COASTAL TARANAKI SCHOOL

Office Hours

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Hours of Instruction

8:40 am - 3:00 pm

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

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Te Kura o Coastal Taranaki kei Ōkato,

I te tuatahi, tēnei rā te mihi aroha atu ki ngā whānau o ngā mate kua taka mai nei ki runga i ā koutou.

Kei te hotuhotu te manawa i tō wehenga atu. Haere atu rā, okioki atu rā e ngā mate.

Ka huri mātou ki a tātou te hunga ora, nō reira, tēnā tātou katoa.

As we come to the close of Term 2, our kura continues to be a place where learning (ako), growth and connection (whanaungatanga and manaakitanga) thrive. Throughout the term, our ākonga have demonstrated our kura values through their commitment to learning, their willingness to support one another, and their engagement in opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. It is heartening to see our vision brought to life each day as students develop confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

This term has provided many opportunities for our students to learn, collaborate, and achieve success. Across the kura, students have embraced rich and authentic learning experiences, from environmental studies and hands-on science inquiries to creative arts, sport, and leadership opportunities.

Our Year 7–10 Manu Pikopiko rōpū have continued their planting and propagation mahi, developing practical knowledge of plant life, local ecosystems, and kaitiakitanga. Secondary students have also strengthened their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills through collaborative learning challenges, while others have demonstrated perseverance and mathematical thinking through engaging group learning experiences.

In our primary school, students have represented Coastal Taranaki School with pride through inter-school sport, with our Year 5–6 netball team progressing undefeated to the semi-finals and our football team demonstrating excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the season. Environmental learning has also been a strong focus, with students investigating ocean pollution and microplastics, while creative and imaginative learning has flourished through pirate-themed inquiries that have developed literacy, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Our kura is also abuzz with learning as we near the end of the term. In the secondary school, students are busily completing assessments, and as deadlines approach some ākonga may be feeling the pressure. We encourage students to seek support early and make full use of the guidance available from their kaiako. CAA results will be released in July, and we will work alongside students to interpret their results and identify next steps as they prepare for the examinations in September.

Next week, whānau will receive our newly updated and reformatted mid-year progress reports for students in Years 0–10. These reports have been designed to provide clearer information about student progress and achievement while supporting meaningful conversations between home and school about learning, growth, and next steps. Reports for students in Years 11–13 remain consistent with previous years.

As we look ahead to Term 3, we are excited about the opportunities that await. We remind whānau that Monday, 20 July is a staff-only day, with students returning on Tuesday, 21 July. We look forward to beginning the term with a pōwhiri to warmly welcome our new students, whānau, and staff members into our kura community.

We encourage all students to enjoy a well-deserved break, spend time with whānau, and return refreshed and ready to embrace the challenges and successes of the new term. Thank you to our staff, students, and whānau for your ongoing support and commitment to our kura. Together, we continue to nurture learners who are connected, capable, and confident in who they are and where they are going: “Mā te whānau te tamaiti e puāwai” — through collaboration our learners will thrive.

Mid-Year Reports Update

Mid-year reports will be sent home on Tuesday, 30 June (Week 11). This year, we have adopted updated Ministry of Education progress descriptors for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

If your child is in the 'Emerging' phase, their teacher will invite you to meet in Week 10 to share the draft report. This supports a "no surprises" approach to progress and achievement and is also a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their efforts, and plan their next steps.

You will receive an A4 hardcopy version of the report. We welcome your feedback about changes to the report format and content via a survey. Survey details will be included in the A4 report envelope, which includes a chance to enter a prize draw.

E Whai Ake Nei | Coming Up…

School Photos – Wednesday, 1 July (Term 2, Week 11)

School photos will be taking place on Wednesday 1st July. Please keep an eye on Helix and information sent home regarding photo ordering and booking individual and sibling photos.

Puanga Matariki – Date Change: Wednesday, 5 Aug (Term 3, Week 3)

Our Puanga Matariki celebration has moved to Wednesday, 5 August (term 3, week 3). We will share details early next term.

Staff Only Day – Monday, 20 July (No Kura)

Pōwhiri for New Students & Whānau – Tuesday, 21 July (First Day of Term 3)

Please join us as we welcome new students and staff at our 9:30 am pōwhiri in the gymnasium on our first day back next term: Tuesday, 21 July.

Ngā manaakitanga, nā

Te Kapa Hautū Matua | Senior Leadership Team

Whaea Sonia Mau - Tumuaki | Principal

Whaea Sarah Oke - Tumuaki Tuarua | Deputy Principal Y7-13

Whaea Wes Mau - Kaihautū Marautanga | Curriculum Lead Y0-6

Kia ora koutou,

We’re proud to be part of a diverse school community, and by working together with respect and care, we’re continuing to build a place where all ākonga can thrive. At our recent Board meeting on 17 June, we reflected on the progress our kura continues to make as we move forward following a period of change. We are glad to report steady progress and a growing sense of direction, stability, and shared purpose.

Our direction and decision-making

As a Board, we have been strengthening our understanding of governance, including our strategic plan, policies, and procedures. We are learning just how important they are in guiding good decision-making and keeping focused. These tools hold our shared vision, help us navigate challenges, and ensure that decisions are made with fairness, clarity, and the wellbeing of our ākonga at the centre. They provide a strong foundation that protects everyone in our school community.

We have also been encouraged by the clear direction set out in our strategic goals, based on the 2025 Community Survey: Giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Building leadership capability and a positive learning environment, and Developing inspiring curriculum and co-curricular opportunities connected to our unique place.

