Pānui ā Kura – 11 May 2025

May 11, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download11 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

Pouhere

Kia ora e te whanau
Te Kāpehu Whetū – Tuakana had the privilege of attending the powhiri for Ngati Wai’s new waka hourua Hinemoana II. This follows on from the waka mahi in Paetata with Joelene Busby. This year there will be a rollout of training for ākonga across Tuakana to familiarise them with all things waka so that they can confidently take Whakaruru Te Hau out soon.

The other focus for the next two terms is Kia Mātau. We want to have a rigorous learning programme in place for every ākonga in all four whare, with a particular focus on Te Reo Māori, Pangarau/Maths and Literacy/English. Assessments were completed in Term 1 and although learning continues we are now looking at customisation determining where ākonga sit in relation to the curriculum guide and from there put in place plans for ākonga who might be below, plans for those at their level and plans to excel ākonga.

Fitness continues across the Kura. In the next week or so, Matua Neville will be announcing plans for our High Performance Academy for ākonga who want to access high level training.
We will also step up the kapahaka training shortly for Paetawhiti/Paerangi as we prepare for senior regionals in the 2nd week in Term 3.

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

 

Paenuku/Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download11 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

 

Paetata

PANUI MO TE WIKI TUARUA

Kia ora koutou e te whānau, This week, ākonga from Paetata had the special opportunity to be part of the pōwhiri welcoming the arrival of the new waka hourua Hinemoana II in Matapouri. This event was a significant moment in the revival of kaupapa waka, and we were proud to stand in support of Whaea Joelene Busby, whose dedication has played a major role in reigniting waka traditions at Te Kāpehu Whetū.

The experience also offered a valuable chance to strengthen connections with our wider hapū and iwi, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing identity, culture, and belonging through kaupapa Māori.

Paetata had the opportunity of getting to venture onto Hinemoana II this week as guided by Whaea Joelene. They got to listen to some stories and played some games in reference to sea voyaging while aboard the waka.

 

WEEK 3 REMINDERS!

Tuesday – Turbo Touch, please return your child’s permission slip
Wednesday – Winter Sports, please return your child’s permission slip
Friday – Pink Shirt Day

Tuesday and Wednesday Paetata will be out of the classroom for the day.
Ruapekapeka haerenga has been rescheduled for week 4.

 

 

PĀ TŪWATAWATA

Paetata have been cracking into making their own Pā Tūwatata as part of our Pakanga o Aotearoa Land Wars kaupapa.
These Pā will be on display at the art expo during our Matariki week which will be happening in week 8 this term. This learning will also compliment our haerenga away to Ruapekapeka Pā in week 4 and Rangiriri Pā in week 9.

 

HĀKINAKINA

We will continue to take every opportunity to involve our ākonga in a wide range of sporting activities. As winter approaches and outdoor time becomes limited, we remain committed to ensuring access to meaningful health and wellbeing opportunities wherever possible.

 

 

Paetata

Kia Mātau – Kia Māori

Tau 9 & 10 Persuasive Writing – Week 2!

This week in Paetawhiti, our academic focus was on developing persuasive writing skills to help ākonga succeed academically. Whaea Serena created fun and engaging activities that inspired students to express their opinions clearly and confidently. The spotlight challenge? Peanut Butter vs. Jam! Ākonga utilised powerful sentence starters to craft compelling arguments and strengthen their writing voice.

 

Ngātiwai Waka Hourua – Pōwhiri at Matapōuri

Our ākonga had the privilege and unique opportunity to be part of a special pōwhiri held in Matapōuri, where we welcomed Whaea Joelene Busby, co-captain of the Waka Hourua. It was an inspiring event that connected our students to kaupapa Māori and celebrated leadership and navigation through rich cultural experience.

 

 

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai

Last week, we welcomed Whaea Joelene in Paetawhiti, where she shared her inspiring Kaupapa Waka Mātauranga with our ākonga. This week, our students had an incredible opportunity to develop life skills through hands-on learning aboard the Ngātiwai Waka Hourua, berthed right here at the Whangārei Town Basin.
They jumped straight into the mahi — learning about water safety, how to maintain and respect the waka, and the important responsibilities that come with being part of a waka crew.
We are incredibly proud of their dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm.

Ko te waka ko au, ko au ko te waka – I am the waka, and the waka is me.

 

 

Paerangi

Run by the Mental Health Foundation, Pink Shirt Day is the day Aotearoa New Zealand comes together to take a stand against bullying. In Aotearoa, bullying happens in the workplace, online, at kura or school, and in the community.

Did you know that:
• Aotearoa has the third highest rate of school bullying out of 36 OECD countries
• 23% of student report being bullied 2-3 times a month
• People who are bullied are far more likely to experience mental health issues.
• Young people who bully have a one in 4 chance of having a criminal record by the age of 30

Pink Shirt Day works to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity in all its forms and supporting schools, workplaces and communities to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. By choosing compassion and standing up for each other, we can reduce bullying in Aotearoa and foster spaces where everyone feels they belong.

To celebrate this important kaupapa we’ll be having a half day inter platoon challenge. We encourage ākonga to bring pink clothing and items to kura with them so they can dress up and celebrate taking a stand against bullying. We would also appreciate a gold coin koha that will go directly to the Mental Health Foundation’s initiatives that reduce bullying and its harmful effects. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying! You can learn more about Pink Shirt Day here: pinkshirtday.org.nz

 

 

 

RFL Results/SENCO –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download11 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

 

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download11 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 03 May 2025

May 3, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download03 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

Pouhere

And we’re back!!!
Week one was a success but before we go forward let’s look back at the recent outstanding
Leadership Academy, 13th Charlie Norris Intake, to acknowledge our Tai Tama Tāne:

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

 

13th Charlie Intake/Paenuku –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download03 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

 

Paetata

Pānui mō te Wiki Tuawaru

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,
Nau mai anō ki te wāhanga hōu, te wāhanga tuarua nei!

Paetata is back in action for Term 2. With a short week to start, we took the opportunity to realign our whare goals and tikanga for the term. It’s shaping up to be a busy term for Paetata and the rest of our kura whare, especially with Matariki coming up in Week 8 — there is a lot to prepare for!

