Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, e ngā māna, e ngā reo huri noa i tō tātou takiwā, e korowai nei i te aroha o Te Parawhau, o Ngāti Kahu o Torongare. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi mahana nui ki a koutou katoa.

As we reach the end of the term, we reflect on a time full of rich learning, fun, and growth—both inside and outside the classroom. Our students have been immersed in understanding and embodying our school values and expectations. The vast majority truly walk the talk—demonstrating kindness, consideration, respect and honesty. We sincerely thank these students for leading by example and setting the tone for others who may need a little more time to adjust to our kura culture. It is, as always, a journey.

This term we were fortunate to offer some incredible learning experiences beyond the classroom. A huge thank you to the teachers and the amazing parents and caregivers who supported the Te Whānau o Waiarohia camp and the noho marae for Te Whānau o Waimirirangi. These opportunities require dedication, time, and energy, and we are so grateful for your awhi. The tamariki had an unforgettable time, learning in environments rich in culture, connection and challenge. We are so lucky to be able to provide these experiences—ones that deepen learning, strengthen identity, and create lifelong memories.

However, we do need to acknowledge a growing concern in our kura—an increase in students vaping. This is deeply worrying. Please, take a moment to talk with your tamariki about the risks vaping poses to their tinana. It is not safe for their young, developing bodies. Here is a helpful resource to support your kōrero:

🔗 KidsHealth: E-cigarettes and Teens

Our Whānau Leaders continue to visit their Whānau classrooms weekly celebrating the learning taking place across the school. We regularly hear positive feedback about the high levels of student engagement and the pride they take in their mahi. On occasion, I get the joy of witnessing this first-hand—particularly in the literacy library programme. The learning opportunities our kaiako are creating are truly exceptional.

We are so fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated kaimahi delivering meaningful, culturally connected learning experiences that honour the language, culture, and identity of our tamariki.

Tau kē koutou, ngā tamariki mā me ngā kaimahi—ka rawe te mahi!

Ngā mihi – Parent/Caregiver/Student/Teacher Interviews

A huge thank you to all the parents and caregivers who attended our Parent/Caregiver/Student/Teacher Interviews on Wednesday and/or phone interviews on Thursday. We value the opportunity to connect and strengthen the partnership between home and school so that together we can best support the learning, progress and success of our tamariki.

If you were unable to attend your scheduled interview, please don’t hesitate to email your child’s teacher directly or contact the school office to arrange another time that suits. We’re always happy to connect.

teachername/surname@wis.ac.nz

0ffice: 438 8659

Staffing Update

It is with sadness that we say haere rā to Nikole Whareaitu, Te Toropuke and classroom teacher of Ruma 18. Nikole has been a valued member of the WIS team for the past six years, with most of her teaching spent in Te Whānau o Waimirirangi. This year, Nikole chose to join Auraki: English Medium to further develop her understanding of the New Zealand Curriculum and assessment practices in English medium settings. Nikole has made the decision to relocate closer to her whānau in Foxton. We wish her all the very best for this next chapter.

Whaea Holly will begin maternity leave at the end of this term and is planning to return at the beginning of next year. We send our warmest wishes to her for the safe arrival of her first child and thank her for the care and dedication she brought to setting up Kohu, Ruma 8. The class was fortunate to begin their WIS journey with such an experienced and committed teacher.

Kirsten Burr has been appointed as the replacement teacher for Holly Weber during her maternity leave and will begin in Term 2. Kirsten previously taught at Mangawhai Beach School and is returning to the classroom following her own maternity leave. She will be teaching 0.8, with Whaea Maraina covering the remaining 0.2.

We are also pleased to welcome Karen Lambrechts as our new Learning Support Coordinator (LSC). Karen began in Week 9 of this term and joins us from Dargaville High School, where she was also the LSC.

It is with sadness that we say farewell to Tai Heke at the end of this term in his role as Te Hononga Navigator. Tai is heading to Perth to reconnect with his whānau and explore new work opportunities. We are incredibly grateful for the 2½ years Tai has dedicated to supporting our Year 7 boys, guiding them through their journey and transition into high school. His positive impact has been significant and lasting—particularly through his popular gym programme and his passion for touch rugby, which so many of our students thrived on. Tai will be deeply missed by both staff and students. We wish him all the very best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter. Haere rā, Tai—ma te wā!

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful students and our fabulous staff for all their mahi and commitment to learning and teaching. We have a tremendous bunch of students, and as Sir Kenneth Robinson espouses, ‘There is no system in the world or in any school in the country that is better than its teachers. Teachers are the lifeblood of the success of schools.’ He mihi mahana nui. We will see everyone back at school on Monday 28 April at 8:45am, bright eyed and bushy tailed! Kia pai tou wiki me hararei.

Have a great week and holiday.

Ma te wa, na Hayley Read. Principal of the best school in Whangārei with the coolest students (especially those who are demonstrating our school’s vision: ma te whanaungatanga, ka whai matauranga te akonga, ka tu rangatira).

‘Success Crowns Effort’

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