Term Dates

WELCOME TO HIWINUI SCHOOL

We believe every learner has potential and can achieve at their best.

Our classroom programmes are designed so all learners thrive. At Hiwinui School our Teachers and Learning Assistants are focused on challenging learners in a supportive and nurturing way. We spend time getting to know the strengths of each learner and what they love most. Relationships with our learners and their whānau are paramount.

Our approach to learning includes: explicit teaching, play based learning within our junior school, enviro programmes, academic challenges and EOTC. Learning is connected to the world around us; our school environment and our wider rural setting. We ‘push the boundaries’ so all learners get ‘the best deal’! This is achieved through intervention programmes and also acceleration programmes with additional opportunities for learners to shine.

Our values of being Pathfinders, being Energised, showing Awhi and acting as Kaitiaki are embedded across our school and infused within our school curriculum. These values support our learners to ‘Reach their Peak’!

What's happening at Hiwinui School?

Upcoming Events in April

Wed 29

Junior Kainui Tabloids

29 Apr 2026

Latest Notices

TERM 2 SAUSAGE SIZZLE ORDER FORM

24 Apr 2026

We are firing up the barbecue on Fridays for sausages, throughout Term 2. Please order at the link below, and ensure payment is made by Wednesday 30 April. Internet banking is preferred.

Please note there will be no sausage sizzle on Friday 15th May due to Cross Country.

ORDER HERE: https://forms.gle/pBWTeX4uc4TmBtct8

Manawatu School Bus Changes - Request for Real Stories

22 Apr 2026

On behalf of Councillor Mckelvie:

We are seeking a small number of real-life case studies that Councillor McKelvie can share with Suze Redmayne, who is planning to approach the Prime Minister again regarding the reduction of rural school bus services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hardship or have seen direct impacts from these changes, please send the stories through to me as soon as possible (deadline: end of this week).

Examples of impacts include:

Farmers struggling to attract or retain staff
People choosing to homeschool due to transport barriers
People leaving the workforce to transport children
Households relocating to Palmerston North

Real specific examples will help ensure the full impact on our rural communities is clearly understood. Please email Raewyn.Loader@mdc.govt.nz

Kind Regards

Raewyn Loader

Councillor

Hot Lunches

20 Apr 2026

It’s getting cold, so just a friendly reminder that pie warmers are available Monday to Thursday. We kindly ask that hot lunches are not sent on Fridays. If you are sending a hot meal, please have it pre warmed, wrapped in foil or in a foil tray, and clearly labelled with your child’s name and room number.

PIE FUNDRAISER - ON NOW!

27 Mar 2026

By popular demand, our Fundraising team are again selling the delicious Cuba St Bakery pies, lamingtons, savouries and more! Perfect for an easy dinner or a tasty treat while supporting a great cause. Every purchase helps raise funds for Hiwinui School, supporting our kids’ learning beyond the classroom through extra educational opportunities and experiences. Stock up your freezer, treat the family, and support our awesome tamariki.

Orders & payments need to be made by 5th May 2026. Pies available for collection Friday 22 May.

ORDER NOW: https://form.jotform.com/252936098024865

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT ATTENDANCE

27 Mar 2026

Regular attendance at school is important to your child’s success and there is a clear connection between going to school regularly and doing well in the classroom. Making sure students attend and engage in learning is a shared responsibility. As a parent, you are responsible for making sure your child attends school every day. Our government has set a national target of 80% of students attending school at least 90% of the time. This means that ākonga should be absent for no more than one day a fortnight to ensure that they can have continued success at school.

If your child is going to be absent for any reason it is essential that you let us know as soon as possible. It is important that you phone us, or send us an email to office@hiwinui.co.nz or message us on HERO or Skool Loop to confirm your child’s absence and please provide us with the reason.

We acknowledge that there are genuine reasons students may occasionally be absent. However, without regular attendance your child will struggle to make progress. If your child is absent regularly, or for extended periods, we will reach out to you to discuss the situation. We are committed to supporting your child to attend school. If you’re having difficulty getting your child to school, you can ask for support by:

• speaking with your child’s teacher,

• sending us a message on HERO, or

• calling us on 06 3268078 and ask to speak to Anna Hagan

We can work with you to develop a support plan that addresses any barriers to regular attendance. More information on attendance, including your rights and responsibilities as parents or caregivers, is available on the Ministry of Education’s webpage: https://www.education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/schools-year-0-13/attendance

You can view your child's attendance in Hero.

Our Attendance Management Plan is attached.

attendance-management-plan-1-1.pdf