Whanaungatanga in Action

Whanaungatanga has been in full swing this week as we reacquaint ourselves after the holidays.
Paetata enjoyed some fun and interactive games based around our code of conduct and the tikanga of our whare.
It’s been awesome to see the energy and positive spirit as everyone reconnects.

Inter-Platoon Challenge

It was Paetata’s week to organise the inter-platoon challenge.
A big thanks to Matua Mohi for putting together a fun and exhilarating relay course!
The inter-platoon challenge will continue every second Friday, with each tuakana whare — Tui, Katipō, and Mako — taking turns to organise the event.

 

 

Paetawhiti

Kia Māori, Kia tū Rangatira Ai

Term 2 – Week 1

Term 2 has kicked off with heaps of energy and an awesome vibe in Paetawhiti Whare!
All our ākonga have returned energetic and full of life, especially our ACAD boys coming back from their selection course.
They’ve returned looking sharp, standing tall, and carrying a real sense of pride and purpose.

“Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou”
“We will remember them.”

 

Kia Mātau

Term 2 – Week 1

We are excited to welcome Whaea Jolene and Whaea Livi to our team!

  • Whaea Jolene brings her expertise in Kaupapa Waka.

  • Whaea Livi supports learning in Literacy, English, and Te Reo Māori.

This week, Whaea Livi led a fun listening activity that got ākonga thinking creatively and working together.
We’re looking forward to all the awesome learning ahead!

 

Tau 10 — Sonny Boy Hing

“Dazzlingly, a smile brightened my day with warmth as she came up to hug me, saying she was proud of me. Her medium-length hair and fair-skinned, beautiful face filled me with appreciation — I felt so lucky to call her my wonderful Nan.”

Boston — Tau 9

Nervously, I stood to attention. During the parade, my legs grew sore and numb. Throughout the promotions and badging ceremony, I felt cold, with the tohu barely keeping me warm. Standing in one spot for over an hour had me seeing things.

“Academy, Academy, shun!” yelled the Staff Sergeant. As I raised my leg and slammed it down, pain shot through my shaking limbs.
We shouldered arms and turned sharply to the right.
“By the left, quick march!”

We marched around the parade ground, smiling proudly — until I caught sight of one cadet completely messing up. At the U-turn, the crowd erupted into cheers. We halted, faced the audience, then marched off in review order.

Saetii delivered his mihi beautifully and with strength, leading the haka with the opening words.
We performed the haka loudly and proudly, putting all our energy into every word and movement.
Afterward, we clipped our hats to our shorts, feeling proud of what we had achieved.
We stood at attention, all focused and serious, and then… we were free.

The moment we fell out, we couldn’t help but feel a huge rush of happiness.
We hugged, gathered in a circle, and without even thinking, we counted down together: “3, 2, 1!”
And then, with all the pride, we tossed our hats in the air.
It wasn’t just a celebration — it was the perfect way to show how far we’d come and what we had achieved… as brothers.

I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about going to selection course.
The intensity pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also helped me grow mentally and physically.
By the end, I felt proud of my progress and grateful for the experience with the boys.

 

 

Paetawhiti

Paerangi is straight back into the academic mahi and this will be our core focus for the term. Ākonga are all working through assessments in their subject classes to gain their NCEA certificates. The 10 Literacy and Numeracy credits only have to be achieved once and they carry through the levels from Level 1 to 3. Many of our Year 11 students have already gained some of their literacy
and numeracy credits last year which is excellent giving them a head start. The next assessment opportunity for these are in Week 4 and 5 this term and they are working hard to ensure they are
ready for them. Next week (Week 2) Paerangi ākonga will receive their assessment grades from the mahi completed in Term 1 and will be given a print out of their credits to show them where they are at and where to from here.

 

 

Yes Success

Celebrating Julius Tipene – Young Navigators
We’re proud to celebrate Julius Tipene, one of just 35 Māori and Pacific students selected from across Aotearoa to participate in the Young Navigators programme, facilitated by Young Enterprise. Julius travelled to Tāmaki to connect with fellow young entrepreneurs and creatives, participating in workshops and networking opportunities to grow leadership, innovation, and
confidence. One kaiako shared these words about Julius: “Your kindness and laser focus shone throughout this challenge. You approached everything with determination, and it showed in your final presentation. Your humour and warmth brought an extra spark to the group, making even the toughest moments enjoyable. Congratulations on completing the challenge—and in style!”
Whaea Ataria

 

 

 

SENCO –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download03 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

 

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download03 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

 

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download03 May 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 27 April 2025

April 27, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download27 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

Pouhere

Nau mai hoki mai ki te kura

Nau mai hoki mai ki te kura, e ngā ākonga me ngā whānau o Te Kāpehu Whetū. Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou i te tīmatanga o te wahanga tuarua o te tau 2025. E manahau ana mātou ki te kite anō i a koutou, ā, e ū ana te wawata kia whai hua, kia eke panuku koutou i roto i ngā akoranga me ngā haerenga o tēnei wāhanga. Ngā manaakitanga o te wā ki runga i a koutou katoa.

“Ko te pae tawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tīna.”

A reminder:

1. There is no kura tomorrow, Monday it’s a staff only day requested by the Ministry

2. Kura starts back on Tuesday 29th with a powhiri for new ākonga at Maumahara!

a. All current ākonga from Paenuku through to Paerangi to be there by 9am

b. New ākonga to arrive by 9.15am for a 9.30am powhiri

c. We will also welcome in the new Charlie Norris Academy Intake

 

13TH Intake of the Leadership Academy of A Company

We are honoured that our 13th Intake was named after Charlie Norris, Regimental Sergeant Major of the 28 Māori Battalion. He is the man directly behind Col James Henare in the iconic photo of the Battalion returning to Wellington, Jan 23rd 1946. The Charlie Norris Intake marched in and was badged, on Saturday. It was outstanding due to all our hardworking Academy and Admin staff who worked right through to make this happen!!!

