Welcome to our Term 2 update!
Greetings Ten Feet Tall Families!
We’re already deep into the year and excited to share our Term 2 update — including important news, new opportunities, and incredible student achievements from the Ten Feet Tall team.
Student Achievement Spotlight: Jessica Zheng
Congratulations to Jessica Zheng for earning a National Scholarship in Grade 6 Public Speaking with Speech NZ! This is a remarkable achievement and we are so proud of her hard work!
Make-Up Class Policy — More Flexibility Than Ever!
We know life gets busy, and sometimes classes are missed — that’s why we’ve made make-up classes easier than ever.
You can now book make-up sessions at any of our locations through the Parent Portal. Term 2 update
To mark an absence and book a make-up class, simply log into your Parent Portal. Check out the quick video tutorial in our Parent Portal Guide.
If your child attends one of our Itinerant School classes and misses a session, please book their catch-up class via the Parent Portal. Choose a session with available space or a dedicated make-up slot for their year level.
Private and shared class families — please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if your child will be absent. You can mark this on the Portal or email us at admin@tenfeettall.co.nz and we’ll help you arrange a make-up.
What are we learning this term — Now Online!
Curious about what your child is learning this term? You can now view learning outcomes for each class in the Parent Portal.
For our Debate classes, we’ve also added weekly discussion topics.
We’re working on a short video tutorial to show you exactly how to access these updates — keep an eye on our Parent Portal Guide!
Payment Deadlines – Here’s what you need to know
Once you’ve set up your payment details in the Parent Portal, simply review your term statement and click the pay button. Prefer automatic debits? Let us know, and we’ll set that up for Term 3.
Payment Timeline:
Two weeks before term starts: Term fees appear in the Parent Portal and emailed statements go out.
First Friday of term: Payment due
7 days overdue: We’ll send a text and email reminder
14 days overdue: We’ll attempt an automatic debit
Failed debit? A $25 late fee will apply
21 days overdue: We’ll remove the student from class.
Year 1–3 Classes: Updated Exam Approach
We’ve updated our approach for Year 1–3 students. We no longer divide students into “exam” and “non-exam” groups – everyone learns together!
If you’d like your child assessed for an exam, we’ll organise that within their regular class.
Paid an extra $15 in Term 1 for the exam class? We’ll credit it towards your exam fees.
Before any exams, we’ll host a special recital for families. You can also book optional private coaching for extra support.
Click here to find out more information, and to opt-in for exams
Holiday Programme Success
Our recent school holiday programme was a fantastic success!
Thank you to all the students who brought such great energy and creativity to the week, and a special shout out to our wonderful coaches, Ella, Isla and Abby for their hard work.
Want to be the first to hear about upcoming holiday programmes? Join our Holiday Programme VIP Group.
We’re planning sessions at Lake House Arts Centre and Kristin School in the next school holidays!
Meet our new coach: Kim Milmine
We’re thrilled to welcome Kim Milmine to the team!
Kim joins Travis as one of our technical debate experts, working with senior students both online and on Saturday afternoons.
Together, Kim and Travis are developing our new Advanced Debate Programme, launching in Term 3. These invitation-only classes are for students who have reached the required level — stay tuned!
You can read more about our Ten Feet Tall team here.
June Debate Competitions – Get Involved!
International Opportunity: Students can now register for the EduDrift International Debate Competition in June! Open to all students who want to give it a go.
Ten Feet Tall Debate Competition: Save the Date!
Sunday, 22 June
All students welcome — including beginners! This is a great chance to try debating in a supportive and fun environment.
Speech and Drama Competitions – Join our All Stars Group!
Hamilton: Wednesday, 2 – Saturday, 5 July
Rotorua: Saturday, 19 – Sunday, 20 July
If your child is eager to try a new stage opportunity, we are taking students to three Speech and Drama competitions in the next school holidays. Hamilton and Rotorua still have spaces for registration. Please email Sarah Hartley if you would like more information: sarah@tenfeettall.co.nz
Bonus: Grade 7 & 8 students can also enter the National Young Performer Award!
Have you recently referred a friend to Ten Feet Tall classes?
We’d love the opportunity to say thank you! You’ll receive a $30 credit for each family you refer. Just email us at admin@tenfeettall.co.nz with the name of the family you introduced, and once they’ve signed up for the term, we’ll credit your account.
Join Our Team – Admin Role (20 Hours)
We’re looking for a Customer Services & Programme Coordinator to join the Ten Feet Tall team!
20+ hours per week (flexible)
Friendly, fast-paced team
Ideal for someone who loves working with families and supporting young people to succeed
Must be comfortable learning new systems and able to work from home
Applications to Sarah Hartley, admin@tenfeettall.co.nz by Friday, 23 May.
Thank you for being part of the Ten Feet Tall community. We love helping your child build skills for life — and enjoy every moment along the way.
Warmest regards,
Sarah Hartley & the Ten Feet Tall Team
