Week 1 Principal's News
Week 1 and how wonderful it is to be back at Kaikorai.
Cross Country 🏃🏻♀️
Excitement is building for next week’s Cross Country! Our event strikes a great balance between healthy competition and fun. For some of our tamariki, the main focus is pushing for a top spot to qualify for the Hills Cluster event. For others, it’s all about enjoying the run alongside their mates.
Just as we do across every area of the curriculum, we meet all our learners where they are and support them every step of the way. Next week will be no exception! Expect to see teachers running, plenty of cheering, and a whole lot of celebration for everyone.
If you're able to pop down to Bishopscourt on Tuesday, we’d love to see you! If not, don't worry, we’ll be sure to capture plenty of photos to share with you.
Screen use at Kaikorai 🛜
Having been Principal here for five years now, I’ve noticed a significant shift in what families ask when I take them on school tours. Five years ago, many parents wanted to know about our tech tools, iPad apps, and how we were preparing their children for a "modern digital world." Today, the most common question families ask is: "How much screen time do the children get?"
Here is how technology is used at our school:
Pīwakawaka Hapori-iPads have been completely removed from this syndicate. Teachers use slideshows to deliver the curriculum, and use songs or short clips to enrich a lesson, but the tamariki do not use devices themselves.
Tūī and Kererū Hapori -Students use school-owned Chromebooks for Google Classroom, the Google Suite, and other carefully vetted educational apps.
When showing whānau around, I explain our philosophy simply and clearly: we use devices when it is purposeful and planned, never just "because."
A quick note on wet lunchtimes: On days when it is simply too wet for outdoor play, our syndicates offer a variety of indoor spaces so every child can find something they enjoy, including quiet rooms, construction spaces, drawing rooms, and usually one classroom showing a movie.
2027 Enrolments Closing Soon ✅
Enrolments for 2027 close on August 31st. If you have a child turning 5 in 2027 who isn't enrolled yet, or if you know friends and whānau who plan to join us, please ensure applications are submitted before the deadline via our website.
I hope your children have enjoyed a smooth and happy return to school this week. As always, I am always open to a kōrero at any time.
Kia pai te rā whakatā - have a great weekend.
Principal's Awards ⭐️
Sabah | For your awesome start to Term 3! You are showing a real keenness to learn, and you have a wonderful positive attitude towards your tasks. Ka wani kē koe |
Cameron | For being a bright and positive member of our class. You always make others feel welcome; we are very lucky to have you in Rūma Tahi. Ka pai hoki koe! |
Hannah M | For demonstrating kindness, consideration and care for others. You can always be relied upon. He whetū koe |
Amber | For having a great start to the new term. You are positive about your learning and show kindness every day. Mīharo! |
Siaosi | For returning to school with a focused mindset and a readiness to learn. Ka wani kē koe! |
William | For your enthusiasm and effort when problem solving in mathematics. Ka mau te wehi! |
Freddie | For your thoughtful contributions during our class circle time sessions. You never fail to come up with caring and smart suggestions! |
James | For your impressive problem-solving skills in mathematics. You confidently lead others when sharing your ideas and thinking. Ka rawe! |
Beth L | For great improvements with your basic facts knowledge - ka pai |
Clara | For very careful measuring in maths time using different units of measurement |
Aubrey | For being super switched on for learning on Monday morning after the school holidays. Super impressed and proud of you, keep up the great mahi! |
Lukas | For working hard to complete your book club tasks every day to the best of your ability. Kia mau ki nga mahi pai! |
Fletcher B | For his focus during our reading and spelling sessions - always giving his best effort. Ka pai hoki koe! |
Meko | For the focus and effort he puts into group and partner activities during reading sessions. Mahi tika ana! |
Archie M | For the kindness he displays in the class. You make our classroom a lovely place to be. |
Ruby | For a fantastic start to Term 3! I can see you are trying so hard - Keep it up! Ka pai hoki koe |
Leqi | For the focus and engagement you show in all areas of your learning. You are such a keen learner, willing to give things a go. Ka pai! |
Alia | For the enthusiasm and effort you put into all your learning. You are such a careful listener and always try your best. Ka pai! |
Quinn | For the wonderful progress that she has made in all areas. You are displaying confidence, independence and a ‘can do’ attitude. Koia kei a koe! |
Lotte E | For being a happy, positive and enthusiastic class member who works hard at her learning and strives to achieve her goals. Ka mau te wehi! |
Evelyn J | For having a super start to the term. You are trying incredibly hard to reach your learning goals! Keep up the hard mahi, Evelyn! |
Joshua M | You're a true KAIK superstar! You are always kind, keen to learn, independent, and willing to give everything a go. Mīharo! |
Finley G | For returning to school after the holidays with an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards learning. Ka pai, Finn! |
Elijah | For putting great effort into all of your learning activities. You are a keen and enthusiastic learner! |
Willow T | For always trying your best and taking pride in your learning. Your confidence and hard work are shining through. Mīharo! |
Marley | For settling into school so well and bringing your smile and love of learning to Rūma Tekau mā Toru each day. Ka wani kē koe! |
Aidan | For trying all new activities in Room 14 with a positive attitude. Ka pai, Aidan! |
Alexander | For being an incredible independent worker in Room 14. You are a super star learner! |
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