 

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Anzac Day Academy Photos –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download27 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

 

 

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download27 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 1 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 12 April 2025

April 12, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download12 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

We finished our term on a high at Tai Tokerau Festival, also with the last Platoon challenge that saw Katipo take out the best Platoon for Term 1, and then on Saturday matua Rua took three triathlon teams through to Kai Iwi
Lakes to compete….Term 1 done and dusted

 

BUT ITS NOT OVER YET – ANNOUNCING THE 13TH Intake of the Leadership Academy of A Company

On Saturday 19th April, the second week of school holidays seventeen (17) Tai tama tāne will be handed over by whanau to the Academy of A Company, to start their initiation. We are honoured to announce that the Intake will be named after Charlie Norris, Regimental Sergeant Major of the 28 Māori Battalion. He is the man directly behind Col James Henare in the iconic photo of the Battalion returning to Wellington, Jan 23rd 1946. Their week will be full with learnings and lessons preparing them for their legacy role, including a visit to Charlie Norris’s marae, Maungarongo in Poroti, hosting the Academy Old Boys and assisting Waitangi Trust with instilling 569 crosses representing one for every man of the 28 who didn’t return. Then attending the ANZAC Dawn ceremony in Whangarei, then midday at Motatau ceremony and the Dusk ceremony at Waitangi Treaty Grounds

March out is Thurs 24th on Paenuku grounds 78 Tarewa Road, be seated by 10.30am!!! We invite all the whanau and ākonga of TKW to this event to pay tribute to our men of the 28 Māori Battalion and to witness the badging of the 13th Intake into the Academy of A Coy. Parking is tight – Kura parking is for kaumatua/kuia, whanau of Charlie Norris and guests. Please park along Tarewa Road and come down through either entry…..or on neighbouring streets and come along the path near the creek and through the Kura gate. Bring your own foldout chair if you have one and please bring a plate to share kai!

 

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Paenuku/Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download12 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

 

Tuakana
Paetata-Paetawhiti-Paerangi 

Te Kāpehu Whetū’s kapa haka rōpū delivered a stunning performance at Opononi School on Wednesday 9th April. With unwavering mana, ihi, and wehi, our ākonga embodied the essence of our three pou; Kia Māori, Kia Mātau and Kia Tū Rangatira Ai. Their commitment to excellence was not only a tribute to the kaupapa of our kura but a heartfelt acknowledgment of the legacy and significance of this 50-year milestone for the festival itself.

It was a beautiful day, not just in weather, but in spirit. The passion, energy, and pride of our kapa lit up the stage, performing their hearts out for their whānau, hapori, and tūpuna.

He mihi nui, he mihi aroha ki ā tātou kaihāpai me ngā kaitautoko – your support, guidance and belief make it all possible. Mei kore ko koutou, ka kore tō tātou kapa e tū rangatira ai!

As this kaupapa draws to a close, we now turn our sights to the next wero: the regional kapa haka competitions. Rest up over the coming days, e hoa mā – and return with fire in your puku and purpose in your stride as we begin our journey towards the next stage of excellence. Kia pai ngā rangi whakatā, ā, e rere tonu ana ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa. Ngā manaakitanga, Matua Ropata

 

Platoon Challenges

Nothing like finishing the term with some chaotic fun!

The platoons were given 3 tasks, chant, mascots and sports, and an opportunity to dress up and represent their platoon with pride.

We kicked things off with the chant, and Katipo came out strong—ready to dominate. They had the beat, the lyrics, the moves, and unmatched energy and enthusiasm. The other platoons didn’t stand a chance! With a performance that set the bar, Katipo claimed 1st place in the chant—no question about it!

Then it was time for the masocts to strut their stuff on the catwalk. This time it was Tui’s time to fly high with tails and wings and little white tui ball fluffs they were clear winners. The highlight of the mascots had to be Natalie Maihi Hansen! Go Tui!

Next came the sports,and in true platoon fashion Mako cleaned up here coming first across the 3 codes, basketball, soccer and ripper.

Once we added up all the scores and placings the overall winner was ……….KATIPO!!

 

Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon 

On Saturday, a group of determined TKW students competed in the Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon With entries across solo and team events, our tauira represented the kura with energy, enthusiasm, and pride.

A special acknowledgment goes to our three solo competitors—Kwade Cooper-Brown, Saieti RetiLatu, and Sonny Boy Hing—who completed the full Try-A-Tri distance (100m swim, 9km cycle, 2km run). Taking on all three disciplines solo is no easy task, and each of them showed real determination and resilience. The experience they gained will serve them well if selected for the IronMaori Tamaki event later in the year.

In the team races, Craezah Jackson, Jerome Paki, and Julius Tipene took on the Short Course event (350m swim, 9km cycle, 3km run) with a strong team performance. Meanwhile, in the Try-A-Tri team category, we had two enthusiastic teams: Narima Ramach, Natalie Maihi-Hansen, and Xyvijarn RetiLatu forming one team, while Matu Rangi Arama-Heta, Te Ihi Rameka-Kere, and Kruize Cooper-Brown made up the other. Every student gave their best effort, demonstrated great teamwork, and brought plenty of positive energy to the day.

A huge thanks to Moses Cooper for his support, as well as to the whānau who came along to support our athletes. It was a fantastic day out and a great opportunity for our students to push themselves and grow through challenge.

Cheers, Rua

 

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download12 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 05 April 2025

April 5, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download05 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

Kia ora koutou e whanau o Te Kāpehu Whetū,

Unbelievably, we are in the last week of Term 1, 2025 but theres still plenty of mahi on.

On Wednesday, we head to Opononi to perform at the Tai Tokerau Festival 50th celebration. It’s hard to believe that I was there at the very first festival performing with Tikipunga High, as a 3rd Former. I think 4th row, last on the right hand side, behind the curtain!!! My big debut!! Now, here I am 50 festivals later returning with our kura, Te Kāpehu Whetū. Matua Ropata selected 50 ākonga from Paerangi and Paetawhiti to perform, but all of our Tuakana will travel through as well as Years 4/5/6 from Paenuku. We’re on at 3pm if you are planning on coming.

Its last day of Kura on Friday but then on Saturday 12th April, Matua Rua is taking 3x teams through to the Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon. We have some very hardy teams competing who will swim/bike/ run for TKW. We might also have a couple of athletes who will do it on their own.

