Week 9

Term One, Week 9 in Kauri

Farewells

This week we say goodbye to Macie and her family who are returning to the U.S. Thank you for showing our School Values and demonstrating We Make a Difference | Nā mātou he rerekē Macie. You will be missed! 

Last week we also said goodbye to Mikyla who has gone on maternity leave. Thank you for your mahi over this year Mikyla. 

House Games

A big thank you to our leaders who led the whole school in House Games on Tuesday. What a fun afternoon we had out on the field. Our younger tamariki had huge smiles on their faces as they got to know their House Captains and Deputies. Great job!

Inquiry 

 

We have been digging into the '7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens'.

This learning was re-enforced by our Leadership Speakers. 

Habit #6:Synergise - working together and valuing each other in a team. 

Gem Macky emphasised this in the rowing team when she spoke about your actions making the boat go faster. 

Adam Whitlock expanded on this by discussing the hefty financial fine you pay if you are late to practice and play for The Crusaders. 

Our next focus is on Leaders who inspire us and how they demonstrate the 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'

Students choose their own leader from a variety of backgrounds science, sports, politics, arts and culture. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning- PB4L

What is a friend, what is an acquaintance? 

This has been further discussed in Kauri Team Hui when we look at how we treat people around us. 

Passions
 

In 'Passions' we really see our school values in action. 

 

Check out some of the things we have been doing:

CYBERSAFETY

Awareness of Online Harm

Many parents didn’t grow up with the internet, so it can be hard to imagine how tamariki may use it. But these days, digital technology is a key part of our young people’s lives. They use it for learning, communicating and entertainment.

Netsafe has released research that looked into parental awareness of children’s experiences of online risks and harm. The research found a mismatch between parents’ awareness and their children’s experiences of upsetting online content.

To check out the research, and other Netsafe resources, visit this link.  

Team Kauri Week 7, Term 1 2025

Team Kauri have had a busy couple of weeks since we got back from camp. We have held our swimming sports at Wharenui pool and selected students then participated in the South Zones on Thursday March 13th. Our students represented our school amazingly. A special shoutout to our sportsmanlike conduct at the pool.

We have also hosted a number of speakers this week who have spoken to us about Leadership. On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hosting: Gen Macky (Olympic ambassador), Cameron Snell (Coach and Kickboxer) and Adam Whitelock (former NZ rugby player) who shared their stories and the challenges they have had to overcome. This has given the students in Team Kauri valuable insight into what qualities we need to be leaders, role-models and high performing individuals. 

Students are settling into the routines of the Kauri space and loving especially our Passion friday activities. Cooking is an absolute favourite and for those who haven't had the opportunity to cook or make something ourselves have been enjoying the delicious aroma's wafting from the kitchen.

The next couple of weeks will see students completing more outcomes for their Passion projects and preparing inquiry presentations focusing on how we can be effective leaders in our school.

Some of our Team Kauri boys with Cameron Snell.

Some Staff who are obvious fans of Adam Whitelock.

Our Olympic Ambassador guest Gen Macky with some our Kauri students.

Farewell Mikyla

This coming week we will farewell Mikyla who has been an amazing asset to the Kauri staff. We wish Mikyla well as she prepares for her new baby. Thank you so much for all your awesome mahi Mikyla! Good luck and don't forget to come visit with bubba when she arrives.

Online Safety: Gaming

Eighty percent of tamariki in New Zealand aged 8-17 have played games online. Games can have many benefits: entertainment, social opportunities, coordination development, problem-solving and multitasking skills. But, most of all, gaming is popular because it’s fun. 

But games can be tough for parents and whānau to navigate. How much gaming is too much? How do I make sure my tamariki aren’t seeing inappropriate content or chatting in-game with strangers?

Today we’re sharing Netsafe’s Online Gaming Whānau Toolkit so you have all the resources you need to keep your kids safe. 

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/rPN_ev1RSDQ

Wainui Camp 2025

 Wainui Camp 2025: A Journey of Growth and Adventure

Our recent Wainui Camp was more than just a fun getaway—it was an experience that brought our school's core values to life. Throughout our adventures, we discovered what it means to care for one another, work as a team, embrace challenges, pursue learning and make a real difference.

From the moment we arrived, the spirit of care was evident. Whether it was encouraging a friend to take a leap off the wharf, supporting teammates during coasteering or respecting the natural world while hunting for pāua and crabs, our tamariki showed kindness and responsibility in action.

Teamwork was at the heart of our experience. Success in activities like kayaking, shelter building, and orienteering relied on collaboration rather than individual effort. Using UHF radios during our search and rescue mission to locate Bob reinforced the power of clear communication and working together. Every challenge reminded us that we get there together.

Stepping outside our comfort zones became a common theme. The giant swing and high ropes tested our limits, while coasteering and wharf jumping pushed us to be bold. These moments weren’t just about adrenaline—they were about discovering resilience, trust, and courage.

Learning at Wainui extended far beyond the classroom. Each activity offered hands-on lessons, from navigation skills in orienteering to problem-solving in search and rescue. Even exploring the coastline became an opportunity to deepen our understanding of nature and resourcefulness.

