Students living outside of the Wairakei zone may apply for a place through ballot to fill any available vacancies at Wairakei Primary School. Application forms available from Wairakei Primary School office. Term 1, 2025, applications close Wednesday December 4, 2024, at 3p.m.

Information on Wairakei Primary School Enrolment Scheme for 2025 

The priority order for places remains: 

1. First priority must be given to any applicant who is accepted for enrolment in a special programme run by the school (Wairakei Primary School does not have a special programme so this priority does not apply). 
2. Second priority must be given to any applicant who is the sibling of a current student of the school. 
3. Third priority must be given to any student who is the sibling of a former student of the school. 
4. Fourth priority must be given to any applicant who is a child of a former student of the school. 
5. Fifth priority must be given to any applicant who is either a child of an employee of the board of the school or a child of a member of the board of the school. 
6. Sixth priority must be given to all other applicants. 

Ballot dates for 2025 

For students enrolling in 2025 (3 February– 16 December 2025) the ballot closes 3p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024, with the ballot taking place on December 6, 2024.

Further information: 07 374 8035 or info@wairakeitaupo.school.nz

Touch Registrations for School Teams 2024

Please fill out this notice to register your child to play Touch for a school team by Friday, August 30, 2024. This is the final date to pay registration fees. Your child will not be confirmed on a team until their fees are paid. Priority to join teams will be given to those parents that have registered and paid first, or to parents of children who can help coach or manage teams. The number of teams we can enter will depend on how many coaches and managers we get. Please email Mr Morehu at paul.morehu@wairakeitaupo.school.nz if you have any questions.

Registration Form here

Online payments: For Hockey and Netball only

Wairakei School BOT

03 0418 0145370 00

Reference Surname, Sport Registration code, e.g., Smith, Hockey Maxi

If you are interested in being a coach or manager please contact Paul Morehu. Without these volunteers, teams will have to be pulled out of competitions.

Hockey    

Hockey fees must be paid by March 28, 2024 for your child to be able to play. Register your child for hockey by completing the registration at this link:

Hockey Registration Form

Fundamental Skills Programme 

Years 1-2. Not available until Term 4 and parents register their own child through Taupo Hockey Website

Mini Competition  

Years 3-4, $75. Competition runs from Friday, May 10, 2024 through to August 2, 2024. Games are played between 3.30-4.30p.m.

Maxi Competition 

Years 5-6, $95. Competition runs from Friday, May 10, 2024 through to August 23, 2024. Games are played between 4.45-8p.m.

As well as registration fees, parents also need to buy shin pads, a mouth guard and a hockey stick for their child. Please go to Taupo Hockey website and read Mini and Maxi Handbooks under Junior Hockey tab for all the information you will need.

Any questions please contact Paul Morehu.

Netball    

Netball fees must be paid by April 19, 2024 for your child to be able to play.

Register your child for netball by completing the registration at

Taupo Netball Registration

Make sure you complete the ‘Wairakei Primary School Information Required’ section by clicking on the arrow to enter details.

Competition is from Saturday, May 11 - August 10, 2024 with games played between 8.30a.m. & 12.30p.m.

Yr 3&4, $60
Yr 5&6, $65

Basketball   
Lake Taupo Basketball 2024 season will go from Monday, May 6 to  August 14 You must register your child through

Basketball Registration

before March 22. Once registrations have closed, the schools will be sent a list of all those who have registered and can then put their teams together.

Primary Development (Yr 3&4) $50 - Wednesday approximately 3.30-6p.m. 

Primary Premier (Yr 5&6) $60 - Tuesday approximately 3.30-6p.m.

Rugby and Football   

Rugby and Football teams are now completely independent of the school. Any pupils wanting to register for rugby, get in touch with contacts below or clubs online.

Taupo Sports              Becky Pettijohn pom_becky@yahoo.com

Taupo Marist              Maureen Broadbent maureen.broadbent@yahoo.co.nz

Taupo United             Rayleen Flavell-Painter rayleenflavellpainter@yahoo.co.nz

Tongariro                    Quinn Matene quinn_matene@hotmail.com

Any pupils wanting to register for soccer, can find the information they need online at Taupo Association Football Club. 

The Code teaches spelling rules to students of all ages aiming to improve fluency in reading and confidence in writing. Through consistent instruction and regular review of spelling rules on a daily basis, the knowledge is solidified in the students minds. Continuous practice and review contribute to improving spelling skills and accuracy. This is tracked by the classroom teacher and interventions are put in place when a spelling rule has not been solidified. The teachers observe the use of the rules in daily writing lessons as well as testing to see that rules are being used correctly.

