Welcome to Kio Kio School. It is my pleasure, on behalf of our staff and Board of Trustees, to warmly welcome you and your whānau to our school community.
At Kio Kio School, we are proud to provide a learning environment where children are known, valued, and encouraged to thrive. We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are an important part of every child’s success, and we look forward to working alongside you during your child’s learning journey.
Situated in a beautiful rural setting just 10 minutes north of Otorohanga, Kio Kio School is a vibrant and well-resourced school with approximately 140 students. We are fortunate to offer a range of excellent facilities that support both learning and play, including seven classrooms, a library, recreation centre, swimming pool, two playing fields, two playgrounds, astroturf tennis courts with hockey and netball markings, a large sandpit, and a wide range of sports equipment.
We are proud of Kio Kio School’s strong reputation for providing high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for all learners. Our aim is to nurture confident, capable, and connected young people who are inspired to learn, challenge themselves, and contribute positively to the world around them.
Our classrooms are named after native New Zealand trees — Kōwhai, Pūriri, Pōhutukawa, Rimu, Tōtara, Kahikatea, and Kauri — and our students also belong to one of our four school houses: Kakepuku (Red), Pirongia (Blue), Puketarata (Green), and Maungatautari (Yellow), each named after significant local mountains. These features reflect our pride in our environment, our place, and our sense of belonging.
One of the things that makes Kio Kio School so special is our strong and supportive community. We are incredibly fortunate to have families who value education and contribute to the life of the school in so many ways. Parents and caregivers are always welcome, and we encourage you to become involved in the many opportunities and events that help make our school such a positive place to learn and grow.
Our school community is made up of families from a range of backgrounds, including many from local farming families and others who travel from town. This diversity adds to the unique character of our school and strengthens the sense of connection and community we are so proud of.
I hope this booklet gives you a helpful insight into life at Kio Kio School. We look forward to welcoming you and your family and sharing in your child’s educational journey.
Ngā mihi,
Pip Were
Principal