PRINCIPAL NEWS
Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau o Kio Kio School,
Our POWER value focus this half of the term has been Wonder. Wonder encourages us to be curious, ask questions, and seek to understand the world around us. At our school assembly this week, I challenged students to think differently about everyday objects and experiences by asking questions such as "How does that work?", "Why is it designed that way?" or "What would happen if...?".
It has been wonderful to see students embracing this challenge in their classrooms. Across the school, our learners are showing wonder through their curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and willingness to explore new ideas. These qualities are helping them become confident, engaged learners who take ownership of their learning.
As we move through this longer 11-week term, many of us are beginning to feel the effects of winter. Tiredness, busy schedules, approaching deadlines, winter illnesses and the shorter days can all take their toll. This is a timely reminder to look after yourselves and one another. Take time to rest, simplify where you can, and remember that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Together, we can help reduce pressure and support one another through what is always a busy time of year.
Community Consultation – Shaping Our Future Together
The Board of Trustees is beginning the process of developing Kio Kio School's next Strategic Plan, which will guide the direction and priorities of our school from 2027–2029.
As we look to the future, it is important that our strategic goals reflect the aspirations, values and priorities of our students, whānau and wider community. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of our community help shape the decisions we make and the direction we take.
An online community consultation questionnaire will be shared early in Term 3, providing an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, ideas and aspirations for Kio Kio School.
We strongly encourage all families and members of our wider community to take the time to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will play an important role in helping us develop a strategic plan that reflects what matters most to our community.
Thank you in advance for your support and contribution. Together, we can continue to build a strong future for Kio Kio School and our tamariki.
Ōtorohanga College Production – Back to the 80s
Last week, our senior students attended the Ōtorohanga College production, Back to the 80s. The cast showcased an incredible range of talents through their singing, dancing, acting and musicianship.
It was particularly special to see several former Kio Kio School students performing confidently on stage and demonstrating how their talents have continued to grow throughout their secondary schooling. The professionalism, energy and enthusiasm of the performers made for a fantastic production.
Our students were captivated by the show and left feeling inspired as we begin preparations for our own school production, The Jungle Book, which will be performed in Term 3. Mrs Karen Coleman and Mrs Paige Kelly will be conducting auditions in the coming weeks as we begin assembling our cast ahead of rehearsals next term.
King Country Rugby Tackle 5 Competition
Last week, we took two Year 5 & 6 teams to compete in the Northern King Country Tackle 5 Rugby Competition.
Both teams represented Kio Kio School with pride, displaying excellent teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day. Our students made some outstanding tackles and demonstrated impressive rugby skills against strong opposition.
Congratulations to our Year 5–6 A team, who finished as runners-up and have qualified for the King Country Finals in Taumarunui next week. We wish the team all the very best and look forward to hearing about their experiences and successes.
Student Achievement Reports and Parent Interviews
Student reports will be sent home on Friday, 26 June.
We encourage all parents and caregivers to spend time reviewing the report with their child. These conversations provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate progress, acknowledge successes and discuss goals for continued growth.
Parent-teacher interviews will be held on:
- Tuesday 30 June
- Wednesday 1 July
To accommodate interviews, all students will need to be collected from school at 1:00pm on both days. Interviews will commence from 2:00 pm onwards.
Bookings can be made through the eTap @school app or by contacting the school office.
These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, discuss your child's progress and identify ways we can work together to support their learning journey.
Understanding Student Achievement Reporting
Following the information shared in our previous newsletter, I would like to provide further explanation around how student achievement is assessed and reported.
At Kio Kio School, achievement information is gathered from a range of assessment tools, classroom observations, student work samples, moderated teacher discussions and ongoing learning evidence. Teachers then use this information to make an Overall Teacher Judgement (OTJ).
An OTJ is not based on a single test result. Instead, it combines multiple sources of evidence to provide the most accurate picture possible of a student's achievement and progress over time.
The Ministry of Education's refreshed curriculum uses the following achievement descriptors:
- Emerging – Beginning to develop the knowledge and skills expected.
- Developing – Making progress towards expected curriculum outcomes.
- Consolidating – Working within expected curriculum progressions and on track to meet end-of-year expectations.
- Proficient – Consistently meeting curriculum expectations.
- Exceeding – Working beyond expected curriculum progressions.
Students are taught curriculum content at their year level, ensuring all learners have access to age-appropriate learning opportunities while receiving the support and extension they need to succeed.
Please Note: Due to the significant changes to mid-year reporting requirements and the implementation of the Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, some assessment information may not be available across all curriculum areas and year levels in this reporting cycle. This is due to technical challenges currently being experienced by our Student Management System (SMS) provider as they work to adapt to the rapid changes being introduced by the Ministry of Education. We appreciate your patience and understanding as these systems continue to be updated and refined.
