You, as part of the whānau, are seen as the most important partner. You know your child better than anyone. So if you ever have a question, a worry, or something you've noticed at home, please just come and talk to us. A conversation is always the first step.
A Team Around Your Child
Every student is different, and some may need a little extra support to thrive at school.
The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) ensures support is carefully planned and regularly checked for any student with additional learning needs. They work closely with your child's teacher, the teacher aides, and outside specialists - all as one team, all on the same page.
If your child has additional needs, reach out early so support can be planned for. You will always be part of the conversation. Feel free to email our SENCO or Principal if you would like to chat about how to support your child.
Celebrating Who We Are
Every child should feel proud of who they are and where they come from.
Te reo Māori and tikanga Māori are part of everyday school life - not just on special occasions. Your child will take part in karakia at the start and end of the day, learn their pepeha, share waiata, and hear and use te reo Māori in greetings and conversations. Te Reo connects learning to the beautiful Taupō via Tuwharetoatanga and with the school's close and thriving relationship with the Oruanui hapū.
A School That Works for Everyone
The school needs to feel safe and comfortable for every child - physically and emotionally. Schools can feel overwhelming - busy classrooms, lots of noise, lots of people. For students who find this tricky, there are real, practical supports in place:
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Sound-cancelling headphones to help manage noise
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Sensory-aware classroom setups so the environment feels calmer
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Quiet spaces where children can take a break and reset when needed
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Ramps and wide doorways so students with mobility issues can move freely and independently
These aren't add-ons, they're just part of the strategies in place for everyone.
We're in This Together
The best thing about inclusion is that it's built by a whole community - whānau, teachers, teacher aides, and children, all looking out for each other.
As your child starts at Wairakei Primary, know that you're not just dropping them off. You're joining us. We're a team, and are so glad you're here.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa - warm greetings to you all. Every child belongs here, and so do you.
Relationships are everything in a classroom. When children feel safe and respected, they're so much more willing to have a go, ask questions, and push themselves into new territory.
I've been teaching for more years than I'm comfortable admitting! That journey has taken me across 7 different countries, through primary and secondary schools, learning support, and literacy. Being a foreigner — often fumbling through new languages, customs, and ways of doing things — kept reminding me what it actually feels like to be a learner. It's humbling, and it's shaped everything about how I teach.
I want every child who walks into my room to feel like they belong here.
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