From Tony

On Friday we say goodbye to our Year 6 students and wish them well as they head off for Year 7 & and beyond.  Amongst this group are 31 students who began their schooling here back in 2019 in Pūkeko.  This is the first cohort that have spent their entire primary years with us and is a special milestone.

Our school whakataukī, Whiria te tāngata—to weave the people together—truly embodies the spirit of Te Ao Mārama. Over the past 6 years, this sense of community is what I am most proud of.

The schoolwide culture at Te Ao Mārama is something truly special. This was once again beautifully showcased at our recent Christmas in the Park and Hui-ā-whānau.

Culture, however, is more than just a “vibe” or “feeling.” It’s also about the foundation we’ve built for learning. Our approach to teaching and learning, while unique compared to many NZ schools, is grounded in research, a strong philosophy, and a clear vision. I’m incredibly proud of the learning culture we’ve created, and we’re now seeing this reflected in fantastic student achievement. Be sure to check out the next article for some exciting snippets of these results!

To our students and whānau whose time with us is finishing, we wish you all the very best for the future. For those returning in 2025, we look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful year.

Wishing you and your whānau a safe and happy holiday season. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Tony and the Te Ao Mārama Team