Mid-Year Achievement Snapshot
Our analysis of mid-year achievement data shows positive progress towards our annual achievement targets.
Students achieving within the Consolidating, Proficient and Exceeding bands are considered to be on track, working at or above expected curriculum progressions for this point in the year.
Kio Kio Student Achievement Results for Mid-Year 2026:
Learning Area | Consolidating, Proficient & Exceeding
- Mathematics | 68.2%
- Reading | 63.0%
- Writing | 53.8%
These results indicate that a significant majority of students are making expected progress in their learning, with Mathematics continuing to be a particular area of strength. We are encouraged by the positive shifts evident across all learning areas and remain focused on accelerating progress for students who require additional support. Our teachers continue to use achievement information carefully to plan targeted teaching and ensure every learner has opportunities for success.
Ronald McDonald House Pyjama Day – Friday 26 June
This year, Kio Kio School will once again support Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organisation that provides accommodation, care and support for families who need to travel away from home while their child receives medical treatment.
Students are invited to come to school dressed in their pyjamas and bring along a gold coin donation. We look forward to supporting this worthwhile cause while enjoying a day at school.
Thank You to Our Supporters Committee
A huge thank you to our incredible Supporters Committee for their ongoing commitment to our school and students.
Recent contributions include:
- Chromebooks – $3,000
- Junior reading books – $1,000
- School production resources – $2,000
- Sports camp contribution – $100 per child
These generous contributions have a significant impact on the opportunities available to our students.
In addition, the Board has allocated:
- A further $3,000 towards Chromebooks, enabling the purchase of 15 new devices.
- 28 new student desks for Kahikatea Class.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a community that continually invests in the success and wellbeing of our tamariki.
Āria Orienteering Event
Tomorrow, approximately 80 students from Years 4–8 will travel to Āria to participate in the annual Orienteering Event.
Orienteering challenges students to navigate their way around a course using a map to locate checkpoints spread across several paddocks. While students compete individually to finish finding their allocated checkpoints the fastest, they also compete as a team. Once students have finished their map and handed it in at the finishing desk, they can head back out to help their teammates find their checkpoints.
Thank you to the many parents who are assisting with transportation and supervision. Your support makes opportunities such as this possible.
Tough Guy & Gal Challenge
A huge thank you to Mrs Emma Telfer for organising our students' participation in the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge.
The event provided students with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, demonstrate resilience and challenge themselves physically and mentally. It was fantastic to see such high levels of participation, encouragement and determination throughout the day. We are proud of all students who represented our school and embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser
We are launching a school-wide Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser. Each family is asked to sell one box of chocolate bars, with each bar priced at $2. There are 30 bars in each box.
Boxes can be collected from the school office during office hours next week or during parent-teacher interview days. Once a box has been collected, the cost will be added to your school account. Cash payments returned to the office will be credited against your account balance.
This is one of our school-led major fundraisers for the year, with a goal of selling 120 boxes. If you are unable to sell a box, please contact the office.
Thank you for supporting this fundraiser. Every box sold contributes directly to opportunities and resources for our students.
Attendance – Showing Up Makes a Difference
We are pleased to see continued improvement in student attendance across the school. Ka pai, tamariki mā!
Regular attendance is one of the strongest indicators of student success. Every day at school provides valuable opportunities for learning, building relationships and participating in experiences that cannot be replicated when absent.
Thank you to all families who prioritise regular attendance and support their children to be at school each day.
Fieldays Attendance Coding
This year, many Kio Kio families attended the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek.
The Board has agreed that attendance at Fieldays can provide rich, authentic learning experiences aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum. Students are exposed to innovations in agriculture, science, technology, environmental sustainability and primary industries, while also developing an understanding of sectors that are vital to our local community and New Zealand's economy.
As a result, students attending Fieldays will be recorded using the Ministry of Education attendance code Q (School-sanctioned activity), recognising the valuable educational opportunities that participation provides.
End of Term Celebration Assembly
Our Celebration Assembly will return to its usual time of 2:00pm on Friday 3rd July.
We warmly invite all whānau to join us as we celebrate student achievements, reflect on our learning throughout Term 2, and acknowledge the many successes and experiences shared across our school community.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the term. Whether you are helping with homework, transporting students to events, volunteering your time, supporting fundraising efforts or cheering from the sidelines, your contribution helps make Kio Kio School the special place it is.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events over the final weeks of term.
Ngā mihi nui,
Pip Were
Principal
Principal
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