Whānau information
Calendar
Newsletters
News
Kia ora e te whānau
As we step into a brand-new term of learning, adventure, and connection, we want to start by celebrating a fantastic achievement across our kura.
Thanks to your incredible support at home, 50% of our students achieved Regular Attendance (above 90%) during Term 2! This is a wonderful leap forward from the 43% we saw during the same time last year. Seeing our classrooms buzzing with half our student body consistently showing up ready to learn is a true testament to the strength of our Whāingaroa community.
Our school vision is Mana Rangatahi — Empowering Young People, and we know that the absolute best way to empower them is to ensure they are here, feeling connected, and participating every single day.
While we celebrate this milestone, our recent Ministry of Education data highlighted a couple of patterns where we could use a helping hand from our school families:
- The Friday Slide: Our attendance peaks beautifully on Tuesdays at 88%, but drops to its lowest point on Fridays at 82%.
- Casual Days & Term-Time Holidays: While genuine illness accounts for half of our absences, a significant 32% of missed school time last term was due to family holidays during term time or casual unapproved days off (like birthdays or extended weekends).
We completely understand that family time is precious, and balancing busy lives is a juggle. However, every single day a student misses creates a gap in their learning and disrupts the social routines they share with their peers. Missing just one day a fortnight adds up to a massive 20 days across the school year — that’s an entire month of missing out on the rich experiences that build long-term habits, resilience, and wellbeing.
Our dedicated teaching staff are working hard to ensure that every single day at school — especially our Fridays and the busy final weeks of term — is packed with unmissable learning and connection.
As we open up the learning for Term 3, let’s keep working together to give our ākonga the best possible start. If your child is healthy, well, and ready to go, we can’t wait to see them at the gate every morning. If your family is facing barriers getting your children to school, please reach out to us — we are always here to support you.
Ngā mihi nui – Whaea Louisa
Kia ora e te whānau
As we come to the end of another busy term, we hope you all enjoy a well-deserved break and have a safe, happy, and relaxing school holiday with your whānau.
Before we finish the term, we would like to share a few staffing updates for the start of Term 3.
We wish our Deputy Principal, Quenten Browne, and Kura Teina teacher, Sheree Gibson, all the very best as they head off on sabbatical during Term 3. We hope they enjoy this valuable opportunity and look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4.
We are pleased to welcome Marcus Hodgkinson, who will be stepping in to lead Whaea Sheree’s class while she is away.
We also extend a warm Raglan Area School welcome to Janine Jackson, who joins our Kura Tuakana team as a Learning Assistant.
Finally, we are delighted that Ruth Hare has kindly agreed to return during Term 3 to support our Kura Teina students with their production. We greatly appreciate Ruth sharing her time and expertise with us.
A few reminders before the start of next term:
School Canteen
Please note that the school canteen will not be open on the first day of Term 3, Monday 20 July, as the canteen team will be moving into their new space. Thank you for your patience and understanding while this transition takes place. Please ensure your child brings lunch and snacks from home on this day. Feed the Kids will be open as usual on Tuesdays from the start of term
School Reports
Student reports will be emailed to families during the holidays rather than posted.
If you would prefer to receive a printed copy by post, please email office@raglanarea.school.nz or leave a message on 07 825 8140, and we will arrange this for you.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another term on Monday 20 July for the start of Term 3.
Raglan Area School warmly invites all prospective students, parents, and caregivers to our 2027 Information Open Day on Wednesday, 17 June.
This open session is designed for families looking ahead to the 2027 school year, particularly those interested in learning more about what RAS offers for students navigating their critical senior years (Years 9–13).
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Raglan Area School Hall
What to Expect on the Day
The session will provide a comprehensive look at our senior school environment, academic philosophy, and community culture:
Leadership Welcome: Meet our school leadership team and hear about our core vision for student growth and success.
Academic & Vocational Pathways: Learn about our targeted literacy and numeracy support, enrichment initiatives, and academic and NCEA pathways tailored for Years 9–13.
Kaiako in Action: Connect with our lead teachers and get a first-hand look at our teaching staff in action.
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC): Discover our unique local learning opportunities, including school camps, sports programmes, and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to everyone—whether your child is currently a Year 8 student at RAS preparing to step into high school, or you are a new family considering joining our school community for the 2027 academic year.
Kia ora Whānau and Raglan Community,
As we head into the holidays, we want to share the next step in our ongoing commitment to student safety. This trial is the culmination of extensive consultation and planning between Raglan Area School, the Waikato District Council, our local residents, and our school planning committee.
To address the significant traffic pressure we see in the winter terms, we are now ready to move into a live 4-week Traffic Safety Trial.
