Principal's Kōrero
Sunny West
Tēnā tātou e ngā mātua, e te whānau o tō tātou kura,
Welcome back to kura for the start of 2026. We hope you all enjoyed a safe, energising break spent with whānau, friends, and loved ones. I am sure you will all agree that it will be great to have our tamariki back onsite and ready for a positive year of learning, growth, and connection.
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with information regarding which kaiako are teaching in which rooms for the coming year. We have made a couple of appointments during the term break and we are now in a position where we are able to share this information formally with you all.
Classroom Teachers for 2026
We are pleased to share our classroom organisation for the start of the 2026 school year. These placements have been made with careful consideration of student wellbeing, learning needs, and continuity.
We have three new teachers joining our Auraki team this year.
Whaea Steph Graham will be hosting room 1 Akomanga Kererū,
Whaea Megan Archer will be hosting room 10 Akomanga Kākāpō
Whaea Mandy Stichbury will be releasing Whaea Sharon 2 days and other kaiako 1 day.
Other relievers will be working across the school during the year to provide staff cover when they are sick or when release is required for administration.
We have three new teachers joining our Auraki team this year.
Whaea Steph Graham will be hosting room 1 Akomanga Kererū,
Whaea Megan Archer will be hosting room 10 Akomanga Kākāpō
Whaea Mandy Stichbury will be releasing Whaea Sharon 2 days and other kaiako 1 day.
Other relievers will be working across the school during the year to provide staff cover when they are sick or when release is required for administration.
Auraki Ākomanga:
- Room 1 (Years 6 - 8): Whaea Steph
- Room 2 (Years 5 - 6): Matua Gurdeep/ Whaea Sue
- Room 9 (Years 2-3) : Matua Thomas
- Room 10 (Years 3- 4): Whaea Megan
- Room 8 (Years 1-3): Whaea Sharon /Whaea Mandy
- Room 7 (Years 0 -1 ): Whaea Lorrayne/ Whaea Sandra C
Rūmaki Ākomanga:
- Rūmaki Korimako : Whaea Tracy
- Rūmaki Kōkako, Kawau and Kiwi : Matua Cedric, Whaea Erin, Whaea Gaylene
In support of these spaces will also include our Kaiāwhina Whaea Nianna and Whaea Mahinaarangi
We are seeking to recruit more kaiako for the Rūmaki before the end of the term.
We are seeking to recruit more kaiako for the Rūmaki before the end of the term.
Teacher Only Day - Monday 23 February
As part of the nationwide implementation of the new Mathematics curriculum, Kihikihi School will be holding a Teacher-Only Day on Monday 23rd February.
Our teachers will be working alongside experts to upskill in the refreshed mathematics and statistics curriculum, ensuring we are prepared to support your child’s learning to the highest standard. These curriculum days are crucial for growing our knowledge and confidence in the new teaching expectations.
School will not be open for instruction on this day. Please make alternative arrangements for your children.
Sabbatical postponed
Due to recent staffing changes, I have delayed my sabbatical leave for one term. This is to support the new kaiako and tamariki settle in and provide necessary support while we seek to recruit permanently in the Rūmaki Classes specifically.
I will be taking leave in term 2 only.
I will be taking leave in term 2 only.