Te Kura o Te Pāroa

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

E rua ngā kaupapa matua i tēnei karere a Kura - ko te taenga mai o ngā tamariki ia rā ki te kura me te mahi ngātahi a te whānau me ngā kaiako kia tautoko i te ako a ā tātou tamariki.

Whānau Hui – Pāngarau

We have a Pāngarau (Maths) Whānau Hui coming up:

Thursday 19 March
3:30pm – 4:30pm

This is an opportunity for whānau to meet with your tamaiti’s kaiako and see what your child is learning in maths and how you can support their learning at home.

If this time does not suit you, please get in touch with your tamaiti’s kaiako to arrange another suitable time. We ask whānau to value the time that kaiako put into organising these learning opportunities, as well as the time of other parents attending. The focus of this hui is your tamaiti’s learning in Pāngarau.

This year we will also be recording parent attendance at learning hui, and we will follow up with whānau who are unable to attend so that we can ensure every whānau has the opportunity to engage with their tamaiti’s learning.

Student Attendance

It has come to our attention that we are still experiencing a high number of student absences where the Kura has not been notified of the reason for the absence.

If your tamaiti is away from kura, please inform the school and provide the reason for their absence. This helps ensure our attendance records are accurate and enables us to support tamariki and whānau when needed.

Regular attendance is essential to your tamaiti’s learning. Being at kura every day helps tamariki stay connected with their learning, their kaiako, and their peers.

Ngā mihi nui,
Erin Te Pou
Tumuaki

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our beautiful community and hapori for the 25 years of support, manaaki, and aroha that I have received during my time at Te Kura o Te Pāroa. You have truly been my whānau away from home.

Over the years I have built lifelong relationships with staff, the Board of Trustees, whānau, and kaumātua of our kura. It has been a privilege to teach many of our tamariki and, at times, their older siblings, cousins, and even their parents.

My philosophy has always been to be the best classroom practitioner I could be for our students, encouraging them to recognise their potential, achieve their goals, and become positive advocates for their hapū, iwi, and for Māoridom.

I would also like to sincerely thank Erin Te Pou for her guidance, mentorship, and belief in my leadership over many years. Her support and encouragement have helped prepare me to step into the role of a beginning principal, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities and trust she placed in me.

As I begin this new chapter, I return to my people and my whānau to lead Woodlands School in Ōpōtiki. I do so with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility to serve my community and support our tamariki to grow with pride in who they are.

I carry with me the many experiences, lessons, and treasured memories from my time at Te Kura o Te Pāroa, and this kura and community will always hold a special place in my heart.

“Kāore ahau e tū i raro i te takitahi, engari ka tū ahau i raro i te takitini.”
(I do not stand alone, but stand with the support of the collective.)

E titiro whakamua ana mātou ki te kite i a koutou i te hui pāngarau.

Our kaiako work incredibly hard to support the learning of our tamariki. This year, we are introducing new programmes in Te Reo Matatini (literacy) and Pāngarau (maths), and beginning to use new teaching strategies to strengthen learning in the classroom. These include using whiteboards, clear engagement norms, and structured learning routines to make the most of our learning time each day.

We invite whānau to come into kura in the mornings to see what learning looks like in our classrooms. Mornings focus on literacy and maths learning, giving tamariki uninterrupted time to build strong foundations in these areas.

Parents are welcome to sign in at the office first, then come into the kura in the mornings. Signing in helps us know who is on site during emergency drills and safety procedures.

In the afternoons, tamariki will be involved in toi (art), Ngāti Awatanga, and sports.

This new timetable will run from Monday to Thursday for this term as we continue to strengthen teaching and learning across the kura.

This week, and every week 6, our kura has holds Hauora Week, with a focus on supporting the wellbeing of our kaiako and staff. Instead of attending a staff hui, staff can leave kura early during Week 6 to focus on their own hauora and wellbeing.

Staff can use this time to support their well-being, including booking appointments, connecting with whānau, or simply taking time to do oneof the many things they dont get a chance to during a busy school week.

This week recognises the importance of Te Whare Tapa Whā, which reminds us that wellbeing includes taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha wairua (spiritual), and taha whānau (social wellbeing).

Looking after our teachers' well-being is important. When we care for our own whare, we are better able to support our tamariki, each other, and our kura community.

Kia ora whānau the new classes were blessed on Monday 9th March so next week classes will move into their new area's. The fencing will go up in the front of the kura for the next phase of renovations on the B Block over the next couple of weeks.

For whānau who are dropping off and picking up tamariki - entry and exit access will only be through the bus bay area gate.

These students have demonstrated our Pūmanawa o te Wiki and have shown the values we celebrate here at our kura. We would like to acknowledge and celebrate them by sharing their names in this week’s school-wide pānui.

