“Mistakes show you're trying, and small steps each day lead to big change.”
Kia ora e te whānau,
At Kio Kio School, we believe that learning is a journey powered by effort, courage, and persistence. Mistakes are not setbacks—they are stepping stones to success. Every small step forward, every challenge faced, and every mistake made is part of the progress our tamariki are making each day. It’s through trying, failing, and trying again that true growth happens.
Sometimes we make mistakes in our learning, but we keep going, and each attempt brings us closer to understanding. At times, we make mistakes in our friendships too, but even these moments provide valuable opportunities to learn how to listen, apologise, problem-solve, and respond with kindness. Let’s continue to support our learners as they grow not only in knowledge but in character too.
At our Final Celebration Assembly this Friday, 27 June at 2 pm, we will honour the students who have consistently demonstrated our Kio Kio POWER values through their learning, their play, their behaviour, and the way they relate to others. These students have shown remarkable growth not only in their academic efforts but also in how they navigate friendships and respond to challenges with resilience. We warmly invite all whānau to join us as we reflect on a busy and fulfilling Term 2 and celebrate these wonderful achievements.
Matariki Celebrations
Last week, we celebrated an incredible Matariki Week at Kio Kio School. Under the leadership of Larna Culpan, our staff led students through meaningful learning experiences—from our Maunga Group rotations to exploring the protocols, preparations, and process of putting down a traditional hāngī.
A huge thank you to the wonderful whānau who supported every stage of the hāngī—preparing food, digging the pit, donating ingredients and firewood, lighting the fire, and overseeing the process from start to finish. It was a powerful and memorable experience for our tamariki, topped off by enjoying the delicious kai together as a school community.
We are incredibly grateful to all those who took time out of their daily life to be part of this day. Your generosity, time, and aroha made our Matariki celebration truly special.
A highlight of the week was the Hautapu Ceremony—a traditional dawn ritual held to honour loved ones who have passed and to welcome the rising of the Matariki stars. Led by Anaru Morgan, the ceremony included karakia offered by our students for each of the nine stars of Matariki. It was a moving and spiritual moment, strengthening our connection to the meaning and values of this special time in the Māori calendar.
Parent Interviews
Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who took the time to come into school and meet with your child’s teacher. These conversations are incredibly valuable opportunities to celebrate student progress, share insights, and strengthen the vital partnership between home and school.
When whānau and teachers work together, it has a powerful impact on a child’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. We appreciate your ongoing support and the role you play in helping our tamariki thrive.
Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser
A huge thank you to all the families who have already sold their box of chocolate bars as part of our school fundraiser—we truly appreciate your support!
A special shout-out to Hayleigh Richardson and Ange Richards, who have each sold over ten boxes—an incredible effort!
We still have around 16 boxes to sell. If your whānau is able to take on just one more box over the holiday break, it would make a big difference. Every box sold helps raise valuable funds to support our students and school programmes.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity!
School Disco – Thursday 17 July
Our amazing Student Councillors are busy planning this term’s School Disco, happening on Thursday 17 July!
The theme is Matching Outfits—so grab a buddy, sibling, or friend and coordinate your look! Or simply come dressed in your favourite fun outfit. Everyone is welcome to join the party in their own style.
Please see the poster in this newsletter for all the details, including times, entry cost, and what’s on offer. We can’t wait to see everyone there for a night of music, dancing, and fun!
Pyjama Day for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Today, many of our students came to school in their pyjamas to show support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodation and support for families with children in hospital. Thanks to everyone who participated—we love seeing our students taking action to support others with empathy and compassion. Together, we raised awareness and $202 for an important cause while having a little fun along the way!
Kowhai Class in their pyjamas
~THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU~THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU ~
We are incredibly grateful to our amazing Supporters Committee, who have once again gone above and beyond for our school community. Thanks to their hard work and generosity, we now have three brand new shade sails installed on our school grounds. These vibrant additions will provide much-needed shade and shelter for our students during break times and outdoor learning. A special thank you goes to Steph Hughes, whose dedication behind the scenes—applying for grants, coordinating logistics, and keeping things moving—made this project possible. The sails look fantastic, and we are so appreciative of everyone who helped bring this to life for our tamariki.