- Trial Period: Monday 20 April – Friday 15 May (First 4 weeks of Term 2)
- Peak Times: 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM daily.
- The “Clear Zone”: Temporary “No Parking” cones and signage will be placed on the residential side of Norrie Ave (opposite the school) from the Main Office to the Whitley St crossing.
- New Traffic Duty: We are introducing an active Traffic Warden at the roundabout to maintain “Drop & Go” momentum and keep through-traffic moving.
💡 Important Parking Reminder
Please be aware that there will be fewer parking spaces available on Norrie Avenue during these peak times. We ask that you plan your drop-offs and pick-ups with this in mind. The angled parks on the school side of the road remain available, but we encourage a “Drop & Go” approach to keep the road clear and safe for all students.
This is a data-gathering period. We will be monitoring flow, recording “near misses,” and seeking your feedback in Week 4. This approach reflects the feedback we have gathered from our neighbours and Council partners to find a “win-win” for our street before any permanent decisions are made.
Mana Rangatahi – Empowering Young People. By working together to manage our roads, we ensure our tamariki start and end their school day in a safe, respectful environment.
Thank you for your support of this initiative. Have a safe and restful school holiday!
Kia ora everyone!
It’s been a massive Term 1, and we are so proud of our students. As we head into the break, we want to look ahead to how you can get involved in Term 2.
We are rebooting our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for 2026, and we want to hear your voice. No long-term commitments—just a 30-minute catch-up to see what we’re about.
WHEN: Wednesday, 29th April (Week 2, Term 2)
WHERE: The Staff Room
Pick the time that suits your schedule:
- 3:15 PM – Perfect for the school pickup crowd!
- 5:30 PM – Great for those heading home from work!
What’s the 30-minute agenda?
- A quick update on what’s happening at school.
- How the PTA will run this year (making it easy and fun!).
- A chance to share your ideas over a quick cuppa.
Enjoy the holidays, stay safe, and we’ll see you in the Staff Room on the 28th!
Ngā mihi nui – Louisa & the RAS Team
Dear Whānau / Parents/Caregivers
CONNECTING Learning Conversations: Mon 30th,Tue 31st March Wed 1st April 2026.
We invite you and your child to come and meet with the teachers to talk about your child’s learning needs. We are offering IN PERSON or an online VIDEO CONFERENCE. To make your meeting time for either option – you need to book online.
Please ring the office directly 825 8140 if you need assistance with your booking access. If you are booking appointments for more than one student, it is important that you ensure that there is a break between your appointments.
Please book online at www.schoolinterviews.co.nz screen directions and prompts to book a scheduled time with your child’s teacher/s. The portal will be closed at 3pm Friday 27th March
- The Access Code for Years 0-8 teaching staff is q4e4s
- The Access Code for Year 9-13 teaching staff is u6rky
We look forward to connecting with you online or in person.
Ngā mihi nui
Louisa Barham (Tumuaki / Principal)
We would like to acknowledge the achievements of two of our senior students, Mika Kereopa and Taine Drewery, who have been selected to compete at the IVF World Sprints Championships in Singapore this August.
Mika paddles for the J19 team Hine Ipipiri, representing Tirohanga Waka Hoe. She shows a strong commitment to her training, leaving home at 5am to paddle with her team at Hamilton Lake, as well as training after school and on the weekends.
Taine paddles for the J19 Te Toki Asoy team and in the lead-up to qualification, trained twice a day – both mornings and afternoons.
Being selected to compete at this level reflects the time and effort they have put into their sport. We wish them all the best for their competition in August.
Report an absence
Please advise us if your child is not able to be at school for any reason, it is a Ministry of Education requirement that we record all absences with the reason for the absence. To let us know dates and reason for absence you can:
- Call the office on 07 825 8140
- Text us on 027 488 9421
- Record their absence on our School App Helix (click here for how to access)
If your child is taking an absence of more than 3 days please email attendance@raglanarea.school.nz with details.
Term Dates
Term Three 2026
Monday 20th July
First Day of Term
Friday 4th September
Teacher Only Day
Friday 25th September
Last Day of Term
Term Four 2026
Monday 12th October
Start of Term 4
Monday 26th October
Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 15th December 12pm
End of Term
Term One 2027
Tuesday 2nd February
Year 11, 12 and 13 Course Selection
Wednesday 3rd February
All Students First Day Back at school
Monday 8th February
Waitangi Day Public Holiday
Friday 26th March
Good Friday Public Holiday
Monday 29th March
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Tuesday 30th March
Easter Tuesday Required School Holiday
Friday 9th April
Last Day of Term
Term Three 2027
Monday 19th July
First Day of Term
Friday 24th September
Last Day of Term
Term Two 2027
Tuesday 27th April
First Day of Term
Friday 4th June
Teacher Only Day (To be Confirmed)
Monday 7th June
King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 25th June
Matariki Public Holiday
Friday 2nd July
Last Day of Term
Term Four 2027
Monday 11th October
Start of Term 4
Friday 22nd October
Teacher Only Day (To be Confirmed)
Monday 25th October
Labour Day Public Holiday
Thursday 16th December 12pm
End of Term
Student Dress Code & Uniform
Stationery
Enrol your child
School Zoning
The school operates an enrolment zone for Year 0 to 8 students under the authority of the Ministry of Education. If your address falls within this zone, your child is guaranteed a place here.
