COASTAL TARANAKI SCHOOL

Office Hours

8.30am-4pm

Hours of Instruction

8.40am - 3.00pm

Email: office@coastaltaranaki.school.nz
Website: https://sites.google.com/coastaltaranaki.school.nz/coastaltaranakischool/home
Location: 92 Carthew Street, Ōkato, New Zealand
Phone: (06)7524022 - 027 320 1267
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastaltaranakischool

Kia Ora Tatou

Last week I had the privilege of being part of the Interview Process for the School Leadership roles. I was very, very impressed with the Students interviewed. They presented themselves extremely well, spoke with confidence and conviction, and showcased their qualities in a way that will make the selection of the Leadership Team (for 2026) very difficult.

A observation they all made was how supported they feel in this School, and the fact they have such positive relationships with their Teachers. They also highlighted how important it is for the health of the School that they are positive role models. This was a view presented strongly, and they referenced lessons learnt from past Students who didn’t play such a role for them, or for others, particularly the Juniors.

This is a huge week for thousands of Secondary School Students throughout the country with external NCEA Examinations well underway. For our Year 11, 12, and 13 Students, these exams represent the culmination of their Year’s work, and are a significant test of their knowledge and abilities - and in particular, the effort they have made during the Year.

We wish them all the very best for this important challenge. As both a Teacher, and a Parent, I think I have a very realistic view of the challenge our children face in preparing for success in the NCEA examinations.

As a 15-year old my youngest daughter flew through level 1 – it was new and exciting, she was very focused, worked hard, and tackled this new challenge in a very positive and determined manner. It all seemed so easy.

Unfortunately, a year later, she approached NCEA Level 2 with a more cavalier and relaxed mind set. Although in the end she was successful, it was a struggle to keep her focused as she endeavoured to fit study into her very busy life style.

In contrast she tackled NCEA Level 3 with a more resolute attitude, and passed well. She then went on to complete the next step in her development, and eventually graduated from Victoria University.

I therefore understand the frustrations many parents experience in ensuring that NCEA is an on-going focus for their children. The bottom line however, is that qualifications (NCEA included) are important, and a springboard for entry into the world beyond School.

The changes to NCEA proposed by the government have caused considerable debate, with a large number of Secondary Schools challenging the Government about the justification for these, and the validity of these changes in terms of best equipping young people for leaving School, and taking their place in the adult world.

Something that is becoming more and more apparent is that it is very important that (as well as the formal Qualifications) young people leave School with an array of skills, knowledge, and attributes, that give them a realistic opportunity for success in life – in the language of the New Zealand Curriculum, “capabilities for living and lifelong learning”, or key competencies.

Involvement in a wide range of activities at School can provide students with real life experiences, and competencies, that are transferable into life in the wider community - for example involvement on the School Council, Student Leadership roles, Sports Teams, or Cultural Groups (Kapa haka, Production).

Social Service is almost regarded as being a communicable disease these days, but is nevertheless a special quality that often defines a person as someone of generosity, tolerance, self-discipline, caring, collaboration, and conscience – all very worthy qualities. Without these sort of people, community and service groups struggle, or fold.

A sense of service to the Community is not natural for all, but we are really delighted that there are CTS Students who value this. At the end of last Term we had Community Service Week and Classes took the opportunity to do something to add value to their community - picking up rubbish, or in the case of Room 20, fund raising for charities. Kudos to them!!

Nga mihi nui

Richard McMillan

Taranaki Monopoly Board Game

This year, we’re partnering with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce on a fun and easy School Fundraiser with the new Taranaki Monopoly Board Game!

For every game purchased before the end of the School Year using our School’s unique code, our School receives a $10 donation (you must use our Schools Unique Code).

It’s the perfect Christmas Gift that encourages family fun, and every purchasedirectly helps us fund our School Projects for next Year.

How to support us:

• Visit taranakimonopoly.co.nz/schools
• Add the Game to your cart.
• Use our Schools unique code at checkout: Coastal Taranaki School: CTS
• We then get a School Donation!

At Coastal Taranaki School, we're incredibly lucky to have many champion teachers in our midst, and this Newsletter, we're shining a very bright spotlight on the wonderful Heather Jull! Heather has been an absolute powerhouse, working tirelessly behind the scenes as Health Active Living Lead and on the court to make Kids Can Handball Month a roaring success. Her dedication has brought so much energy and enthusiasm to our school community, and we are very grateful.

As an ex-New Zealand kayaker and an all-around inspiring sportswoman, Heather embodies what it means to live an active and healthy life. She doesn't just talk the talk; she runs the run – literally! Her morning cross country training runs have motivated countless students, not just in her own class but across the entire school, to lace up their shoes and join in. Whether it's handball drills or pounding the pavement for cross country, Heather's infectious zest for movement and well-being is awesome.

Thank you, Heather. Your attitude, dedication and genuine passion for helping our tamariki thrive make a world of difference every single day.

Room 22 has been writing about our school production. The students reflected on their experiences, favourite moments, and what they enjoyed most. Here are some of their wonderful pieces of writing that share their thoughts and memories.