Liam said: The cards helped me know how to spelling and write the words

Olive said: The spelling was ‘aw’ the sound was ‘or’. I found using my fingers helped me when I sounded out the word.

Alysha said: There are different sounds in each word like ‘or’ is spelt ‘aw’.

Certain words may pose challenges for students when it comes to reading and spelling. These are referred to in the classes  as Heart Words, these are words that do not follow typical phonetic patterns and cannot be sounded out.

Mason said: It was good to learn how different spellings make different sounds. Knowing the rule made spelling the words easier.

Held  Week Nine of Term Three.

For families experiencing Pet Day for the first time, it's a chance for us to unite and celebrate the unique aspects of rural life that set us apart from town schools..

Pet day is a special day for the school with pets coming to school during the day. 

The aim is to provide students with an opportunity to take on the responsibility to rear and care for an animal. The animals on show include lambs, calves, goats, horses, dogs, cats and other small animals.

The larger animals are judged in areas with particular attention paid to rearing, leading and calling. Judges take note of the students familiarity with the animal and the interactions between them.

Small animals are judged in the hall. Students provide evidence of the care that they provide to their animals by speaking to and answering questions from the judges. This is a tough job for the judges and we are always surprised by the range of animals on show, from birds to turtles, chickens, piglets and we have even had the odd lizard or two.

No Pet No Problem

You can get involved in a number of other ways including:

• entering the recycled material creation competition which aligns with Enviro and varies every year.

• entering our baking competitions. Each year level has a different piece of baking they can enter. The array of pikelets, cookies, cupcakes, muffins and decorated cakes wows us and the judges each year.

Before Pet Day students participate in the school-wide floral making afternoon. Students will plan and assemble to present an arrangement ready for judging. We welcome whānau assistance on the day, as well as flower and flora contributions.

Classes will be creating artworks dedicated to the rural flavour. These will be displayed in  classrooms alongside the floral creations. The classrooms will be open to visitors on Pet Day.

Please mark it on your calendar, as our students love to see their whānau, friends and neighbours enjoy their involvement on this classic “rural kiwi kids day”.

UniformSchool Polo Shirt (Compulsory)

Sizes available are 6-14. Cost: $27.50 per shirt.
These are to be purchased from Brandfuel Promotions, Oruanui Street, Taupō.

Sunhat

As a registered 'Sunsmart School' it is compulsory for all students to wear a navy blue wide brimmed hat or bucket hat at break times and while outdoors during Terms 1 and 4. Parents purchase these themselves.

Polar Fleece - (Compulsory)

The school has a polo fleece to compliment the school shirt. There are samples at the school office to view. Cost: $40.00 each. The school hoodie can be worn as an option to this.
These are to be purchased from Brandfuel Promotions, Oruanui Street, Taupō.

School Hoodie - Optional

We have a School Hoodie available for $40.00 that has the students name on the back. This is to be ordered from the school office. This can be worn instead of the polar fleece.

Pants/Shorts/Skirts - Students are able to wear what they like, there is no compulsory part of the uniform for this.

Second Hand Uniforms

We do have a few second hand items available at the school office.

BRANDFUEL Contact

The full list of uniforms is available at: Brandfuel Promotions, 32 Oruanui Street, Taupō.

Phone: 07 3781160 Mobile: 0274521455 Email: brandfuel@xtra.co.nz

Please check your eligibility criteria by contacting the office manager. For further information about our buses, please contact Bus Controller Jenna Foley.

State Highway 1

Pick up All
AM
07.35 - Tram Road
07.55 - Wairakei Primary School — Drop off only
08.05 - Sale Yards — Pick up Tauhara College from Wairakei 2
08.30 - Drop all — Pick up Tauhara College and Christian
PM
15.10 - Tauhara College — Pick up exchange for TNT
15.20 - TNT — Drop off Tauhara College — Pickup all SH1
15.40 - Sale yards — Drop off Tauhara College to Mapara Road and Wairakei 2
15.55 - Wairakei Primary School — Uplift only
16.15 - Tram Road

Schools served

• Wairakei Primary School
• St Pats
• TNT
• Mt View
• Tauhara Primary
• Tauhara College
• Taupō Intermediate
• Lake Taupō Christian School
• Hilltop