Ka pai tō mahi — we are proud of you!

Deputy Principal - Whaea Ramia

Beau Teaomarere - For actively participating in all school events and for showing leadership qualities throughout the kura.

Kawarehe - Whāea Te Rumate

Manawa Palmer - Mauri Tū - He tama aumangea a Manawa.

He kawe i a ia anō i roto i te pouri ki te māramatanga, kia whītikina ai ia e ngā ihiihi o Tamanui ki te ora.

“He Manawa tītī, he Manawa Piharau”

Te Tōtara - Whāea Bethan Kohunui

Bless Bryan - Mauri Tū - For stepping up with enthusiasm to lead a waiata for our Taiohi students and working hard in class.

Ohuirehe - Whāea Ardelle Williams

Iraia Marx- Mauri Mātauranga - For being a keen mathematician and and working hard to learn his times tables. Kei runga noa atu koe Iraia!

Otamauru - Matua Eru Merito

Sailor-Reign Stewart- Mauri Tū - Sailor-Reign consistently demonstrates Mauri Tū by showing self-control and responsibility during learning time. She sits patiently and waits respectfully for the next task, presenting her personal best and setting a positive example for others in the class.

Kakahoroa - Whāea Helen Korewha

Harlem-Prez Savage-Warren - Mauri Tangata - Participation in Ngatiawatanga and Karakia. Ka pai e hoa.

Te Korokoro - Whāea Te Amiona Korewha

Mareikura Hata- Mauri Mātauranga - Mareikura consistently demonstrates Mauri Matauranga. Every day, she arrives at school with a positive attitude and ready to learn!

Te Pahitaua - Whāea Rahora Riini

Ihimaia Herewini-Clay - Mauri Tangata - He toki ia mo te kōrero Māori ia rā.

Owhataiti - Whāea Helen Kingi

Summer Merito - Mauri Mātauranga - He tauira e kaha ana ki te aro i nga tikanga o te EDI. He ngāwari ana tana ngākau ki tetahi ki tetahi. Ka wani ke Summer.

Te Pakora - Whāea Takirimu Teddy

Ngahuia Warren - Mauri Tangata - He kotiro kaha ki te manaaki tētahi ki tētahi. A tinana. A wairua. A hinengaro. A ngakau. E mihi ana ki a koe Ngahuia.

Te Karaka - Whāea Edna Osborne

Mayrick Williams - Mauri Mātauranga - He kaha a Mayrick ki te mahi i ana Tuhi pū, wetiweti koe Mayrick.

Te Pekapekatahi - Whāea Cilla Gray

Amiria Te Amo - Mauri Ora - Amiria has transitioned into the daily routine of Te Pekapekatahi. She has shown resilience during her short time at Kura. Ka mau te wehi kōtiro!

This message is for parents and caregivers who pick up their tamariki using private transport.

Staff have noticed that some parents are parking across the road and calling their tamariki to come to the car. Unfortunately, this has resulted in students running across the main road, which is very dangerous.

To help keep our tamariki safe, the front gate of the kura will now be locked at pick-up time. Parents and caregivers will need to drive into the bus bay to collect their children.

If possible, we ask that pick-ups take place after the buses have departed, between 2:30pm and 3:00pm.

We understand this may sometimes be frustrating, especially when buses are present and parking is limited. However, the safety of our students is our top priority.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping keep our tamariki safe.

On Tuesday 3rd March, some of our senior tauira attended a Taiohi Leadership workshop at St Joseph’s, exploring what it means to be a leader at Te Kura o Te Paroa. Students shared whakaaro on key leadership qualities such as teamwork, responsibility, confidence, respect, being a good role model, and taking pride in all they do.

The workshop also highlighted common challenges leaders face, including public speaking, being judged, managing body language, and staying composed in tricky situations like whispers, eye rolls, or laughter.

Our tauira left inspired, ready to lead by example and support one another in and out of the kura.

🔧 EPro8 Practice Opportunity for Our Tamariki! 🔧
Kia ora e te whānau,

We’re excited to offer our tamariki the chance to take part in FREE after-school EPro8 practice sessions being run at Whakatāne High School with the support of two awesome ex-Pāroa students! 🙌

See poster attached for details.
This is for tamariki in Year 5-8.

If your tamaiti is interested, please let us know!
🎥 Want to see what EPro8 is all about? Check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyDwGcV6YZg

This is an awesome opportunity for our tamariki to learn, build, and have fun together! 🔧✨

As the seasons begin to change and the temperature drops, this is a good time to check that your tamaiti or mokopuna has the correct winter uniform.

We have noticed some of our kōtiro wearing black tights and black pants to kura. Whānau, these items are not part of our school uniform. If tamariki need something warm, they may wear dark navy-blue trackpants, which are available from stores such as Kmart.

