Final Principal's News 12/12/25

Kia ora Kaikorai whānau,

We have had an incredibly successful year. I look forward to sharing the findings of the Community Consultation with you next week, as I think they indicate what a successful school, Kaikorai Primary, is.

Some standout highlights for me this year personally are the production - first time at The Regent Theatre, our entire Pīwakawaka Hapori on stage for Polyfest, two stunning murals completed, a successful working bee, new hanging bars installed, the whole school visiting Araiteuru Marae, record numbers of tamariki representing Kaikorai in sports teams, 10 members of the community standing for The School Board, not to mention fantastic assessment data. I am so proud to lead our school and serve our community, and I thank you for your support this year.

To my amazing team around me - the people your children look up to, talk about and adore - thank you for everything you have done to make Kaikorai a highly successful school. You deserve a restful and calm Summer holiday surrounded by people you love - thank you, I appreciate you ALL.

We wish Miss Rosarah Hardie and her partner, Sam all the best for their wedding in January, and we look forward to welcoming Mrs Johnston back in 2026.

Please note that the office, teachers, and I will have our out-of-office notifications activated on our emails throughout the summer break.

We will not be checking messages during this time and will respond to any messages upon our return to work on Monday, January 26, 2026.

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Community Consultation ✅

Thank you for your contributions to the Community Consultations - we had 152 responses (from 250 families) - this is incredible. This is a 60% return rate. The winner of the grocery voucher was John and Emily H. This was chosen via a random generator (see photo).

The survey yielded unbelievable responses, which I am very proud of. I will share this with the Board at Tuesday night's meeting, then provide a quick summary via Email to you all on Wednesday. In 2026, we will share the findings in more detail, along with the implications of the consultation.

Outstanding invoices

As mentioned in previous newsletters, we cannot carry over the debt level ($9891) into 2026.

Moving into 2026, to register your child for a sports team, you will need to ensure that previous fees have been paid and that fees for the current season have been paid.

As always, please have a conversation with me if you would like some help with this.

Farewell Year Sixes 👋🏻

On Wednesday evening, we proudly celebrated our Year 6 ākonga and their whānau.

We want to acknowledge the remarkable young people they are: resilient, curious, knowledgeable, and independent. We are so incredibly proud to call them Kaik Kids.

We thank them for their leadership and all they have contributed to Kaikorai School. We have truly loved having you lead our school community.

Whānau Helpers morning tea 🍰

Yesterday, we celebrated the incredible members of our school community who generously give their time to support Kaikorai and our tamariki.

Whether it’s helping with:

• Road patrol

• Classroom activities and trips

• Our Parents’ Group

• School camps

• Swimming lessons

• Coaching sports teams

• Serving on the School Board

...and so much more, the list of ways you help is truly endless.

A HUGE thanks to our families who have been connected to Kaikorai for many years, and their official Kaik connection ends next week. These folks have been on road patrol for 8 years, the Parents' Group for 12 years, etc. - a fantastic contribution - we see you and thank you!

We simply cannot be the school we are without your support!

Toby Robins Values Award 🏆

Congratulations to Fergus C, who was the winner of the Term 4 Toby Robins Values Award - this is what his teacher had to say about him:

Fergus, you are a SUPER hardworking and resilient learner who approaches every challenge with determination to do your best. You persevere, even when tasks are difficult, demonstrating a level of concentration and focus that sets a strong example for your peers. Your commitment to giving your best effort each day makes you a valuable role model within our classroom.

Fergus, you are always kind, caring, and conscientious, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. You arrive at school with a positive attitude each day, ready to learn and contribute. Your enthusiasm for learning and respectful, thoughtful nature help to create a supportive and encouraging classroom environment for everyone.

It has been a real pleasure teaching you this year. You are a fantastic Kaik kid! 

Congratulations to the children who were nominated for the award.

Thank you, and have a fabulous Summer break ☀️

Beth Downie

Principal.