Then into holiday mode for a week before the Leadership Academy’s 13th Intake starts Saturday 19th April. We have 11 current Academy and 18 newbies attending. They will spend the week learning about the 28 Māori Battalion, upskilling and visiting key sites of significance. More info out to whanau later. Importantly…. 2025 is the 15th year of the Academy and we are inviting all Old boys, TKW Old girls and whanau to attend the Academy March-Out on Thursday 24th April. It will be held at our own venue at Paenuku. March out starts at 11am so please be parked and seated by 10.30am (bring fold out chairs). Parking will be problematic. Please allow our grounds for kaumatua and kuia. Back gate and both top gates will be open for those that can park and walk from nearby streets. We are working through options and will update closer to the date.

And as you can see from Whaea Hera’s posts, this is also the 10th year of Paenuku and the 11th year of Paerangi/Paetawhiti. We will update on our plans to celebrate these amazing milestones later in the year

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Paenuku/Whakarurutehau –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download05 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

 

Paetata 

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

It’s been a slightly quieter week in Te Whare o Paetata, as some of our ākonga have been getting ready for their big performance next week at the Te Tai Tokerau Festival in Ōpononi. While we’ve been operating at half mast, it’s actually been a great opportunity for us to dive a little deeper into our learning.

It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into the final week of Term 1! The time has flown by, and looking back, it’s been a packed few months filled with valuable learning and awesome shared experiences.

One of the standout highlights this term has been our kaupapa, He waka eke noa. It’s worked beautifully alongside our waka sessions with Whaea Jolene Busby, who’s supported our ākonga through a range of new experiences both in the water and on land.

Our ākonga have really embraced the waka mahi — from mastering drills and paddle commands to gaining a deeper understanding of the tikanga behind the kaupapa. It’s been amazing to see their confidence grow with each and every session.

Another special part of our term has been the fortnightly hīkoi up Parihaka. These walks have supported our ākonga in so many ways — physically, emotionally, and culturally. It’s helped them feel a stronger connection to the whenua and the whakapapa of our local maunga.

As we prepare to wrap up the term next week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as a group. The sense of whanaungatanga in our whare is growing stronger each day, and we’re so proud of the mahi our ākonga continue to bring into the space.

 

Paetawhiti –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download05 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

Paerangi

This week Paerangi ākonga have been working hard on fine tuning the kapa haka bracket for Tai Tokerau Festival and we are all looking forward to seeing them take the stage at Opononi this Wednesday I am also proud of how our Paerangi students are stepping up and taking responsibility for ensuring all their assessments are completed on time. Despite the challenges posed by not having a full class schedule, due to the additional time allocated for kapa haka, they have shown remarkable commitment and dedication to their academic work demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic.

RFL

We had our end of term RFL on Wednesday and it was great to see the desire to improve results in many ākonga. We have a new impressive fastest run time of 9.32 mins set by Boston Kleiman-Pene, taking over from Sonny Boy Hing’s 9.40min. Equally impressive were those students who pushed themselves and achieved new personal bests, some cutting 2 minutes off their previous times! Continuous self-improvement gets results

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download05 April 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 29 March 2025

March 29, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download29 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

Kia Māori is our Pou Tuatahi
All the research shows that if young people have a strong sense of belonging they do well at life.

Being Māori….strengthens our core belief systems and provides a strong foundation. So theres
no surprise that we spend considerable time, energy and resources building everyone’s
knowledge, appreciation and skills to Be Māori, from our Reo, a tatou mahi Toi, to tatou hitori,
o tatou hononga me tatou waiata.

So on Friday, seven weeks of kapahaka practice came to fruition at Te Ahuareka O Ngāti Hine,
where our entire Kura stood, all 150+……“I runga I te ātamira”…..together on stage at Otiria,
celebrating our Ngāti Hine roots, our Kura and our pride to be Māori. It was an emotional
moment watching our Teina initiate the performance with Tuakana following up and then ngā
tama doing a powerful haka together. I was also blown away to see all our whanau who
travelled to Otiria, some from Auckland, to witness 15minutes of kapahaka.
Now that’s Māori Pride right there!!!……..ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa!

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Paenuku/Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download29 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

 

Tuakana Whare
Paetata-Paetawhiti-Paerangi

PĀNUI MŌ TE WIKI TUARIMA

This past week was a truly memorable moment for our kura as we welcomed the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, to experience and be part of our kaupapa waka. It was a powerful opportunity to showcase the strength, discipline, and mana of our waka community, while honouring the traditions that connect us to our tūpuna.

To mark the occasion, our tuakana from Te Kāpehu Whetū performed a powerful wero. This important cultural practice highlighted our commitment to tikanga and ensured our kura was represented with pride. Dame Cindy engaged deeply with our kaupapa, showing great respect for the skills and traditions that make navigation and waka such a vital part of our identity.

One of the standout moments from the day was Dame Cindy joining Whakaruru Te Hau, where she paddled alongside Joeline Busby and her waka crew on the Hātea River. On the riverbanks, our ākonga welcomed her with haka and waiata, making the day even more special and meaningful.

Kia Māori – Kia Mātau – Kia Tū Rangatira Ai

We are so proud of everyone who contributed to this special occasion. It reminded us of the strength of our kaupapa and the importance of passing these skills on to future generations. Ka mau te wehi!

Over the past 7 weeks, our Paetata ākonga have been working closely with Whaea Joelene as part of their kaupapa waka journey. Through dedication and teamwork, they’ve built a strong foundation of skills and shown real passion for learning more about waka. Ngā mihi nui, Whaea Joelene!

REMINDERS:

  • Uniform: Please ensure your child is wearing the correct uniform each day. We’ve noticed several ākonga arriving in bare feet.

  • Punctuality: We are still seeing students arrive late. Please help them arrive on time so they can start their day right.

 

Paetawhiti –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download29 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine

Te Kāpehu Whetū performed at Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine on Friday. This festival happens every 2 years where whānau and hapū o Ngāti Hine come to celebrate their Ngāti Hine-tanga.

Paenuku started off first performing 2 waiata then Paetata, Paetawhiti, and Paerangi performed 2 waiata and then the whole roopu performed 2 waiata together.

It was a beautiful performance by both kapa all displaying their prowess as young proud Māori. You could feel the ihi, wehi and wana ooze out during our ākonga performance at Te Āhuareka o
Ngati Hine. It was awesome to have our kids to perform at the kaupapa! We look forward to next one.