Wishing You a Safe & Restful Break
As we wrap up Term 2, I want to thank each and every one of you—students, staff, and whānau—for your hard work, kindness, and commitment to our school community.
I wish you all a safe, restful, and joyful two-week break. May it be filled with family time, fresh air, laughter, and a chance to recharge.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 14 July, beginning with a Whakatau to welcome new students and families and to mark the start of Term 3 together.
Ngā mihi nui, Pip Were Principal
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTE SECRETARY VACANCY
On the Board of Trustees, we have a paid vacancy for the role of Minute Secretary. If you are interested in taking on the responsibility of recording the minutes at our meetings, we would love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Pip Were at principal@kiokio.school.nz or the school office.
NOTICE OF UPCOMING PARENT ELECTIONS
Cover Letter and Nomination form will be emailed to all eligible voters on Monday 14th July.
MATARIKI REPORT
SCHOOL DISCO
IMPORTANT DATES
2025 TERM DATES Term 2 - Mon 28th Apr - Fri 27th June Term 3 - Mon 14th July - Fri 19th Sept Term 4 - Mon 6th October - 17th Dec
JUNE 2025 27th June - Celebration Assembly 27th June - Last Day of Term 2
JULY 2025 14th July - 1st day of Term 3 14th July - Whakatau 9.15am 17th July - School Disco 29th July - Board of Trustees Meeting 6.30pm
AUGUST 2025 6th August - Cross Country 13th August - COPS Cross Crountry 15th August - Celebration Assembly 19th August - Speech Finals 27th August - KCR Ripper Festival 29th August - Daffodil Day
SEPTEMBER 2025 3rd September - COPS Mathletics 4th September - Photolife School Photos 8th - 12th Sept - Sports Camp 16th September - Badminton Cup 19th September - Celebration Assembly
OUR SCHOOL VALUES
EVERYDAY NOTICES
BREAKFAST CLUB
We are still on the lookout for parent volunteers to run the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for approximately 3/4 of an hour before school. If you are able to help out please contact the school office.
STUDENT ABSENCES
If your child is going to be absent from school, please advise the office by phone (078731816), email (admin@kiokio.school.nz) or the absent tab on the @School Parent APP with the reason so the absence can be marked correctly for the Ministry of Education. If the school is not notified, the child is deemed TRUANT and marked accordingly. If your child is late to school, they must come to the office and sign in on the electronic register.
STUDENTS ENTERING & LEAVING SCHOOL
Please make sure that your child/ren are dropped off and collected from the bus shelter each day. We are enforcing safety rules at school pick-up and drop-off. Children are NOT to open our school gates. Parents are required to drop off inside the gate and come into the school grounds to collect their children. This is a safety measure. Our carpark is very busy at the end of the day and we need to do everything we can to keep everyone safe.
BUS BOOK REMINDER
Please ensure that the school office is informed early if your child won't be on the school bus in the afternoon. We also need to be contacted if your child/ren are getting off at another stop. You can do this by phoning the school office on 07 8731816 or emailing admin@kiokio.school.nz
PEANUT ALLERGY
We have a student in Kahikatea class with a severe peanut allergy who cannot come into contact with peanuts or products with peanuts in them. We ask that parents do not send peanuts or any peanut related products to school, so that we can keep this student safe. Thank you for your understanding.
LOST PROPERTY
LOST PROPERTY IS CALLING OUT!
Our Lost Property bin is overflowing and some of the items are crying out for help – quite literally!
Please check the Lost Property area outside the Rec Centre and encourage your children to take a look too. Named items will be returned to students, but unnamed gear is piling up fast.
Help reunite our poor hats, jerseys, shoes, and lunchboxes with their rightful homes!
NEXT BOT MEETING - 29th July 2025 at 6.30pm
AGRICULTURAL DAY 2025
LIBRARY THANK YOU
FRIDAY LUNCHES AVAILABLE
Please place order by each THURSDAY, 7PM:
Note Email Address: orders@fatkiwicafe.co.nz
Email : orders@fatkiwicafe.co.nz
Phone: 07 2146300
with each child's first and last name, class name & when the payment was made online.