As we return to school, we carry with us not just memories of an incredible camp but a stronger sense of confidence, teamwork, and adventure. Wainui Camp 2025 has set the tone for an exciting year ahead, and we can’t wait to see how these experiences continue to shape us as individuals and as a team.

Fantastic Start for Team Kauri 2025, Week 3, Term 1

 We are off to a fantastic start in the Kauri team, with our Year 7 and 8 ākonga settling into their new routines, forming connections and stepping up as leaders in our kura. The start of the school year is always an exciting time and we’re focused on building a strong foundation for learning, teamwork and personal growth.

At the heart of everything we do are our school values like: "We get there together." This has been a guiding principle in our first few weeks, as students have worked together to support one another, take on new challenges and prepare for a fun year ahead.

Building Strong Connections

Transitioning into Year 7 and 8 brings new experiences, responsibilities and opportunities. To help everyone feel at home, we’ve engaged in a range of getting-to-know-you activities and team-building challenges. These games and collaborative tasks have helped students forge friendships, develop trust and learn the importance of working together.

Preparing for Wainui Camp

One of the most anticipated events in Kauri is our upcoming camp at Wainui! The students are already buzzing with excitement as we begin our preparations. They have been learning about resilience and problem-solving skills that will be put to the test in the outdoor adventures ahead. We can’t wait to see them challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zones and build even stronger bonds as a team. 

Creative & Active Learning

Kauri students have already thrown themselves into their learning with enthusiasm. From tie-dying tops (which turned out amazing!) to creating artwork that reflects their personal stories, creativity has been flowing. In sport, students have been getting active and showing great sportsmanship as they dive into new games and activities.

Stepping Up as Leaders

A highlight for many students has been the assignment of leadership roles. Whether as house leaders, peer mediators or members of the admin team, our Year 7 and 8s are stepping up and embracing the opportunity to make a difference in our kura. Leadership in Kauri is all about service, responsibility and leading by example, and we’re already seeing some fantastic leadership in action.

Looking Ahead

As we settle into Term 1, there is so much to look forward to. We’ll continue to explore new learning opportunities, develop our leadership skills, and most importantly, support one another in achieving our goals. Because in Kauri, We get there together!

Staying Safe Online

As our tamariki spend more time online, it’s important parents and whānau help them

stay safe. Now is a great time to talk to them about how we use the internet and digital

technology.

Netsafe has created an Online Safety Parent Toolkit so parents, families and whānau have

all the information they need to talk about online safety.

If you or anyone in your whānau needs support, you can contact Netsafe.

Kauri Whānau Update: Term 4, week 6

 In this blog post:

• Production
• Victoria Park Walk
• Year 8 Pool Party
• Cass Bay
• Leavers Farewell

We have an extremely busy time ahead; here are some important dates and information for you.

Production: Held in the school hall Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th December-7pm!

We are busy gearing up for our production-'A walk through Aotearoa, New Zealand History.' This production has got our tamariki fizzing; it is student-led, and everyone has been very engaged. We are currently busy learning lines, dances, songs, and making props.

More to come from homegroup teachers about what students will need for costumes.

Students will need to be at school by 6:30pm both nights.

Victoria Park Walk:

We are carrying out our annual hike up to Vic Park on Monday the 9th December. Thank you to all of the parents who have said they can come and help. If you would like to accompany us please fill in this parent helper form HERE.

We will leave school at 10am and leave Vic Park to return at 1:30pm.

I have attached the SOCIAL STORY link, which has all of the relevant information. We will start to go through this with our homegroups over the next couple of weeks.

Year 8 Pool Party:

This is also happening on Monday, 9th of December, and is for our Year 8 students only.

We are going to meet at Waltham Pool from 4-6pm; students need to make their own way there and home.

Students' need to provide pool entry of $3.80 and $2 for the use of the hydroslide if they choose.

We will provide a sausage sizzle on the BBQ.

They will sleep well on Monday night!

Cass Bay:

We are heading to Cass Bay on Thursday, 12th of December. We will leave school by bus at 11pm and return at 3pm.

Students are encouraged to wear their togs underneath their activewear so that they can quickly get changed at Cass Bay.

Students need a big packed lunch; they can organise to share a lunch with friends. Please make sure all sharing food is nut-free.

They also need a sunhat (compulsory) sunscreen, any medication such as inhalers, a towel, and a warm jacket.

Optional: A book, card game, water shoes, long-sleeved rashshirt are a great idea, and shoes for around and on the rocks.

Phones are to be left at school as normal.

We will be working through a social story around this trip over the next couple of weeks.

We still need a few more parent helpers for this trip; we're not quite there with numbers for our student-to-adult water ratio. Please use the above form linked in the Victoria Park walk blurb if you can come!

Leavers' Farewell-Year 8 parents only:

This is to be held on Monday, 16th of December, at 11am in our school hall. It is followed by a luncheon. This is the final day for our Year 8 students.

Please indicate on this FORM whether you are able to attend  and if you have any dietry requirements.

Thanks for reading to the bitter end; there is a lot of information, and I will keep sharing it until closer to the time.