Its always awesome standing together as one unit!
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini e.

Tai Tokerau Festival 2025

We are 2 weeks out from Tai Tokerau Festival 2025 which is being held in Opononi. Selected students across all 3 whare will be in full training for this over the next couple of weeks. The team list will be posted up in Paetata, Paetawhiti, and Paerangi on Monday morning.

Te Kāpehu Whetū take the stage at 3:00pm on 9th April. We’ve got a lot of mahi to do in the next week and a half so, kia kaha tātou.

Ngā mihi
Matia Ropata

Parihaka Trail Run

Sunday 23rd a group of TKW ākonga and staff took on the challenge of the 5km Parihaka Trail Run.

Well done to Kruize Cooper Brown, Saieti Reti, Kwade Cooper, Sonny Boy Hing, Xyvijarn Reti-Latu, Mohi Cooper, Sonny-Lo Pai, and Matua Mohi and Matua Wiremu for completing the course in excellent time.

Special mention goes out to Sonny Boy and Kwade who came in 14th and 15th out of 206 participants! And that’s after Sonny Boy ran from Kamo to get to start line because he thought he was running late!

 

Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon

Next up on the sporting calendar is the Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon on the 12th April. (Saturday after Term 1 finishes) We are still finalising teams and solo participants. As much as we would like to take everyone who is keen
to compete unfortunately we only have a certain number of bikes for the cycle leg so it is going to a competition to get into the competition!

More info will be coming out next week

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download29 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 22 March 2025

March 22, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download22 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Paenuku/Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download22 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

 

 

Paetata

PĀNUI MŌ TE WIKI TUARIMA

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,
Thank you to our Paetata whānau who were able to attend the hui whakakipi,
(parent teacher conference). This was a good opportunity to share insights into how Paetata ākonga have been progressing so far this year. Following hui whakakipi was our wider hui whānau that involved Te Kāpehu Whetū as a whole which included a kapa haka dress rehearsal.

Kia Mātau
Atomatawai have been completed for the beginning of the year. You will receive a data sheet with your child’s results in Mathematics, Reading and Writing.

Kia Māori
Waka Navigation continues for term 1 as we build up to having our ākonga paddling in Whakaruru Te Hau, our kura waka.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai
Ākonga will be taking part in welcoming Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro to our kura on Wednesday 26 March. This will be a great opportunity to showcase our leadership skills both off and on the water.

 

REMINDERS

  • Monday, Hikoi Parihaka, please ensure your child has their PE uniform and proper walking shoes.

  • Swim Session, togs, towel

  • Te Ahureaka Festival, Otiria Marae Moerewa, Friday March 28, whole school performance

 

 

 

Paetawhiti

Kia Mātau

Week 6 Pānui – Hui Whakapiki | Whānau Hui

Kia ora whānau,
We’ve reached Week 6, and what an amazing week it’s been across Paetawhiti and the wider kura – from our teina to our tuakana! A special mention to all ākonga involved in the Kapa Haka performance – it was absolutely incredible, and we were all bursting with pride watching you share your talents with whānau.

Throughout the week, our Paetawhiti ākonga have been actively reflecting on and sharing their learning experiences with their peers. These moments of connection after assessments have helped enrich our collective mātauranga through communication, collaboration, and shared understanding.

A huge thank you to all the whānau who joined us for our Hui Whakapiki. It was a great opportunity to connect, talk about how our ākonga are tracking, raise any concerns, and continue building strong relationships between whānau, kura, ākonga, and pouako.

We also understand that some of you were unable to attend – and that’s totally okay! We’re more than happy to visit you at home, or you’re welcome anytime at kura. We truly value your support and presence in our learning journey. Ngā mihi for the time you’ve shared with us – please reach out anytime if you have any pātai or need support.

Every Tuesday, our kōhine come together to take part in hauora and wellbeing sessions designed to build strong connections and uplift each other. These sessions encourage our kōhine to step outside their comfort zones, develop their confidence, and grow in their ability to support and care for others within a safe and encouraging kura environment.

Looking ahead, our Paerangi pouārahi will be stepping up to plan and lead these sessions. They’ll be designing fun and purposeful activities inspired by the tuakana-teina model – celebrating leadership, learning, and connection.

Tu ki te Marae, Tu ki te Ao!

 

 

Paerangi

Kia ora Whanau,

Thank you to all those who came to our hui whakapiki on Thursday. Afternoons like this are
important as they provide the opportunity for pouako, ākonga, and whānau to meet Together
and find the best paths forward. If you were unable to make it to Hui Whakapiki and would like
the opportunity to meet with our child’s pouako please email Whaea Brenda
b.meyer@tkw.school.nz and we can arrange a time that works.

Business Studies – Congratulations

Ngakupenga Tautari-Herrick and Julius Tipene have been selected to represent Te
Tai Tokerau at the YES Young Navigators event in Auckland. Young Navigators kicks
off on Monday 14th April (term break) and Ngakupenga and Julius will meet spend
3 days learning and honing their entrepreneurial skills with 34 other YES students,
embarking on a journey of innovation, business, and team building!
Congratulations Ngakupenga and Julius!

English
This term we have been focussing on mastering the correct structure of an academic essay,
ensuring that the key points are concisely written with enough detail to show understanding and
connection to the world beyond the text. The Year 12 class has their first assessment due at the
end of term, while the Year 11’s will complete theirs at the start of Term 2.

Physical Education
The 3 different NCEA Levels are using their experience at Action Matakana as the focus for their
first assessment in PE. The Year 11’s mahi revolves around Kotahitanga and how the application
of different strategies help strengthen the success of all participants. Having such an amazing
experience as Action Matakana has helped ākonga to give detailed and meaningful responses.

The Year 12 and 13 class is working on health and safety in outdoor activities. Matua Allen at
Action Matakana gave some insight korero around perceived risk and actual risk, highlighting
how some everyday activities are more dangerous than skydiving for example. The Year 12 and
13 class have to write up a risk analysis management plan using their first hand knowledge of the
course.