Bank details: Account 02-0316-0562720-000
KIO KIO SCHOOL POLICIES
SCHOOL DOCS:
At Kio Kio School, our school policies are provided by SchoolDocs. SchoolDocs is an independent service that provides core policies that meet legislative and regulatory requirements and good practice, incorporating relevant school-specific information. If you would like to view any of these documents please log on to 1. www.schooldocs.co.nz 2. Click Search for your school - Start typing the school's name and then select from the dropdown list 3. Username: Kiokio Password: 3974
We would like to bring to your attention the following policies to read and update on procedures.
Attendance Behaviour Concerns and complaints Digital Technology and online safety Learning support Reporting
CALF SCHEME
Kio Kio School Calf Scheme – 2025
This year, our Supporters’ Committee is running the annual Calf Scheme fundraiser, and we are once again calling on our wonderful local farming community for support.
The scheme asks farmers to donate and rear a calf, which will be collected and sold in November. All funds raised go directly towards supporting teaching and learning resources for our students.
If you are in a position to participate or would like more information, please contact:
Kio Kio School Office: 07 873 1816
Dan Brice: 027 439 7037
Thank you in advance for your support — every calf counts!
SUPPORTERS COMMITTEE FUNDRAISER
🖤❤️ WINTER IS HERE… STAY DRY IN STYLE! ❤️🖤
Our Kio Kio School umbrellas are the perfect way to beat the winter blues 🌧️
These high-quality, large red-and-black umbrellas proudly feature our school logo and are available now for just $30!
🎯 Available from the school office
💧 Perfect for school pick-ups, sports days, and everyday use
🌂 Proudly supporting the Kio Kio School Supporters’ Committee
Get yours before they’re gone — limited stock available!
Community Notices
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FAMILIES WHO HAVE NOMINATED KIO KIO SCHOOL. We have received $170.22 for the Cash of Communities programme during the spring of 2024.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM – BASKETBALL FUN FOR KIDS AGED 5–13
1st & 2nd July | 9am–3pm | Te Awamutu College
$30 per day, per child
Looking for something active, fun, and affordable for the kids these school holidays?
We’re running two awesome days of basketball-based games, challenges, and skills for boys and girls in Years 1-8. Whether your child is just starting out or already plays, this is a great chance to build confidence, make friends, and stay active in a safe but competitive environment.
All skill levels welcome
Fun team competitions
Great coaches & structured sessions
Screen-free, high-energy days!
We have some Te Awamutu College players helping out these Holidays, and we are excited to see them showcase some of their skills!
Back by popular demand, our Kids go FREE promotion is happening again for the July School Holidays. Kids (up to 16 years) can visit our Southern Enclosure for free during the school holidays with a paying adult.
Don't forget about our family-friendly activity sheets available through the visitor centre. Why not come and explore some of the tracks of the southern enclosure that you haven’t ventured out on yet?
The school holidays are also a great time for a pre-visit if you’re thinking of bringing your class out for a trip in 2025/2026.
Wow… can you believe it’s almost July already! The school holidays are approaching FAST! As always - we have some exciting FREE arts and crafts activities happening for the kids these school holidays. Join us instore during the school holidays and make your very own Calendar or Journal - everything supplied! Just come along on weekdays held Mondays through to Friday between 10am-2pm.
This is a fabulously fun scrapbooking activity. If you have a favourite photo at home - bring it along to personalise your creation. Whether it’s a snap of the family, a pet, or a special moment — it’s a wonderful way for kids to get crafty, make something meaningful, and have fun in a safe, welcoming space. We can’t wait to see you - spread the word and join us for this free school holiday event!
Please note the following:
• This is an outside activity. The activity will be postponed if the
weather is wet (if unsure, please call 07 8786622 in advance)
• The activity takes approx 20-30min to complete
• Children must be always accompanied by a supervising adult
• Please - there are a lot of kids to spread the love around and we want to make sure no one misses out… strictly one activity per child.
• Our instore craft activities are provided for kids aged 4-14 years FREE (100% funded by Shoppington). A Koha collection box is available for those wishing to make a donation with all proceeds going to the I Am Hope foundation for kids.
• For more information, please call us on 07 878 6622