Bombay School Newsletter

15 May 2025 #14

~ Our Best Always ~ Ake Runga ~

2025 term calendar Concerns/ Compliments Information Booklet for New Families Chromebooks for 2025

To access our policies please do the following:

Click on this link http://bombay.schooldocs.co.nz/
The username is bombay
The password is ourbestalways

2025 Staffing

Email a Teacher

Calf Club Corner

Floral Day Friday 12 September

Calf Club Day Saturday 13 September

Calf Club is considered a School Day and all children are expected to attend. We take the Tuesday after Labour weekend as a Day In Lieu.

There are four parts to calf club:

 Completion of a ‘Project’ or ’Animal Rearing’ .

 ‘Floral Day’ - 12 September 2024

 Calf Club Day with animals being taken through their paces

 Home and School organising the fundraising part of the day - Parent assistance is required for this.

Franklin Vet Guides

Chicken Talk

Calf & Lamb Talk

Principal's Message

Kia ora Bombay whānau,

Hearty Congratulations Mrs Batters

Mrs Batters graduated with her Masters of Education on Tuesday. We are all incredibly proud of her. She's a shining example of a life-long learner. Well done Mrs Batters.

Support Staff Day: Friday

It's support staff day this Friday

Thank You Fastrac Engineering

A big thank you to Mike Rule, owner of Fastrac Engineering, for generously donating the custom brackets needed to mount our canopy speakers. This kind gesture has helped us take one more step toward completing a project that’s been a decade in the making. It’s thanks to community-minded businesses like Fastrac that we’ve been able to "rob Peter to pay Paul" and piece together the funding needed to bring our canopy to life. We’re so grateful for your support, Mike and team. It truly takes a village. Please consider supporting Fastrac Engineering—generosity like theirs helps make great things happen for our school.

Canopy update:

The canopy membrane is now fully stretched and secured. Over the course of the next week, they will install the lights and speakers. Then the great clean-up begins. The board will meet 27 May to finalise the installation of the artificial turf. We are hoping to have the canopy project fully completed before Calf club.

Don’t Wait and See: Why Ignoring ADHD Is Not an Option

As the father of an 18-year-old with ADHD, I’ve lived through the highs and lows of parenting a neurodivergent child in a world that often isn’t built for them. Let me tell you—it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Schools do their best. They’re expected to be all things to all children. But the reality is that, no matter how committed the teachers are, the system isn’t always set up to meet every individual need. It can't.

This is where we, as parents, must step in—not passively, but as active advocates for our children. And the most important thing I can urge you to do is this: don’t wait. Don’t hope your child will “grow out of it.” ADHD is not a phase. It’s a brain-based condition that requires understanding, support, and action—especially in the early years.

Professor Russell Barkley, one of the leading global experts on ADHD, has spent over 40 years researching this condition. One of the most sobering statistics he shares is this: 70% of children with ADHD are rejected by their peers by the end of Year 2.

Why? Here are five key reasons:

1. Impulsivity – Children with ADHD often blurt things out or act before thinking, which can irritate peers or lead to misunderstandings.

2. Difficulty reading social cues – They may miss subtle signals that other children rely on to navigate group play or conversations.

3. Struggles with turn-taking and patience – Group games and collaborative tasks can become frustrating when waiting isn’t easy.

4. Emotional dysregulation – Big reactions to small problems can overwhelm others or lead to conflict.

5. Inconsistent behaviour – One day they’re “on”, the next they’re distracted, which makes peer relationships unpredictable.

Now imagine being a child, hearing constant corrections, being the one who always needs a “chat”, who doesn’t get invited to parties, and who watches other children form friendships while they’re left out. What message does that send to their developing sense of self?

When my son was four, we saw the signs. He was always the loudest in the room, always in trouble. He engaged in parallel play, never quite joining in. During group activities, he’d be the last to pair up, calling out in distress because he’d been left behind again. He didn’t get the party invitations. And he knew it. He never admitted that he was wrong or at fault. He had a strong sense of injustice and would correct everyone but could never see when he was wrong or unjust.

These moments—though seemingly small, cut deep. They told us, as his parents, that this wasn’t something he was going to "snap out of" or "grow out of." We needed to understand what was happening in his brain, and more importantly, how to help.

We made the decision to use medication—one I’ve never regretted. Now, as he navigates the challenges of adulthood at university, I’m grateful that he still chooses to stay on medication for a while longer. Another valuable tool we discovered along the way was the B.E.L. Method for self-regulation. It stands for: --- Let me know if you'd like to adjust the tone further or expand on any part.

Breathe – Teaching children to pause and regulate their breath helps interrupt impulsive behaviour.

Empathise – Helping them name and validate their emotions before moving to problem-solving.

Label the problem – Giving language to what’s happening allows children to reflect and build self-awareness over time.

I recently came across a short video that beautifully explains the B.E.L. Method. I encourage every parent to take a few minutes to watch it—it might just offer the breakthrough your child needs.

