.jpg)
PRINCIPAL NEWS
Tena Koutou Kio Kio Primary School Community
Greetings to you all
School roll : 142 Students
20th February 2025
Dear Kio Kio School Families and Community,
We’ve had a fantastic start to the term! Classroom routines have been established, giving students clear expectations for their learning, and I've already noticed great progress. It’s been wonderful to see students engaging positively with each other, demonstrating our POWER values through both their actions and words. Our staff have encouraged students to greet staff members on duty with, “Hello Mrs … How are you today?” It’s heartening to see students not only speaking kindly but also making eye contact – for some, this is a huge step and a valuable life skill they can practice during their time at Primary School.
This week, Kahikatea students have embarked on an exciting school camp at Kinohaku School. Mrs. Coleman, along with her fantastic team of parent helpers, has organised a packed week of activities, including:
- Visiting the Waitomo Caves
- Exploring Mangapohue Natural Bridge
- Touring the Marokopa Falls
- Participating in a Cartoon Character Drawing Workshop
- A Day of Youthtown Education Outside the Classroom Activities
- Fishing, Sailing, Sculpture Garden, Sketching
- Estuary Study
- Team Building Activities
-
Swimming
I look forward to hearing about all the unforgettable stories and moments that will be etched into the memories of our students. A huge thank you to Mrs. Coleman for her meticulous planning and organisation, and to the parents who took time out of their busy schedules to attend – we truly appreciate your support!
Property Update – Car Park Project:
The past month has been busy with improvements around the school, starting with the resealing of our carpark during the holidays. On Sunday, Cam Mitchell began the line markings and will finish this week, including reinstalling the bumper stops. A big thank you to Karl Morrow for overseeing this project. The car park is looking great!
Puriri Classroom Upgrade:
This week, the excited students of Puriri class have been working in Kahikatea while their classroom undergoes a significant interior upgrade. The space has been sanded back, gutted, and smoothed in preparation for the renovation. We had a fantastic group of volunteers attend a working bee on Sunday – Karl Morrow, Karen Thompson, Nick Willis, and David Hedley – who assisted in removing wall linings to prepare for the next phase. Unfortunately, the budget allocated by the Ministry of Education doesn’t fully cover all the costs, and volunteers are crucial to helping us manage these extra hours of work. This project was urgent, and I am incredibly grateful for the support from our amazing parents.
Gym Lighting:
The replacement of the gym lights has also been an urgent project requiring immediate attention. I am incredibly grateful to the Supporters Committee for funding this project through their hard work and successful fundraising efforts. The new gym lights, installed by Shayne Van Grootel of King Country Electrical (a former Kio Kio School student), are a great improvement and will enhance the many activities held in our gym. We are thankful to everyone who made this project possible.
Supporters Committee:
Last week, I attended the Supporters Committee AGM and the first meeting of 2025. A dedicated group of parents gathered to organise and prepare for our next fundraising event. If you’d like to get involved with this proactive and energetic group, please contact the school office, and we will connect you with a committee member. This team is always ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work!
Student Leaders:
Last Friday, the Year 8 students were invited to prepare speeches on why they would make excellent student councillors at Kio Kio School. I was incredibly proud of the effort each student put in; their speeches were heartfelt and authentic. Please refer to the Student Leaders 2025 section of this newsletter for details on the roles of our new student leaders.
Attendance Matters:
This term is off to a strong start with our attendance statistics. Regular school attendance is essential for student achievement and success. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to ensure that your child attends school every day, from their first day until they turn 16.
Does my child have to go to school every day?
Yes, your child must attend school every day.
Yes, your child must attend school every day.
Why is daily attendance important?
Going to school every day is key to making the most of their education because:
Going to school every day is key to making the most of their education because:
- Learning to read, write, and do math requires practice and is easier to master with regular attendance.
- It sets up good habits from the very start of school.
- Every school day is a chance to learn something new.
- School provides your child with regular, dedicated help to master the many skills they need.
- It teaches your child life skills like commitment, reliability, a strong work ethic, and perseverance when challenges arise.
As this week comes to a close, next week Kauri Class will be off to camp in Auckland. As one class unpacks their camp gear, another will be gearing up for their exciting city experience. Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead!
Kind regards,
Pip Were
Principal, Kio Kio School
Pip Were
Principal, Kio Kio School
.jpg)
.jpg)
-1.png)