All Paerangi ākonga have assessments due by the end of the term. These will be
marked and verified in the break and a NCEA Credit summary will go out for
whanau and ākonga to track their success early Term 2

 

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download22 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 2 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 14 March 2025

March 14, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download14 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

Kia ora koutou e te whanau,

We are well into the reset for 2025, utilising our two pou Kia Māori and Kia Tū Rangatira as vehicles to settle ākonga, building their connection and commitment to our Kura, our staff and each other. “He tino pai te tīmatanga o te tau.”

In addition, academic assessments for each ākonga is underway enabling Pouako to develop programmes for the year that target individual progress. Reporting to whanau coming up: – Teina Whare: Paenuku (Yr1-6) Hui whakapiki (WEIP) will be confirmed shortly – Tuakana Whare: Paetata (Yr 7/8), Paetawhiti (Yr 9/10), Paerangi (Yr 11-13) have their Hui Whakapiki this coming Thursday 11th from 1.30pm – 5pm

PLEASE NOTE: – Whanau hui for all whanau and includes a run through of our bracket for Te Ahuareka o This Thursday 20th March o Maumahara o 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Again, another very busy week for Kura
1. Whakatau for our new Pouako Whaea Johnette Hohipa who will be based in akomanga Rangi (Year 3) for 4 days and I day covered by Whaea Livy Mahanga
2. Ongoing prep across the Kura for Te Ahuareka Festival at Otiria, in week 7.
3. Prep at Tuakana (Year 7-13yrs) for Tai Tokerau Festival 50th year at Opononi, in Week 9
4. Waka culture introduction and training at Tuakana
5. Hakinakina and Hauora continues across the Kura
6. Paerangi resilience training at Action Matakana
7. Paerangi ākonga attending YES Business Training event
8. Paerangi ākonga attending NorthTec skills training Kia pai tou wiki

Kia pai tou wiki
Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Paenuku/Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download14 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

 

Paetata

PĀNUI MŌ TE WIKI TUARIMA

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

It’s been another eventful week for the Paetata Whare! Students have completed their aromatawai through eAstle testing and have been actively involved in a variety of learning experiences. These include Kaupapa Waka, Kapa Haka, Haikinakina, Growth Mindset, and Hīkoi Maunga ki Parihaka. Akonga are continuously exploring learning in new ways through different mediums and opportunities.

 

GROWTH MINDSET

Paetata students have been learning about the differences between growth and fixed mindsets. Developing a growth mindset encourages us to improve through effort and learning, while a fixed mindset leads us to believe our abilities are unchangeable. By understanding these ideas, we can build resilience, embrace challenges, and develop a passion for learning.

 

INTER-PLATOON CHALLENGE

This week’s inter-platoon challenge saw Paetata students participating in a series of quizzes. Teams Tui, Mako, and Katipo tackled various challenges designed to test their general knowledge, patience, and teamwork skills.

 

KAUPAPA WAKA

Paetata’s second swimming assessment lesson focused on essential water safety skills. This week, students learned how to stay afloat without touching the ground, how to rescue and calm a distressed person, and how to safely pull someone aboard a waka.

 

KAPA HAKA

Kapa haka is progressing well as students prepare for both the Te Ahuareka and Te Tai Tokerau festivals happening at the end of the term. Practice will become more intensive in Week 6, with a focus on refining actions, mastering kupu, and building stronger teamwork.

 

REMINDERS

  • Hui Whakapiki: Thursday, 20th March from 1:30 to 5:30

  • School will finish early at 1:30 on Thursday

  • To book a 15-minute parent interview, please email w.hohaia@tkw.school.nz

  • Please ensure your child arrives on time to kura each morning. If they are consistently late, they will need a note explaining the reason

 

Paetawhiti –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download14 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

 

Paerangi

This week has been a busy one out of the class room for Paerangi ākonga, with the YES event, Action Matakana and day 2 of the “Fast Food Frenzy” course at NorthTec.

Business Studies
This week, our Business Studies students attended the Young Enterprise Spark Tank event at McKay Stadium. There, they had the opportunity to meet students from other schools and workshop their business ideas with local business owners and industry experts. It was a valuable experience that helped them refine their ideas and gain real-world experience in business and networking.

Hui Whakapiki Thursday 20th
This coming Thursday tuakana whare are holding our hui whakapiki, giving whanau an opportunity to come in and discuss their tamariki progress and assessments. This is a good time to meet with the individual Pouako and see where your child is at and what they need to do moving forward. Please bring your child along with you so we can all work together to achieve the best outcomes for them. There is no need to make an appointment just pop in to our Paerangi whare (177 Lower Dent) any time between 1.30-5pm. At 5.30 we will be having a full kura whanau hui at maumahara, with a couple of waiata from our ākonga in preparation for Ahuareka Festival. If you have any queries about hui whakapiki email Whaea Brenda

Action Matakana
On Thursday, Paerangi ventured down to Action Matakana to take on the challenge again, for some ākonga they were back for the 3peat!
Action Matakana is a place where you dread going but love every minute of it!

Having been fortunate enough to have attended Action Matakana for the last 3 years with our ākonga, the thing that hits home the most is the growth in the ākonga. Not only the personal growth conquering personal fears and perceived barriers, but also ākonga being able to now see their own strengths and things they can contribute to the group. Leaders emerge on this course who can be the quietest in our classroom, or the most haututū. I am also incredibly proud of how Paerangi work well as a team, building each other up, celebrating when someone from the other team makes it across an obstacle that has taking 3 years to defeat, amping each other up and working together through the difficulties. Looking back from 3 years to now it is clear we are on our way to building resilient, confident, capable and whanau focused young rangatahi. Great work Paerangi! Nga Mihi Whaea Brenda

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at:

https://tkw.schooldocs.co.nz (note that there’s no “www.”).
Username is “tkw”
Password “kiamaori”.

 

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download14 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 08 March 2025

March 8, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download08 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

Kia ora koutou e te whanau,

We are just about half way through Term 1, unbelievable!