D209 Oruanui

AM
07.45 - Tuhingamata — Pickup all students
07.50 - Oruanui Road — Pickup all students
07.55 - Forest Road/ Ridgetop Way — Pickup all students
08.05 - Saleyards — Drop off Wairakei students who board Wairakei 2
08.25 - TNT — Drop off
08.35 - Taupō Intermediate — Drop off
PM
15.00 - Taupō Intermediate — Pick up Oruanui and Mapara Road
15.30 - TNT Pickup — Oruanui
15.45 - Saleyards — Drop off Mapara Road, Intermediate, pick up Wairakei students from Wairakei 2 bus.
15.50 - Forest Road / Ridgetop Way — Drop off
16.00 - Tuhingamata Road — Drop off

Schools served

• St Patricks
• Taupō Primary
• Taupō Nui a Tia
• Mt View
• Tauhara Primary
• Lake Taupō Christian
• Tauhara College
• Taupō Intermediate
• Hilltop

Wairakei 2

AM
Uplifts Tauhara College and all Primary except Wairakei
07.45 - Kenrigg Road — Trev Terry Boat Yard
07.55 - Whangamata Road
08.10 - Saleyards — Drop off all town Primary to Oruanui and Tauhara College to SH1 — Pick up Wairakei students from Mapara Road and Oruanui
08.30 - Wairakei Primary School — Drop all, pick up Tauhara College
08.45 - Tauhara College
PM
15.05 - Tauhara College — Pick up Wairakei Village
15.25 - Wairakei Primary School — Drop Wairakei TC, pick up Wairakei for Oruanui and Mapara Road
15.45 - Saleyards — Drop Wairakei Primary, pick up Primary from Oruanui and Tauhara College from SH1
15.55 - Whangamata Road — Drop off
16.10 - Kenrigg Road — Trev Terry Boat Yard

Tirohanga Senior

AM
Uplift All
07.35 - Okama Road
07.55 - Poihipi Road
08.10 - Saleyards — Drop off, Wairakei students board Wairakei 2 bus.
08.40 - Intermediate Drop off only
PM
15.00 - Taupō Intermediate
15.20 - TNT — Drop off — Pick up Tauhara College and all Primary
15.35 - Saleyards — Pick up Wairakei students off Wairakei 2 bus.
16.00 - Tirohanga Road
16.20 - Okama Road

Schools served

• Wairakei
• St Patricks
• Taupō Primary
• Taupō Nui a Tia
• Mt View
• Tauhara Primary
• Lake Taupō Christian
• Tauhara College
• Taupō Intermediate
• Hilltop

Mapara Road

Uplift all TNT along Mapara Road . Uplift all Mapara Road past Tukairangi Road
AM
07.35 - Nukuhau Shops — Wairakei
07.40 - Gillespie Place — Loch Views
07.55 - Whakaroa Road
08.10 - Sale Yards — Drop Wairakei onto Wairakei 2 bus.
08.20 - St Patricks
08.30 - TNT
PM
13.30 - TNT — Pick up all for far end Mapara Road (TC,lnt,Prim,St Pats}
13.40 - Sale Yards — Pick up Wairakei students from Wairakei 2 bus.
13.45 - Mapara Rd
16.15 - Loch Views — Gillespie Place
16.20 - Nukuhau Shops

Palmer Road

AM
Uplift all
07.50 - Palmer Mill Rd
08.00 - State Highway 5
08.10 - Wairakei Primary School — Drop off Wairakei. Pick up Tauhara College
08.30 - TNT — Drop all — Pick up Tauhara College
08.45 - Tauhara college
PM
15.00 - Tauhara College — Pick up
15.30 - TNT — Drop off— Pick up Intermediate & all Primary
15.50 - Wairakei Primary School — Drop off Tauhara College. Pick up Wairakei.
16.00 - Palmer Mill Rd — Drop off
16.10 - State Highway 1— Drop off

Schools served

• TNT
• Tauhara College
• Intermediate
• Wairakei
• Taupō Primary
• Mt View
• St Pat's
• Tauhara Primary
• Hilltop
• Christian

Wairakei

AM
Uplift Wairakei only
07.40 - Kenrigg Rd
07.50 - Whangamata Rd
08.55 - Poihipi Rd
08.00 - Sale Yards Pick up Wairakei - students stay on bus.
08.10 - Link Rd
08.30 - Wairakei School — Drop off— Pick up Intermediate
08.50 - Taupō Intermediate
PM
15.00 - Taupō Intermediate — Pick up Wairakei only
15.35 - Wairakei School — Drop off Intermediate — Pick up Wairakei
15.45 - Link Rd
15.50 - Sale yards — Drop off only
16.00 - Whangamata Rd
16.15 - Kenrigg Rd

School served

• Wairakei Primary School

Manukura - Manaakitanga

manaakitanga  (noun) 

hospitality, kindness, generosity, support - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.