We need to stop treating ADHD as a behaviour issue and start understanding it as a neurological one. Support doesn’t mean labelling your child—it means giving them the tools, environment, and empathy they need to thrive.

So here’s my call to action: If you suspect your child may have ADHD—or if you’ve been told they might “grow out of it”—don’t wait. Get informed. Ask questions. Seek support. Connect with others who understand. The earlier you act, the more you empower your child to build healthy relationships, confidence, and success—on their own terms.

Your child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported—not just managed. Let's be the ones who make sure that happens. One last point: There are many self appointed experts out there. Save yourself the pain and avoid them. Your child's future is too important to entrust to someone who heard from a friend of a friend that 'grape seed oil mixed with cod liver oil' cures ADHD! Stick with evidenced based research and expertise.

Please remember that there is a teacher only day 3 June (day after King's birthday).

Enjoy the weekend when the time comes.

Nga mihi, Paul

Congratulations Mrs Batters

Lost it -

Check the lost property

The lost property pile is growing in the hall foyer. Please check it. Also, ensure that items are labelled - so we can reunite the owner with them. At the end of the term, we will donate lost property to the second-hand uniform shop.

Our Legends

Celebrating Support Staff of Bombay School

They don’t always wear capes (although we suspect some might), but the support staff at Bombay School are the everyday heroes who keep the wheels turning, the bells ringing, and the chaos at bay. They are the calm voices behind the phones, the quick thinkers who fix things before we realise they’re broken, the steady hands supporting our tamariki, and the friendly faces who make each day just that little bit better. We simply could not do what we do without them — and we wouldn’t want to. Here's a shoutout to the mighty crew behind the magic.

Mrs Wilson

The oracle of Bombay School. Need a form, a fact, or a first aid kit? She’s got it. Running the front office with the precision of an air traffic controller and the authority of an umpire, Mrs Wilson handles everything from injuries to invoices. We are endlessly grateful for her calm under pressure and deep wealth of knowledge.

Mrs Hewes: If Mrs Wilson is the engine, Mrs Hewes is the turbocharger. Friendly, funny, and full of morning cheer, she brightens the reception area and keeps the admin ship steady — all while knowing everyone’s name. Her warm chats, sharp wit, and "can-do" attitude make her a daily dose of sunshine for staff, students, and parents alike.

Mrs Mouselimis: Cleaner, teacher aide, and school crossing celebrity — Mrs M brings energy, humour, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll see her waving hello at the crossing, cracking jokes in the hallways, and quietly doing the jobs no one sees but everyone appreciates. She’s the spirit of Bombay wrapped in one big smile.

Mrs Perez: She’s three steps ahead of us all. Need something? She’s already holding it. Thought of something? She’s already done it. Mrs Perez is the go-to for everything from forgotten glue sticks to unjamming the laminator. Efficient, kind, and armed with a superpower for just getting things sorted.

Mrs Wright: She’s the one who finds a way. A highly experienced teacher aide, Mrs Wright connects with children who need that extra support and doesn’t stop until she finds what works. She’s the master of quiet breakthroughs and a walking example of going the extra mile (and then a bit further).

Mrs Rihari: Working closely with students who need high-level support, Mrs Rihari brings a depth of care and a level of patience that inspires us all. Her quiet, consistent presence helps our most vulnerable learners thrive — she is steadfast, calm, and deeply compassionate.

Mrs Chami Imadya is a volunteer with a big heart and a special gift for working with autistic children. Chami has quickly become a favourite — her ability to connect with students and bring out the best in them is truly something special. We are so thankful to have her skills and warmth on our team.

Mrs Howell: An experienced teacher aide who has the magical blend of calm, humour, and care that children gravitate to. She brings a relaxed confidence to every interaction and creates a space where tamariki feel heard, respected, and valued. Plus, the kids think she’s hilarious — always a bonus!

Mr Sarginson: Our resident fix-it man. If it’s broken, bent, blocked, or buzzing — he’s already on the way with a toolbelt and a solution. Efficient, friendly, and endlessly helpful, Mr Sarginson is the guy who quietly saves the day about ten times a week.

Mrs Wilcox is a teacher's aide who has a calm nature. Children enjoy working with her. She has plenty to share with them. Her kind heart and big smile enables children to relate well to her and to learn from her. A well-known community member. Mrs Wilcox is like a family member to many of our children. Safe, loving and caring.

So next time you see one of these legends around the school, give them a smile or a thank-you — they truly are the heart of our school. To our support staff: we see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t imagine Bombay without you.

Kōtare Team Space Exploration Day

A Stellar Experience!

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

On Tuesday, the Kōtare Team had an incredibly exciting and engaging day of learning with Spaceward Bound NZ! This special experience sparked students' curiosity and deepened their understanding of the universe beyond Earth.

Our ākonga explored space concepts, experimented with robotics, and stepped inside the inflatable dome, where they were immersed in a virtual view of the night sky and outer space. This hands-on, interactive experience brought science to life in a truly memorable way.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Home and School Team, whose generous support made this event possible. Their funding enabled all students to participate in this enriching learning opportunity, and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing commitment to our tamariki.

