With 110 responses submitted online, we received a valuable range of insights from our diverse parent community.

This year’s survey served as a "temperature check" to gauge current perceptions and help guide the Board’s strategy and vision for the next 2–3 years.

We’re pleased to report that parents’ perceptions of Te Ao Mārama School remain overwhelmingly positive across various areas. This feedback is especially satisfying given our unique context; since opening in 2019, our school has grown rapidly, now approaching 500 students within just six years.

While some responses included constructive feedback or areas of disagreement, these were hugely outweighed by a significant number of positive comments and exceptionally high ratings. Importantly, this does not mean that constructive feedback is unvalued or overlooked; our principal, staff, and board are highly reflective and dedicated to continuous improvement. 

The Board has reviewed the responses and highlighted the main themes below, along with including a selection of comments.

Once again, thank you to all the families who completed the survey. Your feedback is a valued part of shaping our school’s future.

Andrew Corkill & Tony Grey - On behalf of Te Ao Mārama School Board & Staff

Section #1 – Ratings

Overall satisfaction was exceptionally high, with an average rating of 4.54 across all survey responses.

In 1100 ratings across the survey questions, there were only 1% that disagreed, with 6.8% neutral, and 92% agreeing (with over 67% strongly agreeing to the various statements).

We are delighted with this strong show of support and satisfaction.

General Comments

In this section of the survey, respondents had the chance to share comments, including some constructive criticism.

Summary of Written Comments using AI

The use of AI enables an effective summary of everyone’s responses which can potentially ensure that our own confirmation bias doesn’t come into effect. 

1. Positive Community and Culture: Many parents praised the school's welcoming, inclusive environment and supportive community. They appreciated the strong sense of belonging, the dedication of the staff, and the cultural values integrated into the school, especially around Māori language and respect.

2. Constructive Feedback on Academic Reporting: Several parents expressed a desire for more comprehensive and regular feedback on their child's academic progress. There were requests for clearer, more detailed reporting, including comparisons to age expectations.

3. Request for Traditional Structures (Homework, Uniform): Some parents suggested the school introduce homework, a compulsory uniform, and stricter standards on appearance to instil discipline.

4. Feedback on School’s Learning Approach: While many parents praise the school’s holistic and inclusive teaching approach, others are concerned it may prioritise well-being over academic rigour. A few feel there is too much emphasis on play and well-being, and they’d like more focus on academics.

5. Appreciation of Teaching and Leadership: Many comments highlighted the teachers' commitment and the effective leadership of the principal and other key staff. Parents felt that the educators are dedicated, approachable, and caring, and that the leadership has fostered a positive school environment.

School comment: Requests to prioritise academics over whole-child/wellbeing approaches, to implement more homework, traditional written reports, and a compulsory uniform don’t align with our school’s values, vision, and research-based approach to teaching and learning.

• Homework: Research indicates that for primary-aged children, unstructured play, family time, and self-directed exploration are more beneficial than traditional homework tasks. We focus on fostering a love of learning at school, and we encourage whānau to engage in shared activities like reading or discussing the day’s highlights at home.

• Traditional written reports: While we understand the desire for formal reporting, our approach prioritises ongoing, meaningful communication with whānau. Regular, informal updates, and whānau conferences provide more timely and holistic insights into student progress and wellbeing.  Over the course of the year, we offer x3 face to face hui, x6 learning stories and mid and end of year updates around achievement, progress and next steps.

• Uniforms: Our vision and values emphasise individuality, creativity and “one size fits one”, which are not always compatible with the standardisation that uniforms impose. We believe tamariki thrive when they can express themselves and feel physically at ease.  We also have optional uniform clothing available for those that wish to purchase it.

We acknowledge these suggestions and remain committed to ensuring our practices reflect what is best for our tamariki while staying true to our school’s core values. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss this in more depth, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Section #2 – Short Answers

Section 2 contained short answer questions, providing parents and caregivers with an opportunity to comment. 

School comment : Unfortunately, the options to include Year 7 & 8 or to build a swimming pool are not feasible at this time, as the Ministry of Education will not support these developments.

In 2025 we will have our first bilingual Te Reo Māori class.  In 2026 we are hoping to develop a second class, ensuring we offer this across all year levels.  We will also look to create a special cultural day event.

Section #3 - Camps and Outdoor Education

With the significant increase in costs of camp experiences, and the reliance on parental support for payments and attending as parent helpers, we felt it important to gain your feedback.

Summary of Written Comments using AI

Here are the top points gathered from the feedback on school camps:

1. Valuable Learning Experience: Many parents see camps as essential for personal growth, independence, real-world skills, and outdoor learning. They believe camps provide unique experiences that children might not get at home.

2. Positive Memories and Fun: Parents recall their own camp experiences fondly and want their children to enjoy similar memorable moments, adventures, and fun.

3. Financial Considerations and Support: While most parents are willing to pay for camp, some suggest spreading payments over the year or providing fundraising options to support families who may struggle with costs.

4. Safety and Reassurance: Safety is a top priority for parents, with some requesting reassurance about camp logistics and supervision.

5. Support for Annual Camps: Many parents value the annual nature of these experiences, feeling that they are vital to a well-rounded education and advocating for them to remain part of the school’s offerings.

School response:  As a school we also strongly feel these experiences are hugely important for our tamariki, and were delighted to see the high levels of support.  We will continue to organise annual camps and experiences, and also look to continue our funding support to subsidise camp costs and offer our manaaki fund for families facing financial constraints.

In Conclusion

The Te Ao Mārama Board of Trustees would like to sincerely thank all respondents for taking the time to share your feedback.

The survey highlights how fortunate we are to be part of such an amazing and innovative school. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to ongoing improvement. As parents, we can trust that these improvements will be made with the best interests of the school, the wider community, and, most importantly, our tamariki at heart.

Te Ao Mārama School Board