The Manukura - Manaakitanga have hit the ground running, stepping up to help others across the school.

Their contribution to school aims to be  wide and varied. They will be supporting younger students to master their heart words, run games at lunchtime and if you call during morning tea you will hear their voice at the end of the phone by being office monitors

Manukura - Manaakitanga demonstrate POWER in all aspects of their school life. Many of these students have already put their hands up to be bus monitors, road patrollers and librarians and often represent Wairakei Primary School in our local sport competitions and extra-curricular activities. Their service to the school is commendable.

Manukura - Manaakitanga for 2023.

• Sienna
• Carys
• Scarlett
• Emma
• Ryleigh
• Danielle
• Gracie
• Paige

Manukura - Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga - (noun) 

guardianship, stewardship, trusteeship, trustee.

Our Manukura - Kaitiakitanga play an important role at school. 

Their leadership has an environmental lens as they encourage other students to show POWER within the natural environment.

They help to guide students as they explore the gully, lend a hand on the ‘A Tree for Every Child’ planting day, help teachers with environmentally based lessons in class and give our school caretaker a hand around the school to ensure that the school is looking its best. 

Our Manukura Kaitiakitanga will lead initiatives to promote sustainability and environmentally conscious practices at Wairakei Primary School - keep an eye out for Nude Food Lunch Days.

Manukura - Kaitiakitanga for 2023

• Indie
• Brooke
• Sophie
• Alex
• Amber
• Sam
• Emily
• Danika

Manukura - Whanaungatanga

Whanaungatanga  is about forming and maintaining relationships and strengthening ties between kin and communities. This value is the essential glue that binds people together, providing the foundation for a sense of unity, belonging and cohesion.

The Manukura - Whanaungatanga  have started to demonstrate their leadership by being powhiri leaders, kapa haka leaders taking small groups for extra practices using the songs and actions. They have joined into the singing in the playground choir.

Their contribution to school aims to be  wide and varied. One aim for them in 2023 is to have a large amount of input into our Matariki celebrations

Manukura - Whanaungatanga  demonstrate POWER in all aspects of their school life. Many of these students have already put their hands up to be bus monitors, road patrollers and librarians and often represent Wairakei Primary School in our local sport competitions and extra-curricular activities. Their service to the school is commendable.

Manukura - Whanaungatanga  for 2023.

• Jacob
• Josef
• Te Omeka
• Freya
• Lucy
• Zoe
• Chloe
• Baylee

Manukura - Kotahitanga

Kotahitanga values the ethic of working together, with energy and enthusiasm, towards the achievement of common goals. We should celebrate our distinctiveness, as an institution and as individuals, whānau, hapū and iwi; while also revelling in our shared experiences, understandings, philosophies and interests.

Manukura - Kotahitanga  are actively collecting the Tokarewa token every Friday. Organsing Whare Tiaki morning tea events. Leading their teams at whole school sporting events. Developing and practice Whare Tiaki chants to share with their whare. They can been seen out on the feild at lunch time running games and sharing out the PE gear from the PE shed.  As monitors for the gully they are showing younger students how to use the gully properly and to protect the plants.

Manukura -Kotahitanga  demonstrate POWER in all aspects of their school life. Many of these students have already put their hands up to be bus monitors, road patrollers and librarians and often represent Wairakei Primary School in our local sport competitions and extra-curricular activities. Their service to the school is commendable.

Manukura - Kotahitanga  for 2023.

• Isobel
• Bianca
• Stanley
• Tom
• Mackenzie
• Hector
• Anamalia
• Lilly
• Seth

Accident or illness at school

If your child suffers an accident or becomes unwell while at school you will be informed promptly with a request to collect your child. You may collect your child from the sick bay via the office. If we are unable to contact you or the backup person and medical help is required, the school will make the necessary arrangements with the local Doctor, and continue to try to contact you as soon as possible.

Caregivers will be contacted if there has been a head injury.

Road Safety

All parents and children are required to use the crossing outside the school whenever crossing the road.

At 3p.m. there is a patrolled crossing supervised by a teacher, which everyone crossing must use.

