@school app - our Thornton School form of communication

We are moving to a consistent approach for school–home communication, with all classes now using the @school app.

This app is connected to our student management system, meaning you will use the same login details throughout your child’s entire journey at Thornton School.

Many of you are already familiar with the app for permission slips and reporting absences. Moving forward, it will also be the main platform teachers use to share day-to-day class information, replacing Seesaw.

We appreciate your support as we make this transition.

Please be patient as our staff and families become familiar with the updated system. In time, this change will streamline communication and make things simpler for everyone.

If you are having any issues accessing the app, please get in touch with Kirsten in the front office, who will be happy to help.

AIMS Games 2026

Our Year 7 and 8 students have the exciting opportunity to participate in individual sports at this year’s AIMS Games, held in Tauranga.

Last year we had our biggest team yet, with students proudly representing our school in Kayaking, Indoor Bowls, and Gymnastics. It was fantastic to see their dedication, sportsmanship, and willingness to challenge themselves on a larger stage.

There is a cost associated with entering the AIMS Games, and this varies depending on the sporting code your child chooses. The school is able to assist with training and preparation; however, participation does require significant parent support, particularly with transport and supervision during the event.

If your child is interested in taking part, please contact Kirsten at the school office for more information.
Entries close at the beginning of June

Important Dates

22 Apr 9:00am

24 Apr 3:00pm

Room 5 Mangatepopo Camp

Information for camp has gone home directly to Room 5 families

27 Apr

Anzac Day - observed

All Day

School will be closed on Monday 27th April,

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

28 Apr 9:00am

1 May 3:00pm

Life Education

More information will be made available closer to these dates

1 May

Town and Gown Celebration - Year 8 students only

8:30am - 11:00am

Our Year 8 students have been invited to celebrate the Town and Gown Hikoi for the Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi graduands.
Further information will be sent directly to our Year 8 families.

6 May

Interschool Netball and Rippa Rugby

9:15am - 2:15pm

Parents of those students attending have received information on the @school app

22 May

Thornton School Cross Country

9:15am - 2:30pm

28 May

Interschool Cross Country

9:00am - 2:30pm

Thornton Beach Reserve

12 Jun

Interschool Gymnastics Competition

8:30am - 3:00pm

Because of the specialised equipment required this event will be open for students currently attending Gymnastics. Routines will be learnt in class and Kirsten will help out at school with groups leading up to the event.

Kirsten will be at the club all day to help supervise students however transport will be required to and from the club.

More information regarding the day will be available closer to the time:
AWARDS for Eastern Bay of Plenty Inter School Gymnastics Competition will include:
Years 1 – 2:
Participation Certificate for every student entered as well as an event Ribbon.
Team Ribbons for teams placed 1st - 6th
Years 3 - 8:
Participation Certificate for every student entered as well as an event Ribbon.
Team Awards 1st, 2nd & 3rd Certificate & Ribbons
Individual Placings 1st – 3rd Medals 4th and 5th Ribbons

Individual Placings 1st – 3rd Medals (Rec Comp Division)

Community Notices

Calling All Artists!

After school art classes available for ages 6 -18 in Whakatane.

We use a variety of mediums, styles and techniques with a pinch of art history and a lot of imagination.

Please email Kerry at artclasseswhakatane@gmail.com for more information.

Let's get creative!

Whakatane Pippin, Brownie and Girl Guide Club

Every term time Thursday at Whakatane Girl Guide Hall

Pippins (5 and 6 year olds) - 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Brownies (7 to 9.5 year olds) - 4pm - 5.30pm
Girl Guides (9 - 12.5 year olds) - 5pm - 7pm

For more information contact

Joe 0277599417 or Keri-Anne 0272519675

Music Lessons

Is your child aged 9-12 years? Are they interested in learning an instrument?

We have spaces for students in the following classes:

Fife

Flute

Recorder

Clarinet

Violin

Brass instruments (including trumpet, cornet, trombone, horn and baritone)

Classes are run after school in Whakatane and start the first week of March
Lessons cost $80 for the whole year
Yes we have instruments for hire ($60)

Please see our website for more information on lesson times and days www.ebopchildrensmusic.co.nz

Newsletter 24 April 2026

In This Issue

Interschool Netball and Rippa