Avalon Primary School

14/08/2026

Celebrating 30 Years of Leadership

Kia ora parents, whānau and friends of Avalon,

It is with mixed emotions that I write on behalf of the Board to share the news that, after an incredible 30 years as Principal of Avalon Primary School, Dirk Winnie has decided to retire at the end of Term 4, 2026.

Thirty years. At the same school. Leading generations of children, families and staff.

That is an extraordinary achievement, and one that is almost impossible to put into words. For so many people in our Avalon community, Dirk has simply been part of what makes Avalon, Avalon. It is hard to imagine our school without him at the helm.

Over those 30 years, Dirk has helped shape the school we know and love today. A school where children are known, families are welcomed, relationships matter and every learner is encouraged to Dare to Dream.

His commitment to our children and our community has always been clear. He has cared deeply about making sure children feel valued, supported and included, and that they are given every opportunity to be the best they can be.

One of the things that has been such a special part of Dirk’s time at Avalon has been his passion for chess. He hasn’t simply taught children how to play chess; he has shared his enthusiasm for the game and opened up opportunities for our students to challenge themselves, build confidence and discover something they might not otherwise have had the chance to experience.

From teaching chess at school to travelling with our students and being part of chess tournaments around New Zealand, Dirk has invested his own time and energy into giving our children those experiences. His passion for chess, and his passion for seeing our kids learn, grow and have a go, is another part of the legacy he leaves at Avalon.

On a personal level, I have really valued the opportunity to work alongside Dirk. His knowledge of Avalon, his commitment to our people and, most importantly, the care he has for our school community have been so evident throughout our time working together.

Thirty years of leadership is a remarkable legacy. But beyond the years, it is the people and the relationships that stand out. The generations of children whose lives he has influenced, the families he has supported, the staff he has led and worked alongside, and the countless opportunities he has created for our students.

On behalf of the Board, and personally, I want to say a very heartfelt thank you, Dirk, for 30 years of leadership, dedication and service to Avalon Primary School.

While we will certainly miss having you at the helm, your retirement is a time to celebrate an incredible contribution to our school and our community.

We look forward to celebrating Dirk, his 30 years at Avalon, and the legacy he leaves with our students, staff, whānau and wider community over the months ahead.

Thank you, Dirk.

Ngā mihi nui,

Fiona Lumb
Presiding Member
Avalon Primary School Board

19/01/2026

Time to start thinking about school again.

Welcome back to another exciting year at Te Kura Tuatahi o Motutawa - Avalon Primary.

I hope that you have all had a relaxing break and re energised for what the year ahead may bring. The class lists have been published and are displayed on the front doors of the school. You will see that the class sizes are quite small. The Board of Trustees has opted for and funded smaller class sizes to enable teachers to better meet the needs of your child.

You are all invited in to meet your child's new teacher on Friday 30 January. I will put a post up in the next few days with how you can make an appointment with the teacher.

In the meantime, I hope the weather improves so the kids can get out and about a bit more.

ngā mihi

Dirk

11/12/2025

Kia ora.
Well, thats a wrap for 2025! Where did that year go?!?

You would have noticed that there was no stationery list for next year, with your child's school report.

Our wonderful Board Of Trustee's has offered to provide, every child in the school, their stationery requirement's for next year. There will be no cost to you.

Thank you Avalon Primary School Board Of Trustees!

Enjoy your summer holidays and we will see you in 2026.

The school office will be open on the 29th of January with school commencing on 2nd February.

Enjoy!

08/12/2025

Please check your child's bag as the report's are getting sent home today.

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful day!

08/12/2025

Kia ora

Thursday, 11th December is our final day for 2025.

We will have a whole school assembly starting at approximately 11.45am which should finish approximately around 12.30. Please collect your child from their classroom's.

If you are unable to collect your child at 12.30 please inform the office.

We hope you all have a wonderful summer holiday.

nga mihi

08/12/2025

Kia ora e te whānau,

You may all have heard that the Minister of Education is removing, from the Education and Training Act, the responsibility for giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi from schools in NZ. After a discussion at our recent Board of Trustees meeting it was unanimously agreed that our Board and school would continue to commit to "giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi"

The Board of Trustees and Staff are strongly of the opinion that this decision is the correct one for our tamariki (children) and our hapori (community). If you should wish to discuss this decision with one of the Board, please contact the school and we will get a Board Member to contact you.

ngā mihi

Dirk

22/10/2025

❗Get ready for high winds❗

🔴Dangerous winds are expected tomorrow in the Wellington and Canterbury regions. MetService has issued Red Warnings from tomorrow morning.

🔴Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause flying objects.

🔴Avoid any not essential travel in affected areas and take extreme caution when walking outside or driving.

🔴Fire and firework bans are in place in parts of the country in preparation for Thursdays weather event. Find out more https://ow.ly/KUrG50XfYii

To prepare your home for strong winds:

🔴Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.

🔴If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind.

🔴Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood may become missiles in strong winds.

🔴Bring pets indoors. They can be unsettled by storms and it is more comforting and safer for them to be with you.

🔴Identify a safe location in your whare/home for household members to gather during a storm. This should be a place away from windows, skylights, or glass doors, which can be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

🔴Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.

ℹ️For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, visit https://ow.ly/FkPG50XfYij.

ℹ️Keep up to date on current weather warnings at https://ow.ly/2Xac50XfYil

ℹ️ For local emergency updates, check your council’s website, as well as your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s website and social media. Find them here: https://ow.ly/Y1U550XfYiw

Stay safe out there! 💛💙

08/09/2025

27/08/2025

School Photo's

Avalon School photos are being taken on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th of September.

This is the link to the SueAllmanPeople Google form to order this year’s school photos:
https://near.tl/sm/hsweGJFS4

The closing date for orders is 1pm on Wednesday 3rd September.

Please note that there will be a $10 charge for late orders received after this date.

Please let me know if you need any help with ordering.

Avalon School Photo Order Form - This is the order form for sueallmanpeople school photos. **Avalon School photos are being taken on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th September.** Please complete one School Photo Order Form per child before **1pm on Wednesday 3rd September.**