We still have plenty to do to get our year underway and Term 1 complete:
– Assessments to see where each ākonga is at in terms of Kia Mātau
– Learning programmes locked in across kura
– Whanau hui to catch each of you up on ākonga progress
– Kapa haka training prep for Te Ahuareka for the whole kura
– Prep for Tai Tokerau Festival in Opononi for Paetawhiti and Paerangi
– Waka training to get Whakaruru Te Hau back on the water
– Triathlon training for Tuakana (7-13) to attend Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon
– Prep for the new Parihaka Run
But none of this will work for us or ākonga, if they don’t attend Kura. Whaea Brenda has provided a good narrative around the value of ‘Attendance’ and some stats on the next page.

To give us the best start we have also employed 4 new Pou Awhina (TAs) to support Pou Ako and each Whare deliver their programmes for the Term.
Tomorrow we will whakatau into each of our whare:
– Chosen Brown – Paenuku – for sports, kapahaka, Reo and working with our tama
– Hinearokura Compain – Paetata – to increase the use of Reo and support kapahaka
– Saraiah Wikaira – Paetawhiti – increase use of Reo and establish mau rakau for Kōhine
– Te Kerei Mihaka – supporting across kura – with waka training, water based activities, offsite activities, kapahaka and increasing the use of Reo

In a couple of weeks we also have one more Pou Awhina joining us to work with the Academy, introduce a mau rakau programme for boys and support kapahaka.
Nau mai, haere mai ki te whanau o Te Kāpehu Whetū E mihi ana ki a koutou i tēnei wā…..

Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

 

Attendance

The evidence is very clear that attendance is a key driver of learners’ achievement, their wellbeing, and their lifelong outcomes. Regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.

The government has set an attendance target for 2030.
80% of students to be attending 90% of the time (max of 5 days absence per term)

Currently across the country only 53% of students are.

Unfortunately in 2024 TKW’s regular attendance was less than this.

We need to work together whānau to get the best outcomes for our tamariki!

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13
ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6
ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We will be reinitiating our automated text message system for absences this week. If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning an automatic text message is sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Last year this made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have. If you would like to discuss your tamaiti’s absence either contact the tari or email your child’s Pouwhakahaere.

In addition, you will get a term update of your child’s attendance at kura and we will be notify whānau who have children consistently absent and/or late.

 

 

Paenuku –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download08 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

 

Paetata

PĀNUI MŌ TE WIKI TUAWHA

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Paetata.
We are almost half way through this first term and Paetata have been busy getting their hands into all sorts of creative projects. This week Paetata had their first swim safe lesson with Whaea Joelene, Kapa Haka with Matua Ropata, Sports with Matua Mohi and Matua Rua, and much much more.

SWIM SAFE

Paetata students have begun their water safety lessons with Whaea Joelene at the Whangārei Aquatic Centre. These one-hour weekly sessions are designed to equip students with essential water safety skills in preparation for launching our waka, Whakaruuru Te Hau. Running until the end of Term 1, the program covers a range of swim safety requirements to ensure students are confident and prepared on the water.

SKILLS ASSESSMENT

Students were assessed on the following:

  • Tread water for 20 minutes
  • Float for 15 minutes with a lifejacket
  • Float for 10 minutes without a lifejacket
  • How to retrieve someone in pairs and 3s
  • Pulling someone aboard a boat
  • Correct use of lifejacket

 

KAUPAPA WAKA

Paetata were able to further develop their skills in traditional lashing techniques on the waka, gaining more experience with tying various knots essential for securing and strengthening its structure.
This is an important skill to have when working with waka as well as a handy life-skill to have in general.

KO WAIMIRIMIRI TE WAKA HOURUA

Paetata has been privileged to refine their lashing techniques on Waimirimiri, our waka hourua, which is currently housed within Paetata. Having Waimirimiri in our whare has given students a unique, hands-on opportunity to engage in rich and meaningful learning experiences.

REMINDERS

  • Monday, Parihaka hīkoi, please ensure your child has appropriate walking shoes
  • Wednesday, swim safe lesson, togs and a towel
  • Drink bottles and hats are a must
  • Please return the hīkoi permission slip if you have not done so already
  • Kapa Haka, Tuesday & Thursday

 

Paetawhiti –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download08 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

 

Paerangi

NORTHCOTE SHORT COURSES

On Friday, 7 of our Paerangi ākonga attended their first day of the Fast Food Frenzy short course. These courses are designed to support students by providing additional experiences and opportunities not available at school that assist students and give them insight into vocational pathways and future study options.

YES SPARK TANK THIS TUESDAY

Our Year 12 and 13 Business class will be attending their 1st YES event this Tuesday. The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is a programme designed to unleash students’ inner entrepreneur and gain experience in the start-up world first-hand. Ākonga create a business idea, develop their product, do marketing and promotion and selling, real-life experience of a real business. YES sits beside the NCEA Achievement standards in Business and all students who complete YES will also receive an NCEA Micro-credential.

ACTION MATAKANA

This coming Thursday Paerangi are heading down to Action Matakana to take on the 3km 34 obstacle ultimate teamwork course. There are cargo nets, shear walls, a lot of mud, and for those who have been before we can’t not give a big shout out to Jerry your best friend on the course.

This is part of their Physical Education programme, learning about kotahitanga and about health and safety of sports and adventure events. This is a compulsory activity, and a permission slip will be out on Monday. We will be leaving kura at 8.15am and back between 4-5pm.


KAPA HAKA

Our kapa haka practices are ramping up as the 2 festivals, Ahureaka and Te Tai Tokerau are getting closer. Every ākonga will be representing TKW on the stage so it is important that every ākonga is giving 100%.

 

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at School Docs

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download08 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

Pānui ā Kura – 03 March 2025

March 3, 2025
Academy, Newsletters, Paenuku, Paerangi, Paetawhiti, Panui

View/Download03 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

Pouhere

Pou hīhiri
Pou rārama
Tenei te pou o te whare mātauranga, te kaupapa e tū nei
Ū te pou, kia hui te ora ki runga i a tātou
Kia puta ki te whai ao
Ki te ao mārama
Tihei Mauriora……

Last week Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga dominated news threads, social media and our Kura. Every whare had TV on and assembled to watch many kapa haka groups perform.  There were many whanaunga and connects throughout, including Hatea, Te Puu Ao and Muriwhenua.

All three roopu had ex-students and ex-staff performing.  Very proud moments for TKW.