There is a 40km speed limit in place outside the school from 8.45a.m. to 9.15a.m. and 2.45p.m. to 3.15p.m. on school days.

Road Wardens

Selected Year 6 students are rostered on to operate the school crossing at 2.55-3.10p.m. daily. Staff supervise the procedure after school. The students are trained by the Police Education Officer. All users of the crossing wait behind the marked lines on the footpath until wardens tell them they may cross.

Health and Safety

In the interest of health and safety we request that the following items not be brought to school: glass containers, knives, sweets, chewing gum, fizzy drinks, jewellery, toys, money, perfumes, deodorants, make-up, matches/lighters, spray cans, mock guns.

Healthy School

We encourage all students to bring healthy morning teas and lunches. Only water please, no lollies or chocolate. Year 0-1 classes have a brain break and will require fruit, vegetables or yoghurt. Your classroom teacher can advise your further.

Sun Protection

All students are required to wear an approved sunhat during the hours of 11a.m. and 3p.m. during Terms 1 and 4.

The hat must have a wide brim that shades the ears, face and back of the neck. The Board of Trustees have a “Sun Safe” policy and provide shaded playing areas as part of our property development plans.

I find I’m a bit nervous about being in the spotlight. Once I actually started learning it I got more comfortable. No one was judging me. I felt really proud of doing it. Culturally, I definitely think that respect should be put in. Respect is definitely put in here. I appreciate how people are focused on doing their best and enjoying it. It is quite cool to know the Pōwhiri is not going to end with us. We are going to teach the younger ones and they will be the teachers the next year. It has been a great experience and much more than just wearing the uniform. Laila, karanga caller

The Pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony. Wairakei Primary uses the Pōwhiri to welcome visitors to our school at the beginning of each term.
The tangata whenua (local people) are the current students, staff and Board of Trustees of our school. They officially welcome the manuhiri (new students, whānau, staff and Board) onto the school grounds.

After assembling in a nearby classroom the manuhiri will be called into the hall with a traditional karanga after a karakia is said. This chant clears the way for a safe passage and is performed by our female pōwhiri leaders. As the manuhiri move forward the women and children are at the front and the men are at the back. This is an act of protection and coming in peace.

Men will sit in the front row of seats with the Kai Kōrero (designated speakers) who are our male pōwhiri leaders. The woman and children sit behind them. The tangata whenua speak first and this is followed by a waiata tautoko (supporting song). Another male pōwhiri leader will reply on behalf of the manuhiri and this is also followed by a waiata tautoko to support their speech. The last speaker is from the tangata whenua to finish off the speech proceedings and is accompanied by another waiata.

All of our new whānau will then move over to the tangata whenua to share in the hongi or harirū process (the pressing of noses or shaking of hands). Once this is complete, Principal Paula Farquhar will speak, addressing the tamariki and welcoming the new whānau.

To complete the Pōwhiri process the new whānau are invited to share in some kai. This moves the Pōwhiri from a state of tapu (restricted and sacred) to noa (removed from restriction and neutral). The manuhiri are now considered tangata whenua (local people). After our kai our new students and staff move off into their learning communities.

I really enjoyed walking with the students who started at the same time as me. I felt like I was more than just a teacher. I was part of the school. I also enjoyed sharing a biscuit and chatting with all the other people who were welcomed. Isla McKinnon

It was wonderful having my old school passing me over. I wasn’t expecting to be affected so much, so emotional. I felt like I had moved and this was my place now. I felt like I belonged. Gwen Bowler

 

When a student plants a tree, it has a positive impact on the local environment and our community. That’s the thinking.
What we aim to do, as a school, is to create long-lasting memories that cement the feeling of belonging. Planting a tree creates a personal connection between a student and their learning journey at school.

Not wishing to appear the "Principal of pulling it down", Principal, Paula Farquhar, had the unenvious task of removing a landmark 54 year shelter belt due to safety concerns. To rectify a bad community public relations issue in 2014, Paula, promoted a campaign of "A Tree for Every Child— Building a community, one tree at a time"

What we aim to do is to create long-lasting memories that cement the feeling of belonging. Planting a tree creates a personal connection between that student and their learning journey at school.

A Tree for Every Child is a Wairakei Primary School native tree planting being an annual event coinciding with NZ Arbor Day, April - June.

Every student attending our school plants a tree in their first year with our yearly planting also involving parents and whānau.

Plantings take place within our school grounds including the general gardens, Brain Maze, Shade Garden, Leavers Garden and Gully areas.

