24 Nov 2025

Our school has traditionally had no uniform; however, recently staff, students, and families have asked us to clarify the expectations for students’ dress.

Our current policy says: 
“Waitākere Primary School does not require students to wear a school uniform but expects students to dress appropriately for the school learning environment.”

This year the year 7 and 8 students have trialled a ‘dress code’ approach, which they co-constructed with the teachers. This code offers guidelines which focus on respect, comfort and safety.

Based on the work these teachers and students have done, this is what we are proposing for next year:

•  Clothing should be suitable for school, allowing students to move freely and stay sun safe.
•  Students show maturity by making clothing choices that show respect for the school community. 

 
This means:

•  Sun Safety: Shoulders and midriffs are covered; shorts and skirts offer sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat is worn outside in Terms 1 and 4. 
• School Setting: Clothing should be appropriate for a school environment.  Shorts, skirts and dresses should be at least mid-thigh length.
• Respectful Choices: No offensive or inappropriate logos or messages.
• Safety in Classrooms: Closed shoes are required for tech classes (Year 7-8); long hair is tied up; small stud or sleeper earrings are fine—dangly earrings stay at home. 

We’d like to include these clearer expectations in our school-wide dress code and would value your input.

Please share your thoughts on the following questions through this survey. Survey closes Wednesday 10 December 3pm

24 Nov 2025

Kia ora 

You will have no doubt heard about the recall of Magic Sand due to its possible contamination with asbestos.

We had in storage a couple of sealed containers of the sand – it has not been used this year but was used last year in the Nest and Hub on the vinyl areas. 

We are following Ministry Advice and as a precaution moving the Nest students to the library, Mrs. Draper’s students to Room 20 and Miss Thompson’s class to Room 16. The sand will be tested and the room deep cleaned if the sand tests positive for asbestos. 

Below is a video from the Ministry of Health that gives further information that may be of use to you in case you have purchased the sand yourself.

Asbestos in sand ­– Health advice for households – Ministry of Health – YouTube

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

 

Heather Atkinson and Heather Irvine (BOT Presiding Member)

21 Nov 2025

A reminder we have a Runanga meeting on Tuesday 2 December at 6.30pm in the school staffroom.

All welcome.