There are no zone restrictions for Year 9 to 13 students, or for Te Rōpū Aroha ki Te Reo Māori Immersion Unit.
The school is currently NOT accepting out of zone enrolments.
To see the school zone, click on the links below.
| In ZONE | OUT of ZONE |
|---|---|
| All of Rangitahi | Okete Road |
| Benseman Road | Bridle Creek Road |
| Calvert Road | Nau Mai Road |
| Cornwall Road | Centre Bush Lane |
| Earles Place | Te Akau Wharf Road |
| Greenslade Road | Ryan Road |
| Hills Road | |
| Law Road | |
| Lorenzen Bay Road | |
| Mangiti Road to intersection with Rothery Road | |
| 2 – 187 Maungatawhiri Road | |
| McCardie Road | |
| Ngaranui Beach Road | |
| Rothery Road Addresses on Southern Side | |
| Somerset Lane | |
| Te Akau South Road – above 1036 | |
| Te Awhiawa Road | |
| 4 – 669D Te Hutewai Road | |
| Te Paiakaroa Road | |
| Tohora Close | |
| Upper Wainui Road | |
| Wainui Road | |
| 4 – 808 Whaanga Road |
School Payments & Contributions
At Raglan Area School, we are proud to be part of the Ministry of Education Fees Free Scheme, which means we do not ask for general school donations. We appreciate your timely payments for optional extras, as these allow us to continue offering a wide range of opportunities for our students.
Please note that we only charge for specific activities, including:
- Sports registrations and tournament fees.
- Extra-curricular activities and trips.
- Optional take-home items from specialised subjects.
How to Pay
You can settle your accounts using one of the following methods:
- Helix SMS App: For the most convenient way to view your balance and pay securely from your phone, use the Helix app.
How to access this. - Internet Banking: Payments can be made directly to the Raglan Area School Board account.
- Account Number: 12-3122-0338919-00
- Please include your child’s name and the activity (e.g. Netball) as a reference.
- In Person: We accept EFTPOS or cash at the school office during school hours.
Contact accounts@raglanarea.school.nz if you would like to set up a payment plan or need support.
Donations
We gratefully welcome donations from our community. Contributions help support a wide range of opportunities for our students, from assisting a student to attend camp or the school ball, through to supporting larger initiatives such as maintaining our school pool or improving transport options.
Whether small or significant, every donation helps us provide more opportunities for our students. Contact accounts@raglanarea.school.nz to learn more.
Kura Teina Timetable (Years 0-8)
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 8.15 am | Teaching staff onsite | – |
| 8.20 am | Students onsite | – |
| 8.50 – 9.00 am | Roll Call and Morning Routines | 10 minutes |
| 9.00 – 11.00 am | Teaching & Learning Block 1 | 120 minutes |
| 11.00 – 11.20 am | Morning Tea Break | 20 minutes |
| 11.20 – 1.20 pm | Teaching & Learning Block 2 | 120 minutes |
| 1.20 – 2.00 pm | Lunch Break | 40 minutes |
| 2.00 – 3.00 pm | Teaching & Learning Block 3 | 60 minutes |
| 3.00 pm | End of the school day | – |
Kura Tuakana Timetable (Years 9-13)
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 8.15 am | Teaching staff onsite | – |
| 8.20 am | Students onsite | – |
| 8.50 – 9.00 am | Whānau Time | 10 minutes |
| 9.00 – 10.00 am | Teaching and Learning Block 1 | 60 minutes |
| 10.00 – 11.00 am | Teaching and Learning Block 2 | 60 minutes |
| 11.00 – 11.20 am | Morning Tea Break | 20 minutes |
| 11.20 – 12.20 pm | Teaching and Learning Block 3 | 60 minutes |
| 12.20 – 1.20 pm | Teaching and Learning Block 4 | 60 minutes |
| 1.20 – 2.00 pm | Lunch Break | 40 minutes |
| 2.00 – 3.00 pm | Teaching and Learning Block 5 | 60 minutes |
| 3.00 pm | End of the school day | – |