As well as replacing diseased trees, the aim is to stabilize the steep gully banks via revegetation and attract birds, bees and insects.

95% of our greenery is now native. On average we plant 120 trees per year.

It’s a good thing. It makes students feel good because they are doing something positive for the world.
Lily. 

To have your own special tree. I can come back to visit it and see how big it’s grown.
Jaxon. 

I think it is useful because plants give us clean air. I planted my Corokia tree in the Brain Maze 4 years ago.
Ana

My tree is planted in the Leavers Garden just before the bridge. We had fun planting the trees.
Charlie.

I planted mine in the Gully. It is nice and green.
Mason.

A Tree for Every Child is a fantastic initiative by the school. When my daughters, Brooke and Paige, were in their first year, I came along on the day and was involved with their plantings.

It was great seeing the children being involved in planting their own tree, happy and all taking part.
Melissa Elmiger, Parent

Kapa Haka is the name for Māori performing arts. Kapa means to form a line, and haka is to dance. It is a powerful combination of song, dance and chanting. In waiata-ā-ringa (action songs) the lyrics are supported by hand movements and a guitar.

Some dances use poi where one or more poi is skillfully twirled in unison with each performer. The haka often describe ancestors and events in the tribe’s history. It is performed in a group and represents their pride, strength, and unity. Pūkana (facial expressions) are an important part of Kapa Haka. They emphasise parts of a waiata or haka and demonstrate a performer's passion or ferocity.

All students at Wairakei Primary have the opportunity to learn kapa haka. It provides a way for students to be culturally connected learners. They learn new words and phrases in te Reo, develop an appreciation of Māori values and are cognitively challenged. Students learn perseverance and self discipline by reciting, repeating, and memorising lyrics and dance moves. Because Kapa Haka is inclusive, there is a place for everyone. Tuākana-teina is evident as older and more experienced members support younger, less experienced ones. Kapa Haka helps students experience success, gain confidence and step up as leaders and role models. These competencies can be carried over into other curriculum areas.

Many of our students elect to take their learning to a performance level.

Each year Ngāti Tūwharetoa hosts a Taiopenga (festival) and all the schools in the area are invited to participate. The number of performance groups we register for this festival depends on the number of students wanting to perform.

Students decide if they want to be part of these groups. We have a tutor, who along with staff members of the Māori Team, support our tamariki to be performance ready. On the day of the Taiopenga whānau come to help the students get ready and help with supervision at the venue. Students are bused to the Taiopenga and they perform in front of a large audience. In recent years live streaming has been available as well.

Wairakei Primary has been extremely grateful for the support that Oruanui Marae, Te Kapa o Te Rangiita, has given the school. They gifted us a taonga (treasure) in the whetū (star) design that features prominently on the rāpaki (dresses) and tātau (belt) of our kapa haka uniforms.

Read a post here.

Teachers are always happy to talk to parents and caregivers about their child’s progress. Please be aware that before and after school times are busy times for teachers, and sometimes you may need to make an appointment. All teachers have an email contact address.

Reporting to whānau schedule:
Term One
Parent Information Evening (February)
Goal setting meeting (March)
Term Two
Written Report (June)
Term Three
Parent Teacher meetings. (August)
Term Four
Written Report (December)

Māori Community
In line with Ministry guidelines, we report to the parents/caregivers of Māori children on improving achievement for Māori students.

Whānau Information Events
We will hold parent information evenings to inform/consult with whānau.
Open day events are also scheduled throughout the year.

Wairakei Primary’s dedicated Transition Programme is the first step in your child’s learning journey. It allows your pre-enrolled child to gain an understanding of what school will look and feel like. It allows them to start to build a relationship with their teacher and with the other students who will be starting school at the same time. Students can begin Steaming into school (SIS) 6 months before their starting date. SIS is additional to organised classroom visits.

What to Expect

• Karakia and welcome
• Alphabet letter and sound activity
• Nursery Rhymes and poem activity
• Numeracy game
• Meet important people in the school
• Visit key areas in the school

What are the benefits of SIS?

SIS allows your child to get a first hand experience of school routines and expectations. SIS allows whānau to connect with other whānau. Students also learn to socialise with their peers.

What will my child learn at SIS?

A fun, interactive way for students to feel safe and secure in the school environment.

SIS is the first step to students understanding what school is all about. Your child will get a taste of activities that will be part of their school life when they start. They develop independence and discover that they can do things for themselves. Students who do SIS generally settle more quickly into school as they understand how school works before they start.

