Parentlink


Parentlink offers a ‘link’ between the parents/caregivers, children and the school.

Parentlink are a group of family, whānau and friends of Ōwhiro Bay School who organise fundraising activities and social events for our children and the school. We also provide support and pastoral care to our families and the wider community when in need.

Every parent and family with a child at Ōwhiro Bay School is a member of Parentlink, but you can choose what level of input and involvement suits you.

As Parentlink is a registered charity, and as such have a ‘committee’ with a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. We meet monthly with the teacher representative in the staff room and everyone is welcome to join us. Look out for the meeting dates in the school newsletter.

If you would like to know more about where the money goes, find out about upcoming events, or have your say on where you think the funds raised should be spent, either come along to a meeting and/or read our regular Parentlink emails.

Check out the latest minutes of our meetings here. 

Raising Vital Funds

Government funding for our school doesn’t cover everything we need, so we raise funds to fill this gap to make sure our school is well-equipped and that our teachers and children have everything they need for a great learning journey and school experience.

Our community of parents/caregivers, teachers and children work together to decide what additional resources our school needs.

Parentlink typically raises over $20,000 for our school each year. This is in addition to what the Kindergarten raise as an important partner in our Learning Community. That’s an incredible amount for a small school and it’s thanks to the efforts of the volunteers helping at the Community Fair and other small events throughout the year such as bake sales, raffles, community stalls, and more. In recent years, Parentlink has funded:

  • shade cloths for the outside play areas
  • IT equipment
  • painting of the play area
  • t-shirts for sports teams and events
  • tennis backboard
  • playground equipment
  • outside picnic tables
  • junior readers
  • end of year prize-giving books, and much more

Parentlink values input from all our families and we work closely with the teachers, the Board of Trustees, and the students to decide what resources our school needs most.

Pastoral Care

Ōwhiro Bay School parents provide awhi and support to each other in a number of ways. One is through pastoral care. We have a meal and baking tree and the ability to provide support, supermarket and petrol vouchers, and help with clothing needs or school costs. Use the Pastoral Care Form to get in touch for your family or nominate another family. 

Pataka Kai

We have a Pataka Kai that is available to all of our families situated next door to the staffroom. The pataka contains basic food and household items that may help you balance your budget. In the freezer you may find some meat, a ready to eat meal, bread, and sometimes even a frozen treat like icecream. Please come in and fill a bag or 2, the door is always open. We are grateful to Weta Workshops and Do Some Good who support us with this initiative. Don't be shy - please come and help yourselves!
If you have an excess of food or fruit/veges from your garden, you are also most welcome to contribute to the Pataka.

It's not all work! 

Parentlink also supports the school community. We do this through social events such as the school discos, joint events with the kindergarten and building and improvement projects around the school. We also aim to provide care and support to our community, for example providing cooked meals for families during times of need. Look out for upcoming events in the school newsletter and our Parentlink emails.

Keeping in touch

As a member of the school community, your email address will be added to the Parentlink email group.

If you would rather not receive any communication from Parentlink about fundraising, social or support activities, please email parentlink@owhiro.school.nz or contact the school office.

Supporters and Sponsors

Parents, please support our local businesses

Brendon Motors Capital Compost Brock Shute – The Mortgage Advice Company Arobake Greenco Electrical Duck Construction Ltd Fox Plan Wellington Family Fit Karate Living Planet South End Motors Island Bay Priced Right Glass Ltd Inspire Photography Capital Montessori School Paul Milne Roofing WashProz

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