WE ARE ELSTHORPE AND WE ARE THE FUTURE

18 May 2026

Kia ora whānau,

On Friday, I formally resigned as Principal of Elsthorpe School.

This decision has not come from one particular moment or event, but rather from ongoing reflection and conversations with my wife, alongside professional advice and discussions with several trusted colleagues. I have accepted a position at Waipukurau Primary School and will finish at Elsthorpe School at the end of this term.

It has been a privilege to work alongside your children and to be part of such a proud rural school community.

Ray and the Board of Trustees will manage the process for appointing a new Principal and will keep the community informed as that process moves forward, as well as answer any questions you may have.

If there are any questions or concerns relating to the process going forward, please contact our Presiding Member, Ray Munn, via email at ray_munn@windowslive.com or phone 027 344 8839.

Thank you all again for your support during my time at Elsthorpe.

Ngā mihi,

Tim Waite

18 May 2026

Kia ora whānau,

We are booked and ready to head to Wellington from September 15th–18th for our Senior Camp. Highlights and activities already booked include Parliament, Wellington Zoo, Te Papa, and of course, the obligatory train and tram rides. We will be staying at the Silverstream Retreat.

I am aiming to make this trip as exciting and memorable as possible for the students, so I have also planned a few additional activities if time allows. It should be an awesome opportunity for the students to experience new places, build independence, and create lasting memories together.

What happens from here:

• Health Form to be sent home this week.
• Whānau who are interested in attending with the students should make contact with me via email: principal@elsthorpe.school.nz. We will most likely need a maximum of 2 additional adults.
• Fundraising. The cost estimate to students is $120, but we will hopefully reduce this through funding.

The fundraising options (provided by the students) are

• Car Wash
• Raffles
• Dress up day (mufti)
• Bake sale/baking
• Sock fundraiser
• Chocolate Fundraiser
• Sell sheep poo
• Possum plucking
• Firewood/pinecones
• Quiz night
• Movie night

Obviously, one large fundraiser or several smaller fundraisers will all help us achieve the same goal. Please feel free to use our Senior Room Whānau Messenger group to suggest ideas, offer support, or put your hand up to help lead a particular fundraiser or project.

To help kick things off, I will send pinecone bags home for the children to fill. Once they are full, please return them to school, and I will advertise and sell them through Facebook Marketplace. Townies seem to go crazy for pinecones! If you are unlikely to fill them, please tell your child not to take the bags.

I have also pencilled in a Mufti Day for June 25th. The students and I will look to run a lunch fundraiser alongside this as well.

Ngā mihi,

Tim Waite

 

17 May 2026

Kia ora whānau,

If you are the parent or caregiver of a child in Year 4 or above, could you please message me via @Principal Elsthorpe or email principal@elsthorpe.school.nz if your child is interested in taking part in the CHB Gymnastics Competition in Waipukurau on May 28th.

I would appreciate expressions of interest by 3:00 pm tomorrow, please.

Practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday lunchtimes. Where possible, we will also try to organise some afternoon practice sessions.

Ngā mihi,

Tim Waite

17 May 2026

Kia ora whānau,

Miss Moody will be away until June 8th.

We will ensure continuity of the classroom programme during this time, although there may be some slight changes along the way. We will keep you updated if needed. Mrs Bennett will be in the Middle Room tomorrow (Monday May 18th).

I would appreciate all communication regarding homework, after-school events, illnesses, and changes to bus arrangements being directed to me via:
📞 027 858 4228
📧 principal@elsthorpe.school.nz
or PM on Facebook @PrincipalElsthorpe.

Ngā mihi,

Tim Waite

23 Apr 2026

 

**Update**

Dates for the calendar 

 

21st May & 18th June - Technology (Year 7 & 8) 

25th April (9am) - ANZAC service

27th April - School closed (ANZAC Day) observed

Week 2 - Zero Waste 

12th May - Sports Academy 

13th May - Scribo PD (Miss Moody & Mr Waite)

15th May - 5-a-side

22nd May - Seniors visit to Norsewood 

27th May - Netball Skills

28th May - CHB Gymnastics 

1st June - King's Birthday 

2nd, 4th, 9th & 22nd June - HBRU sessions

5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June & 3rd July - Swim4Life Lessons

11th June - William Pike visit @ Russell Park 

22nd June - Reports Home 

23rd & 24th June - Whānau conferences

23rd - 25th June - Kiwi Competitions 

2nd July - Ngāti Whai 

 

Ngā mihi, Tim