What should I look for during the visit?

Sending your child off to school can be emotional for parents. The more confident you are with the school choice the better. Look for:

• Is it safe
• is there an outdoor play area
• are there plenty of age appropriate activities and books
• is the atmosphere friendly

Finally, do you feel comfortable? If you feel comfortable then your child will too.

A place where students can come at lunchtime to have some quiet time. It is a safe place, it is a room full of books for entertainment, information and enjoyment. We have almost 7000 books they provide access to information and help promote lifelong learning. One of the most important experiences the library provides is an opportunity to develop a love of books and reading.

Year 5 students can apply to become Student Librarians in the following year. Only Year 6’s can be Librarians. Depending on the number who have applied they may have to go through an interview process and an initial test to see what their alphabet and number knowledge is like.

Once the selection process has been completed students are allocated a class with whom they will work with during the year. Their tasks include issuing and returning books, helping students and staff using the library, shelving books, reading to students and classes, promoting books, tidying the library and assisting to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

The students have training sessions covering all aspects of being a Librarian. These are carried out in Term 1. Once trained they can do various tasks to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. The tasks they have to complete include:

• Learning how to return and issue books correctly
• Reading to the class
• Turning up on time
• Tidying shelves
• Selecting books for display
• Completing a Dewey Decimal quiz
• Knowing the difference between fiction and nonfiction
• Demonstrate how to shelve non fiction books
• Write a book review
• Be able to search our library computer system
• Complete a library quiz (level 1)
• Show good communication skills
• Prepare a piece for the School Blog promoting a book or author

We also have a Diamond award for those students who want to do extra. Criteria for this is:

• Run the library without the Librarian
• Complete a reading bingo
• Prepare a talk to promote a book
• Create an author or book display
• Complete library quiz (level 2)
• Complete library duties to a high standard

All the Librarians are also eligible to receive the Swainson Librarian Award which is presented at the end of year assembly. This award is not about whether the student librarian attains their Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond awards; it’s about getting in and carrying out their library duties without constant reminding. It’s about turning up for their duty and carrying out all tasks that are expected of them. It is often a hard decision to choose the applicant as many of the librarians have the attributes to make them eligible for the award.

Classes visit our library once in a two week cycle for a half hour. During that time we read a story, discuss the rules of the library and then students can choose a book. If a student has a Library License they can get a book to take home and one for class. Years 1 to 4 can take one book home and Years 5 and 6 can take two books home. The Library License was implemented in 2022 to try and decrease the number of books going missing.

We have a Scholastic Book Fair in August each year. Scholastic delivers shelves of books to us plus stationery items and posters. We sell the books and the school gets commission from what is sold. That commission is used to purchase books and resources for our library and school. The library receives a budget from the Board of Trustees to purchase books.

Students selected from Wairakei Primary School go to a specialised horse riding centre on Poihipi Road once a week. Students are nominated by staff and families for this riding experience. The selection process is conducted by the senior leadership team and takes into account physical and social needs.

This amazing facility has a huge indoor arena kitted out with stalls for horses, equipment for riding (saddles, reins, games, mounting platform, offices, kitchen and bathrooms). Outside is another arena, stables, a sensory garden and lots of paddocks.

When the students arrive, they find their riding boots, helmets and name tags set out for them to put on and wait their turn to get on their horse that they ride every week with an assortment of handlers. These handlers are mostly volunteers from our community who have an affinity with horses and a love of children. The handlers walk, support and encourage the students to learn how to ride the horses, building up relationships and trust with them. The actual riding of the horse builds strength, balance, confidence and knowledge into our students.

They play lots of games from the horses backs, mostly throwing games which incorporate balance, aiming, completion and friendly rivalry.

At the end of the session, students dismount and pat or hug their horses, then thank their handlers before exiting the gated arena. Then they must clean their helmets and boots before leaving.

RDA is an amazing, inclusive organisation that gives children with all sorts of challenges opportunities to learn in a very safe and friendly environment.

The Wairakei Primary School Board of Trustees works on your behalf to ensure our school operates in a well resourced and supportive environment which ensures the maximum possible level of high-quality education is delivered to all students.

Elected or co-opted trustees are responsible for administering the Ministry of Education (MoE) compliances. They are responsible for the maintenance of the school, its plant and for the allocation and spending of funds and MoE grants.

The trustees act on behalf of both the school community and the MoE. We are accountable for providing an environment that enables our students to achieve to the best of their ability.