Our students were absolutely buzzing with excitement and demonstrated great curiosity, teamwork, and creativity throughout the day.

Ngā mihi nui for your continued support. We look forward to sharing more of our learning journey with you soon!

Ngā manaakitanga, The Kōtare Team

Extra Pudding Awards

April shared her super writing. Well done April.

Payton, Zoey, Birbaaz, Stevie, Cooper, Willow, Levi & Tate have made amazing progress with their word rings.

Mike at Fastrac gets an extra pudding for looking after the school. He made us special brackets for our sound system.

Kenzo and Bjorn are my tidy kiwis of the week. They took the initiative to pick up litter from the playground. Ka Pai boys!

Tommy receives his extra pudding for his writing this week. Full sentences and capital letters are being mastered here. Keep up the good work.

Someone has been working really hard. Johara has moved from orange to purple words!

Kap pai Johara

Esmerie wins the extra pudding for her amazing writing. You are doing so well. Keep up the good work.

Look at that smile! Henry wrote more than a page of excellent story writing. So proud of you Henry. Ka Pai.

Auckland Orienteering Championships Yr 7/8

On Wednesday 14 May, Lachlan B, Oliver L, Cohen F, Darcy C, Blair A, Reese W, Charlotte W, Kobe and Eliana M, Lian C, Skyla-Jade C, Lorryn D, Lacey B, Jessie W, Lydia-Rose T and Indie T were all selected to represent Bombay School at the Auckland Year 7-8 Championships. Results in next week's newsletter.

Thank you to Monique Francis, Sam Smeaton, Mareika Morcombe and Monique Simmonds for transporting and supervising the orienteering at this Intermediate School Championship. Your assistance is treasured.

Franklin Orienteering Results

Home & School Pie Fundraiser

Our fundraiser has launched! Please see the letter we have sent home or head to:

https://bombayschoolpies.raiseit.co.nz/

to sign up for a fundraising page so you can start selling and help us fundraise. The Home and School Committee is raising much-needed funds for things such as Teacher Aides, Education Outside of the Classroom opportunities, and one of our big targets this year, to install new turf on the courts outside the junior classes.

Your support in these fundraisers, whether through purchasing or fundraising with friends, family, colleagues, or other communities, is hugely appreciated and directly benefits the children within the school including subsidising activities such as daytrips and camps. Once you have a page set up, share it with friends and family. After the fundraiser, Go Raise It will send you a report of your sales and you can pick up your products and use that report to get them to your supporters.

Scan QR Code to go straight to fundraiser page.

American Hot Dog Day Wed 21 May

Forms were sent home on Monday for this fundraiser for Kotuitui Camp. Orders close Monday 19 May. Thank you for your support.

Scholastic Book Orders

Orders close tomorrow 16 May. Please bring your orders with payment details to the office.

Magazines Wanted

We are on the hunt for magazines for our readers. If anyone has any Hunting, Fishing, Farming or Rugby magazines they no longer want, we would love them. Drop them in the office. Thanks in advance.

Uniform Room - Closed

The Uniform shop will be closed Monday 19 & 26 May. Orders can be taken at the office. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Photolife Studios -Orders open

All families have been emailed their unique codes for ordering photos. If you have not received yours or misplaced it, please contact the office as we have a record of all codes.

Remember ***FREE DELIVERY EXPIRES Midnight Sunday 25 MAY 2025***

Carpet Court Tough Guy and Gal Challenge-Mud and Obstacle Run

In 2024, a number of students and families participated in the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge held in Pukekohe. The event is back again in 2025 and you may wish to complete the online registration for your children/family. The Pukekohe Event takes place on 25 July 2025

The event is open for year 3-8 students. Visit the website Tough Guy and Gal Challenge.

Tough Guy and Gal Information

Scholastic Book Fair

St Pierre's Sushi Fridays

Sushi Fridays

St Pierre’s Sushi is our lunch order option. This is ordered through the Dollar for Schools lunch programme. $1 from every lunch goes straight to Bombay School.

Orders can be placed up until 9am on the day of delivery. All orders will be delivered to school for lunchtime and come labelled.

Follow link here www.dollarforschools.co.nz

Partnering with New World

NW Club Card Sponsorship

We are delighted that 35 school families have shared with club card details with us. We send those names and numbers to New World Pukekohe. They in turn give us 1% of total purchases! If you are keen to participate, please click the button below.

Community Notices

Seasons For Growth is a grief, loss and change Programme for children dealing with challenges in their lives e.g separation, divorce, death, other family changes. Our Afterschool Programme starts this term on Thursday 13th February 4-5pm, held in Pukekohe running once a week over 8 weeks. An optional Parent Programme also runs at the same time.

For enquiries or enrolments please phone/text Marisa Skilton 021 142 5812, office (09) 238 7228, or contact me at seasonsfranklin@xtra.co.nz. For more info please go to www.pukekohecommunityaction.co.nz/seasons.