Week 3

Dear Parents, Caregivers and School Community, kia ora koutou.

It seems only a short time ago that I was getting used to writing 2026, and now, as we move through Term 4, our attention is increasingly turning towards 2027!

Next week, our senior students begin their examination leave, and for many of our Year 13 students, Senior Prizegiving in December will mark their final day at Rangiora New Life School. We pray for them as they prepare for their examinations and the next chapter of their lives.

We have now completed our enrolments for 2027, having enrolled more new students this year than in any previous year in our school’s history. Our school roll next year will be the highest in our 47-year history.

Reading in The Press earlier this week about the challenges North Canterbury schools are facing with roll growth reminded me how blessed we are to have our four-hectare site. It has allowed us to build and expand while retaining generous green spaces. Watching our students participating in athletics over the past two weeks has been a wonderful reminder of the value of this space.

2026 has certainly been a year of growth and building development. Over the next few weeks, the final planned work to improve our school security will be completed. Our gates will remain open at the beginning and end of the school day but will be closed during school hours, with the administration block becoming the main entry and exit point for parents and visitors, and students.

Last week, we held a successful whole-school fire evacuation drill, and a lockdown drill is planned for later this term. Both are important parts of keeping our school community safe.

I am also very pleased to report that we are fully staffed for 2027 across the entire school, which is particularly encouraging as we prepare for another year of growth.

As we move through this final term, we pray for our leaving students and staff as they prepare for new opportunities, and for the new students, families and staff who will join us in 2027.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.”

Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

As we reflect on the growth and development of our school, we are thankful for God’s provision, for those who have built this school over the past 47 years, and for the opportunities ahead. May we continue to keep Him at the centre of all that we do.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Stephen Walters
Principal

Christ at the Centre | Culture of Excellence | Partnering with Parents and Whānau

Who to contact

• Absences and attendance [email protected] or 03 313 6332
• Change of details [email protected] or 03 313 6332
• Buses Stephen Walters: [email protected]
• Attendance Dues Sharon: [email protected]
• Camps, workbooks, sports Glenda: [email protected]

For more on upcoming events, visit the Parent Portal or download the 2026 School Calendar below.

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:13

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 23:6

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…”

Titus 3:5

Science in Room 8: George made up his own science experiment, and the class tested bouncy raisins to learn about buoyancy. Gabe also shared his favourite book.

Congratulations to our latest Year 3 and 4 Service Challenge certificate recipients:

• Room 5 Charlotte, Seed
• Room 5 Benji, Service Legend Sprout

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”

Mark 10:45

Our students’ entries at the Northern A&P Show, and some of the prize cards they brought home.

Congratulations to our certificate recipients at this month’s primary assemblies.

Our Year 9 students were each given a Bible by the Gideons, and many took a second one to give to a friend. 58 Scriptures were distributed, and the Gideons commented that our students were all exceedingly well mannered.

Make a difference: become a homestay family. Welcome an international student and become part of their journey. By hosting an international student, you’ll gain a new family member, share cultural experiences and create memories that last a lifetime.

Why host?

• Build lifelong friendships and share different cultures.
• Enrich your family life with new experiences and perspectives.
• Make a difference in a young person’s life and their future.
• Good remuneration offered, with short and long-term options available.

For more information, please contact [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

NCEA exams start next week, with senior students beginning examination leave. Our NCEA Student FAQ for 2026 covers assessment and grades, attendance, deadlines and extensions, results and records, pathways, exams, and authenticity and AI. Click a page to read it full size.

RNLS uniforms are available from NZ Uniforms. Shop online at rnls.nzuniforms.com, or see nzuniforms.com for store details and payment options.

PTA coffee is available from 8.15am. See the Coffee Cupboard menu below.

The PTA is a small but dedicated group of parents and teachers who gather in Week Four of each term to prayerfully consider and discuss funding requests. Each term, teachers submit requests for specific resources that directly support the needs and wellbeing of our students.

Through our fundraising efforts, we seek to bless and encourage our valued teachers as they faithfully serve and invest in the lives of our young people. It is a privilege to partner together in this way, working as a community to strengthen the work God is doing within our school.

• Keep your details up to date. If your emails, caregiver details, address, phone numbers or circumstances have changed, please let the office know asap: [email protected] or 03 313 6332.
• Absence texts. Any attendance related queries should be sent to [email protected]. Thank you to our parents who respond to our absence texts every morning. If we don’t hear from you by text, we will follow up with a phone call approx. 30 minutes later.
• Student access. The school opens for student access from 8.30am and not beforehand, please. A duty teacher supervises the Denchs Road netball court area from 8.30am to 8.50am (prior to class entry).
• Student medication. For the safety and wellbeing of all students, any medication required during the school day, including paracetamol, must be handed in to the school office for secure storage. This ensures that medication is administered appropriately, reduces the risk of misuse, and enables accurate record keeping, in accordance with the school’s health and safety procedures.
• Period products. Thanks to the Ministry of Education’s access to period products initiative, RNLS has a supply of FREE period products for young people, available from the school office as well as from Mrs Hopkins and Mrs Band.

Board of Trustees

The Board meets at 7pm in RNLS Room 21. Remaining 2026 dates: 4 November and 2 December. Agendas and minutes are on our School Board page.

Policies and procedures

RNLS Policies and Procedures, including our Complaints Process, are on rnls.schooldocs.co.nz (user name: RNLS, password: seek).

Parent Prayer Meeting

The Parent Prayer Meeting started on Monday 16 February, at 9am in the Star Room at the Church.

Youth Group

Gateway Life Church has recommenced Youth Group, every second Friday night, 7–9pm for ages 12–18. All young people are welcome! More information: Sharon Eloff, 021 030 4781.

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Five simple strategies to introduce into your life: connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active. Find out more at mentalhealth.org.nz.

From our community

Click a flyer to view it full size.

Gateway Stadium and Events Centre

For public bookings outside school hours, contact [email protected].

Athlete’s Foot school rewards

Nominate Rangiora New Life School when you buy shoes at our Northlands Athlete’s Foot store, and the school earns $15 of sports equipment or $10 cash for every pair. Open to RNLS staff, students and their families.

Our Skool Loop sponsors

Thank you to the businesses below for sponsoring our school app. To download it, search ‘Skool Loop’ in Google Play or the App Store and choose our school. To advertise on the app, email [email protected].

Advertise in this newsletter

Email Glenda at [email protected] or call the school office on (03) 313 6332. Click an advert below to view it full size.