Room 22 has been reading stories from the School Junior Journals, which include New Zealand stories about our environment and local non-fiction topics. This week, we read about the Bird of the Year competition that takes place every year in Aotearoa. Inspired by what we learned, we created posters of our favourite native birds.

In Room 18 we have been comparing the seasons spring and winter. We talked about what is similar and what is different. We brainstormed some ideas of things that happen in winter that don't happen in spring and the other way round. We then added some descriptive words and wrote a poem saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring. We hope you like our poems.

Last week our wonderful senior students put on a Staff Appreciation Breakfast to say thanks to our teachers and support staff. The students planned, cooked and set up a stunning spread of kai and coffee's.

How lucky are we!!!

Outstanding progress, participation, and achievement across all year levels.

I am very pleased to share the continued success and progress of our mathematics students this year. Our recent CAA results show that we are holding our own against the New Zealand average, which is a fantastic achievement for our learners.

Our e-asTTle results are also very encouraging, with most students achieving at or above the expected level. A small number of students who find mathematics more challenging made exceptional personal gains—progressing by at least one full curriculum level over the year.

Our Year 9 and 10 students have had a brilliant year, demonstrating focus, determination, and a positive attitude toward their mathematical learning. At the senior level, Year 11 and 12 students have achieved very pleasing NCEA results, reflecting their commitment and effort throughout the year.

We are also excited to note that we have the highest number of Year 12 students continuing with Mathematics in 2026, a testament to their growing confidence and enthusiasm for the subject.

This year, we also welcomed Year 4–8 students to experience Mathematics with Statistics and Year 6 Extension programmes. These have been very popular, with students enjoying the challenges, extended learning opportunities, games, and competitions that inspire curiosity and problem-solving.

As our seniors prepare for their external examinations, I wish them every success. To all students, I encourage you to keep your skills sharp over the summer break by continuing your learning on our digital platform, Smartlab.

A huge farewell to our Year 12 and 13 students exiting soon. Especially to Clyde, Tyler and Arabella. All the best for your futures.

Mrs Andrea Dingle

In Year 9 and 10 Social Science, students began the term exploring key geography skills and concepts such as mapping and graphing — essential learning for those moving into Year 11 Geography next year. For the remainder of the term, our focus shifts to financial literacy, where students will learn practical skills around managing income and making smart money decisions. Excitingly, they’ll also have the opportunity to earn some NCEA Level 1 credits to get a head start on next year’s learning.

In our Senior Social Science classes, it’s all about revision, revision, revision! Students are busy preparing for their upcoming NCEA exams, revisiting key content on natural processes and how they shape our environments. From tectonic and fluvial to coastal and glacial processes, students are deepening their understanding of how these forces create and influence the world around us.

Mr. Bruckner

This term Zara and Meila planted hue seeds. Shelby, Grace, Zara and Meila helped repot some eco sourced donated native rākau (trees). After the discovery of goldstripe gecko at the school we put out some tracking tunnels and discovered a lot of mice live here too. This week we got some successful catches with their mouse traps.

Great news - we have just received notification from Pub Charity to assist with funding for School Camps.

https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/register/2a680fhttps://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/register/2a680f

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Early Registrations are now open for the New Plymouth 2026 Weetbix TRYathalon

Wednesday 25th March 2026, 8:00 am

https://tryathlon.co.nz/locations/new-plymouth/

We are not entering a school team for next years event, but you can enter your child as an individual and we will have some Weetbix TRYathlon spot prizes to give out at school to those who are registered.

COASTAL TARANAKI SCHOOL

Richard McMillan Interim Principal

Gemma Chambers Junior School Deputy Principal

Sarah Oke Acting Deputy Principal, Food Technology, Careers/Pathways, Tech on 45

David Cripps SENCO

Viola Fung English

Andrea Dingle Maths

Steve Leppard Hard Materials Technology, Tech on 45

Kelly Waugh Visual/ Performing Arts

Natalie Bound Science

Casey Stevens P.E & Health

Keegan Bruckner Social Sciences

Liana Roberts Pouakai Team Leader, Year 7/8 Teacher

Dee Heath Year 7/8 Relief Teacher Term 4

Rebecca Connolly Year 6/7 Teacher

Emily Finey Year 5/6 Teacher

Renee Leathley Kaitake Team Leader, Year 4/5 Teacher

Heather Jull Year 4/5 Teacher

Annie Harris NE Transition Teacher

Jemma Moorby Year 1/2 Teacher

Philippa Hofmans Pukeiti Team Leader, Year 1/2 Teacher

Johannah Poutini Year 2/3 Teacher

Sarah Warren/Tara Ross Year 2/3 Teachers

Justine Francis Release Teacher

Margaret Normanton Release Teacher

Jacky Kopu Office Manager

Delwyn Pearce School Librarian

Kirsty Koboski Publicity Officer

Ole Bucka Grounds & Maintenance

Learning Assistants

Darryl Levett

Kirsty Koboski

Paula Fleming

Dee Heath

Jess Harfield

Ruth Barron

Ian Robinson

Nicole Whittle

Kaycee Cresswell

Fon Julian

Marcus Wade

Student Support

Ida Staunstrup-Moore

Lisa Schrader