Te Toa Whakaihuwaka – Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue….Supreme Winner for 2025

It was particularly poignant for us as this is also Tā Bom’s people who we met in Italy. Mīharo!!!

Kapa haka will continue to dominate our Kia Māori and Kia Tū Rangatira space this term:

Friday 28th March                   Te Ahuareka o Ngati Hine Festival – All 4x whare will stand

Wednesday 9th April              Tai Tokerau Kapa Haka – 50 Years Festival – Tuakana only

Then last day of school for most of the Kura is Friday 11th April…BUT we havent finished yet

Monday 14th April                   2025 Leadership Academy of A Company 13th Intake, starts

Thursday 24th April                 13th Intake March out Parade

Friday 25th April                      ANZAC Day attendance

Saturday 26th April                  Support for Chief Luke and Whanau

More details on all three events will be sent out closer to the dates….Kia pai te wiki!

Whaea Rae
POUHERE

 

Paenuku/Paetawhiti –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download03 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

Paetata

PĀNUI MŌ TE WIKI TUATORU

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Paetata.
We are settling into our whare for the term quite nicely. Our ākonga have made themselves familiar with their new environment and getting into the flow of the Paetata whare. We are excited for what’s ahead and looking forward to embracing the journey together.

TE MATATINI

This week, Paetata focused on researching three kapa haka rōpū that performed at this year’s Te Matatini. After gathering information about each group, they presented their findings to the class, sharing insights on their performances and unique cultural elements.
We would like to acknowledge our 4 Te Tai Tokerau rōpū who performed this year.
E mihi ana ki a rātou.

HĪKOI MAUNGA

This week, ākonga embarked on their first hīkoi up Parihaka Maunga, the first of many to come. Our kura is in a prime location in terms of understanding our local history. We quite literally have all of these rich stories at our front door, which we are very fortunate to be surrounded by. Maunga, Awa, & Kōrero tuku iho.

 

Paerangi

Our ākonga are working well across the 3 pou and with a full and varied schedule every week there is no time for rest, they need to make sure they make every minute count.

Kia Māori

Kapa Haka training is underway with practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is good to see our Paerangi ākonga slowly stepping up in their leadership here and being good role models for our teina. Our Year 11-13 tāne have had 2 sessions now with Staff Gene working on improving their mihi/mihi delivery and content, we are looking forward to seeing this in action at Wa Whakarite.

Kia Mātau

This term’s focus is on writing, tuhituhi. The focus of the Year 11’s mahi is Nga Manu Korero and the revitalization of Te Reo Māori, while the Year 12 and 13 ākonga are devising some creative writing as well as presenting findings on a famous Māori leader or event for Māori people. Ākonga are allowed to work on this mahi at home if they choose.

Mathematics

Our Year 11s are working on number, measurement, and geometry skills so they can solve tasks that have real-life applications. Later in the term, we will be revising our numeracy skills for the common assessment activity in Term 2, which is required to successfully pass NCEA.

The Year 12s are working on trigonometry involving the area and sides of land measurements and surveying, and the Year 13s are working on statistics and gaining credits towards University Entrance in Mathematics.

Stay tuned for information about English, Business, and Physical Education next week.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai
The Maara

On Wednesday, a group of Year 11 boys were a great awhi to Staff Gene and elders as they spent the day harvesting crops and replanting banana palms. They worked hard and gained valuable knowledge, which they enjoyed sharing when they returned to kura. Thank you for your awhi and excellent work ethic!

 

 

Paenuku Hauora/Nga Karere Manatu –  See the Panui PDF for this section View/Download03 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

 

 

Attendance

PLEASE NOTE:

Along with disallowing cell phones and IT devices from being used in Kura (unless part of a lesson and allowed for learning by Pouako) another Government policy being measured is Student Attendance.  See below:

The Government has set a target of 70% regular attendance for every student each term for 2024

Attendance is linked to both student wellbeing and to attainment. Ministry of Education insights studies show that attending Kura regularly is, on average, associated with more positive wellbeing outcomes.  Attendance is also linked to student attainment, especially in secondary students.

Although we have a good attendance rate across the Kura, it can be better.  Our attendance across both sites is usually around mid-high 70s.

We understand that there are valid and important reasons for ākonga to be out of school at times and this is ok but please let the tari know when and why your child is absent.

Tari Year 7-13 ring Whaea Jackie: (09) 955 9996

Tari Year 1-6 ring Whaea Sam: (09) 438 8033

Automated text notification of absence

We have reinitiated our automated text message system for absences starting next week.  If your child is marked with an unknown absence in the morning on an automatic text message will be sent to the primary caregiver(s) to notify them.

Thank you very much to all whanau who have responded to these texts either by replying or contacting the office.  This has made a significant difference to the number of unjustified absences we have.

Policies

Te Kāpehu Whetū has worked with SchoolDocs to create a website for our policies and procedures.

The school works on a subscription basis with SchoolDocs to maintain, update, and review our policies. SchoolDocs provides us with a comprehensive core set of policies, which have been well-researched and align with the National Education and Learning Priorities. The policies and procedures are tailored to our school, and the school supplies specific information such as our charter, and procedures for behavior management, reporting to parents, etc.

SchoolDocs updates, modifies, or creates policies in response to changes in legislation or Ministry guidelines, significant events, reviews/requests from schools, and regular reviewing from the SchoolDocs team. Our school board has the opportunity to view changes/additions and comment on them before they are implemented.

We invite you to visit the site at School Docs

Kaupapa

We believe passionately in our culture, our people, our ākonga, and we know that through hard work, commitment, and focused support they will achieve within the Kura and beyond. We do this hereby acknowledging the 28 Māori Battalion and the price paid for citizenship, so that ‘we’ can “Navigate Māori Futures”.

To do this we commit to success in all its forms:

Kia Māori – Be Māori – Be

An education that validates Māori knowledge and ways of learning.

Kia Mātau – Be Knowledgeable – Know

Encouraging innovation, inquiry, the development of specialised knowledge and skills.

Kia Tū Rangatira Ai – Be Rangatira – Do

Development of strong character and personal excellence, living with mana.

Nā
Raewyn Tipene 
POUHERE

Important Dates

See Calendar for Key Events

View/Download03 March 2025 Pānui PDF / 4 MB

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