Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau,

Celebrating a Year of Mahi Tahi (Working Together)

We want to send a huge mihi (acknowledgement) and thank you to our entire whānau and community for the enthusiasm and dedication you've shown this year. Your engagement has been instrumental in growing our culturally responsive practice and truly embedding Te Ao Māori principles into the heart of our kura (school).

A special, heartfelt aroha nui (deep appreciation) must go to Whaea Toni and Whaea Awhi and our dedicated Te Ao Māori team. Their passion and unrelenting mahi (work) over the year have created an awesome foundation for us all. Thank you for leading the way!

Our 2025 Achievements: Building Connections and Culture

We have experienced phenomenal growth this year, guided by our collective vision. Here is a summary of the key kaupapa (initiatives) and achievements from 2025:

Whānau Engagement & Kōrero

• Whānau Hui: We held successful Whānau Hui across Term 1, 2, 3, and 4, fostering regular connection and collaboration. A huge thank you to Brendon and Mel for hosting one of these vital hui at their whare (home).

• Kōrero on Aspirations: Embedded within these hui have been valuable kōrero (discussions) from whānau about their aspirations for our tamariki (children). This feedback is crucial in shaping our direction.

• Whānau Waiata: We’ve strengthened our collective voice through waiata (song), thanks to the fantastic support and leadership of Ben!

Cultural Initiatives

• Hāngī Roopu 2025: This new group ensured the successful planning and execution of our communal feasts.

• Matariki Hāngī 2025: A beautiful community celebration marking the Māori New Year.

• Kapa Haka: Kapa Haka ran weekly all year with the wonderful Teowai Webster, culminating in a spectacular performance at The Rā Whakangahu 2025.

• In-Class Support: Whaea Awhi provided invaluable in-class support right across our kura, assisting all classes with the integration of Te Ao Māori practices.

• Additional Te Reo Māori Kaupapa: Whaea Toni led additional Te Reo Māori learning initiatives, expanding opportunities for our tamariki.

Partnerships & Development

• Iwi Relationships: We have built stronger, more intentional relationships with Ngai Te Rangi, Ngai Tukairangi, and Ngāti Kuku.

• Waharoa Kaupapa and Pou Kaupapa: Significant progress was made on the Waharoa (entranceway) and the associated pou kaupapa (posts/initiatives) to reflect our local context.

• Relationship with Stu McDonald and Connection with Andrew Macdonald: These valuable partnerships have provided expertise and external guidance for our cultural journey.

• Reorua and Immersion Exploration: We explored Reorua (bilingual) and Māori Immersion learning by engaging with Keeri (MoE), visiting Arataki School (Rumarki and Reorua), Golden Sands School, and Te Kura of Manunui (Dual Medium and Kura Kaupapa).

• Strategic Planning: We held a dedicated Whānau Hui re: Māori Immersion Levels and conducted a Survey to whānau re: Reo rua to ensure our future planning is grounded in community support.

Looking Forward: 2026 Planning

Our vision is clear: Our ambition is to establish a Reorua class at Omanu School in 2027.

To prepare for this significant step and ensure Māori Achieving as Māori remains a central goal, we are pleased to be able to increase our offering of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori learning opportunities in 2026:

• Whaea Toni - Released from Classroom Responsibilities: Whaea Toni will be released for 0.5 FTTE (half-time equivalent) in 2026 to provide additional dedicated Te Ao Māori and Te Reo learning opportunities for our tamariki across the school.

• Continued Professional Development: We will focus on the continued development of Kaiako (teachers) in class support and the effective use of Poutama (our curriculum plan/framework).

• Expert Opportunities: We will continue to offer opportunities for our tamariki to learn with Stu McDonald.

• Kapa Haka in 2026: We will build on the awesome platform established this year (and before) with Kapa Haka.

Thank you once again to all the whānau for your ongoing support, in particular those whānau who were active on the Hāngī Roopu and in the Whānau Hui. It is by partnering together that we create the best outcomes for all tamariki.

We held a Whānau Hui on Wednesday, 5th November, but we didn't have great attendance at this hui. If you would like to hear more at a Whānau hui before the end of Term 4, please click on the link below and express your interest.