technology at Rosehill

Thursday 9th October

Housekeeping Meeting 8.00 am
Rubbish bins out
Newsletter
Kapa Haka at 2 pm. Meet outside Room 7, ready to go to the hall

Friday 10th October

School Assembly - 9.10 am - Hall
LaunchPad 2.25 pm. Meet outside Room 8. Wait for the 2.25 pm bell to ring before meeting.

Asbestos Removal - Date change due to weather

29 Sep 2025

Morena parents,

The date for removal of asbestos from the school is now Wednesday, 1st October, and if needed, Thursday, 2nd October. Please stay away from school grounds during this time. It must be completed before students come back, so that leaves this week only.

Thanks

Craig