We appreciate your support in helping our tamariki wear their correct school uniform with pride.

Ngā mihi nui.

Access to SchoolDocs:

• Available to the principal, board, and school community (parents, caregivers, whānau).

• How to log in:

1. Go to schooldocs.co.nz.

2. Search for "Te Kura o Te Pāroa."

3. Enter credentials:

• Username: paroa

• Password: turukihia

4. Use the search bar to find specific policies.

From Term 1 2026, our Kura is required to have an Attendance Management Plan (AMP) in place.

These plans aim to improve student attendance by providing clear pathways to identify and address absences at different thresholds.

We know that for tamariki to succeed in te reo matatini and pāngarau, they need to be at school on time on every day. All students need to be in class by 8.45am ready to go.

At Te Kura o Te Pāroa, being present is how we grow confident, capable, and connected. future iwi leaders.

Outline of plan will be aligned to the STAR reporting, whereby actions will be determined by the number of days tamariki are absent.

For example:

For students with less that 5 days absence in a school term - 90% + attendance

- Students and whānau given termly updates on their attendance.

- Tamariki given opportunities to catch up on any missed learning tasks (where possible).

- Celebrate great attendance in assemblies.

For students with up to 10 days absence in a school term - 80% attendance

- Contact made with whānau regarding any absences through phone calls or letters.

- Attendance monitored by class teacher and team leader.

- Check and connect hui with tamariki and Attendance team to monitor and celebrate attendance.

- Support to catch up on any missed learning tasks (where possible).

- Support and referrals for any identified barriers to attending kura.

- Additional time allocated to support missed learning tasks (where possible).

-Celebrate attendance improvement with Deputy Principal and Principal.

Our tauira had a fantastic time at the Future Golf Fun Day held in Kawerau on Tuesday 24th February. Tanekaha joined one of the Kawerau South School teams and enjoyed the opportunity to play alongside new friends while learning the basics of golf.

The event was well structured, with tamariki playing four holes over a 1.5-hour session — the perfect amount of time for everyone to have a go and enjoy the experience. In total, 95 tamariki participated, and every child received a prize at the end of the day, which made it even more special.

A big thank you to Bay of Plenty Golf for organising such a well-run event and providing the golf clubs for the tamariki to use, and to the Kawerau Golf Club for hosting. For many of the children, this was their first time ever holding a golf club or stepping onto a golf course, making it a truly memorable opportunity.

We would also like to acknowledge Tanekaha for his kaha and willingness to give something new a go. Ka mau te wehi! 👏

Our kura had an awesome day at the Interschool Swimming Competition, with our swimmers showing determination, great sportsmanship, and plenty of kura pride in the pool! It was fantastic to see our tamariki giving their best and supporting each other throughout the day. Congratulation to all our tauira who participated.

The top three place-getters in each event will now move on to the EBOP Swimming Competition being held on Thursday 26th March.

3x Freestyle

*9yr Boys - 1st Tai Te Aorua Hahipene

1x Freestyle

*8yr - 3rd Acacia Grace & 1st Te Ahurumowai Hahipene

*9yr - 1st Tai Te Aorua Hahipene & 2nd Orakaurehe McLean-Carre

*10yr - 3rd Moetuterangi Jaram

*11yr - 2nd Anahera Wharewera-McGarvey, 3rd Galaxie Tagatauli,

Hikawera Tawhai & Elijah Te Whata

*12yr - Beau Te Aomarere & Harleigh-Rose Takiari

Jaysiah Peri-Woods & Maitaiao Apiata

1x Backstroke

*8yr - 3rd Pare Kingi-Monika & 2nd Te Ahurumowai Hahipene

*9yr - 1st Tai Te Aorua Hahipene & 3rd Emaa Douglas

*11yr - 1st Anahera Wharewera-McGarvey & 3rd Galaxie Tagatauli

*12yr - Ihimaia Herewini-Clay & Beau Te Aomarere

Jaysiah Peri-Woods & Teina Kaiwhata

1x Breaststroke

*8yr - 3rd Acacia Grace & 3rd Te Ahurumowai Hahipene

*9yr - 1st Tai Te Aorua Hahipene

1x Butterfly

*9yr - 1st Tai Te Aorua Hahipene & Emaa Douglas

4x Medley

*9yr - Tai Te Aorua Hahipene

📄 A pānui will be sent home with those swimmers who have qualified with further details.

Well done again to all our swimmers — we are proud of you! 🏊‍♀️👏

Email: office@paroa.school.nz
Website: https://www.paroa.school.nz
Location: 34 Paroa Road, Whakatane 3191
Phone: 073086652

School Mobile phone: 0274471900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/910834023142312