We have overall responsibility for the school, including certain legal obligations covering property, safety, personnel, school finances, and reporting to the Ministry and the school community. Each year, we must send an annual report to the MoE and to our school community.

The Board has responsibility for governance.

We have a hand in establishing strategic goals, developing and reviewing policies, monitoring performance, employing senior staff, and supporting the principal in the management of the school. We make decisions in a range of areas, from what the school's educational targets will be, what to spend money on, and planning for the future. We do this while keeping the best interests of the school, our students, and our school community in sight at all times.

We are always willing and interested to listen to suggestions and help in the betterment of Wairakei Primary School school, its conditions for students and in policy matters. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more about our school or to make an appointment so that you can receive a personalised visit around this special school.

Virtual Learning Network (VLN)
Year 6 students are able to choose to participate in an online learning programme through Kōtui Akō (formerly VLN – Virtual Learning Network).

Kōtui Akō is a Ministry of Education initiative supporting rural schools. It offers access to online learning in a variety of subjects being taught by expert teachers. Students attend a 30-minute lesson weekly and are expected to complete follow-up tasks during the week. As well as learning about a subject of interest, students develop time management skills and show online etiquette as they work with students throughout New Zealand.

Information and Technology (ICT)
Rationale
We believe that digital technology as an educational tool is extremely important for information gathering and communication. The goal is to make educational material accessible to all. By signing our enrolment, students gain access to the Internet, and parental permission is implied, granted and agreed to, abiding by the ‘Responsible Use Agreement’ as verified by Board of Trustees. Any requests to be removed from Digital Technology access must be completed in writing to the Principal.

Expectations
While every effort will be made to supervise internet use there may be times when restrictions will need to be in place. Students will be given guidelines on how to access required information; however, the school cannot accept liability for students who do not follow the set procedures. The school will not be held responsible for any damage users suffer, including loss of data, nor for the accuracy or suitability of information found.
Students will be responsible for their own good behaviour on the digital network.
When students are online they are representing the school, therefore, the school’s high standard of behaviour is expected to be upheld.

Students must never:

• publicise any personal contact details
• use obscene, abusive or harassing language or imagery

Consequences
Access is a privilege, not a right. This implies responsibility and the privilege will be revoked if abused.

Users should not expect that content stored on school digital resources will be private and may be reviewed by staff to ensure that the procedures are being adhered to.

A great way to get to know other parents and caregivers, the teachers and the staff, especially if you are new to the school or area. Anyone can belong. Co-operating with the support of the Board of Trustees, and staff the PTA plays an integral role in organising ventures and events to raise funds to purchase resources that benefit the school and the students.

Recent events and fundraising ventures have included:

• Pet Day
• Sausage Sizzles
• Eco-friendly fundraiser
• Pie Drive
• School Discos
• Raffles
• Cossie Club Christmas Party

Some of the recent projects we have contributed to include:

• The covered walkway outside Rooms 1-4
• Purchasing of new maths equipment with the proceeds from the Colour Run
• Contributing to the cost of the Year 6 camp

We are currently fundraising for:

• Refurbishment of the back of the stage area in the hall
• Upgrade to our playgrounds - building a number of playground pods around the school

Any involvement is valued, from planning an event to lending a hand on the day, to sourcing sponsorship and raffle prizes, or cooking sausages for our sausage sizzles, this all contributes to our school community.

Fundraising is not the only thing the PTA does.

• Can you help out on one of our school working bees?
• Can you spread mulch around our gardens?
• Can you help plant trees on our Trees for Every Child planting day?

Events will be published on the school calendar, our Facebook page or get in touch with us. Better still! All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend our PTA meetings and participate in our discussions. The meetings are kept informal. Additionally, we aim to hold some meetings at offsite locations in the community.

We welcome you and invite you to join us and share your ideas.

If you require any additional information or have a question pertaining to the PTA, please contact Katie.

President - Katie Sherman

Treasurer - Elena Mendez-Gray

Secretary - Katie Peirce and Michelle Binnie

School Representative - Jenna Foley
Plus a group of helpful committee members who jump in and help out when needed.

Changes to this policy

We may change this policy by uploading a revised policy onto the website. The change will apply from the date that we upload the revised policy.

Children

We do not intend to collect personal data from children aged under 16. If you have reason to believe that a child under the age of 16 has provided personal data to us through our website and/or by using our services, please contact our Data Protection Officer at info@wairakeitaupo.school.nz