Sleep Routines
Did the kids stay up late in the holidays? Here’s a good article with 3 ways to get sleep routines back before school starts…
Back to School Support
Back to school costs can add up quickly. If you’re looking for a bit of extra support, here are some of the options available:
It’s free to go to a state school, but the school can ask for donations towards their running costs. If you’ve paid school donations, you can apply for a tax credit through Inland Revenue NZ: https://bit.ly/4jCiBQ1
You may be eligible for a loan from the Ministry of Social Development NZ to help with school uniforms or stationery: https://bit.ly/4jI7DIW
If you’re caring for someone else’s child, you may be able to get the School and Year Start-up Payment. This money doesn’t need to be paid back: https://bit.ly/49zP84B
Variety New Zealand offer one-off grants and ongoing sponsorship to help cover the cost of things your child needs to stay healthy, to go to school and to take part in their community: https://bit.ly/4sFWInc
The J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund helps when difficult circumstances like sickness or economic hardship impact a family’s ability to meet education costs: https://bit.ly/49mntWe
We also recommend checking with your child’s school or your local Citizens Advice Bureau NZ to find out what support is available in your community. For example, schools may have a second-hand uniform shop.
There are also local charities and initiatives that may be able to help. For example, in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the Christchurch City Mission has a Back to School Programme to help with uniform or stationery costs: https://bit.ly/4sFYa98
Another week of Holiday Programmes
Holiday Programmes are ‘sneaking’ up on us again – with another full week of all 3 age groups! If you need a break, or looking for a fun day out including Living Springs, Quail Island and CaddyShack, then check out:
www.yat.org.nz/holiday-programmes/holiday-programme-years-1-9
#sneakupongranny
Kite Day 2026
The weather forecast put Kite Day 2026 in major doubt all week – but the organisers kept the faith and found 4 hours of no rain and a glimer of sunshine too! We were stoked to sell kites and candy floss to the crowds. Thanks to everyone who supported us 
Amplify Highlights
So proud of our Amplify School of Music team who had a massive year in 2025 and have even more amazing plans for 2026! They give the gift of music to hundreds of local young people, and if you want to get involved, check out: https://amplify.mymusicstaff.com/
January Holiday Programmes – Spaces Available
Spaces are still available everyday in our 3 age groups over the two weeks of our January Holiday Programmes:
- January Kea (School Years 1-3) – including Orana Park, Caddyshack & Laser Strike.
- January Pukeko (School Years 4-6) – including Jellie Park, Ninja Valley (current wait list) & Living Springs.
- January Piwakawaka (School Years 6-9) – including a Escape Rooms, Spencer Park & Quail Island.
More information on this web link:
www.yat.org.nz/holiday-programmes/holiday-programme-years-1-9
Youth Band – Recording – Big Fish
Check out one of the Amplify School of Music youth bands and their latest recording – amazing! There are more recordings on their socials – we have some pretty talented young locals!
Spirit of Adventure Scholarship
If you know someone aged 16-19, here’s an amazing scholarship opportunity on the Spirit of Adventure, thanks to the generosity of Cohnor from @PYO Berries.
www.facebook.com/reel/1444511330606754
2026 Programmes
NEW 2026 Programmes! We’ve changed a few clubs for 2026, including a NEW Multisports Club, a NEW Creative Club, a NEW Teen Drop-In, a NEW Teen Dance Fitness Class and a NEW Performing Arts club for younger kids called RISE Jnr. PLUS the usual Oscar-after school care, music lessons and other social youth clubs. Sign ups and full Term 1 brochures will be available mid-January. Wishing you all a wonderful New Years!
Christmas Holiday Programmes
We had the most amazing 3 days of Holiday Programmes before Christmas as we brought all the ages together and did some amazing adventures – including going on a Sailing boat ⛵️ in Lyttelton Habour with Cansail. The kids, aged 5-12, experienced what it means to crew the STV Fox II and spotted heaps of dolphins too! 🐬🐬 Thanks to the amazing Cansail team and our staff who patiently supported our tamariki 👏 (who were very thankful nobody was sick 🤮😀) Check out the video below and all the photo at THIS LINK