Take a look at the strategic plan on our website and see how these areas are developing.

Our people

A key focus for the Board is strengthening our people. As part of this, staff are engaged in a year-long development programme with Jenny Gray from The Team Building Company. This includes work to better understand our team culture and identify where support will have the greatest impact.

We know that periods of change can be unsettling. At the same time, we are hearing a strong and consistent commitment from staff to our ākonga and to this community, as well as a sense of opportunity to improve outcomes for learners.

We would like to sincerely acknowledge our teaching professionals and staff. Your commitment and care hold us together. We are deeply grateful.

Progress and support

You may be aware that the school has been working alongside the Ministry of Education through a statutory intervention. In April 2025, Limited Statutory Manager, Rox Mexted, was appointed to support the school in specific areas.

The most recent review was positive and recognised the kura has now achieved four of the six goals set. Following discussions with the Ministry, it’s been agreed that a reduced level of support will continue for a period, to make sure the remaining areas are completed well and progress is sustained. This is about doing things properly and setting the school up strongly for the future. We are on track and moving forward!

Board membership

We now have a full Board in place. Our members are: Presiding Member: Kat Moffitt; Acting Presiding Member: Jarran Colman, Teacher Representative: Dee Heath, Student Representative: Hayley S, Parent representatives: Heather Juffermans, Maria Terrill, Jane Bowden-Dobson and Tamati Neho.

Following our recent recruitment process, we are pleased to welcome Tamati Neho to the Board. Tamati brings valuable governance experience and a strong commitment to supporting young people. Based in New Plymouth, with his own tamariki involved in primary and secondary schooling he brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to education. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Māori Health Directorate at Health New Zealand. Nau mai, haere mai Tamati — we are delighted to have you on board.

Ngā mihi nui,

Jane Bowden-Dobson

Deputy Presiding Member
Coastal Taranaki School Board

Kia ora whānau,

Please note that our kura will be closed for instruction on Monday 20th July as we will be holding a Staff Only Day.

This day will be supported by Jenny Gray from the Team Building Company where we will focus on strengthening staff culture and nurturing a positive kura culture where all ākonga can thrive.

Mā te whānau te tamaiti e puawai | Through collaboration our learners will thrive.

The Manu Pikopiko rōpū (Year 7–10) continues with its planting and propagation mahi in the garden. Over the past few weeks, ākonga have been learning how new plants can be grown through division (for example, rengarenga and harakeke) as well as from cuttings (such as arctotis). They have also begun their āta titiro (close observation) study of leaves and branches to help identify different rākau in our local environment. It has been wonderful to see students engaging thoughtfully and practically in the garden space and building their knowledge of plant life and kaitiakitanga.

Room 3 has been full of energy, laughter, and teamwork over the past few weeks! As well as a group of our students proudly representing Coastal Taranaki School at the Year 7/8 Rippa Rugby Tournament, we have been spending time building our classroom culture through a range of collaborative and team-building activities.

Our learners have taken on some exciting physical challenges, including creating a human bicycle and building a human pyramid. These activities required plenty of communication, trust, problem-solving, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones. It was fantastic to see students encouraging one another, listening to different ideas, and celebrating success together.

We have also been focusing on strengthening our Whanaungatanga through a series of teamwork challenges. One class favourite has been our "Race to 100" activity, where small groups work together to use strategy and communication to cross off the numbers from 1–100 in the correct order as quickly as possible. While it might sound simple, success relies on planning, clear communication, and every team member playing an important role. Students have been reflecting on what makes a successful team and discovering that cooperation and perseverance are often more important than speed.

These experiences have provided wonderful opportunities for our students to develop the key competencies of working with others, managing themselves, and thinking creatively. They have also reinforced our school values of Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, and Ako, as students learn to support each other, value everyone's contributions, and grow together through shared experiences.

We are incredibly proud of the positive attitudes and teamwork our tamariki continue to show each day. The photos capture just a few of the many moments of fun, challenge, and collaboration that make Room 3 such an awesome place to learn.

Term 2 has been a fantastic and settled term for Pouakai Rua. The students have shown excellent behaviour, creating a positive learning environment where everyone can focus, participate, and achieve success. Their positive attitudes and commitment to learning have allowed for meaningful discussions, collaboration, and deep thinking across all curriculum areas.

One highlight this term has been our Mathematics learning through Math No Problem. Students have thoroughly enjoyed working together in groups to explore new problems, share ideas, and challenge their thinking. It has been wonderful to see the level of engagement, perseverance, and mathematical reasoning demonstrated as students work collaboratively to solve increasingly complex tasks. The rich discussions taking place during maths lessons show just how much our learners are growing in confidence and understanding.

As we reach the halfway point of the year, I am extremely proud of the progress the students have made. Their hard work, willingness to learn, and support for one another continue to contribute to a positive and successful classroom culture. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout the second half of the year and celebrating even more learning successes together.

Whaea Dee

Throughout Term 2, Coastal entered a football and netball team into the Inter School competition. These teams represented our school with pride during all of their games and we are pleased with their results.

Our football team managed one win, and two loses, but displayed great team work throughout their games. A huge thanks to Ann for coaching this team.

Coastal Year 5-6 netball came away with five wins out of five games. This will place them through to the semi finals early next term, which we are assuming will be played at our school. Good luck to this team. A huge thanks goes to Sarah for coaching this team.

Also, many thanks to the parents who supported our teams throughout this term during this competition, by turning up to cheer on the sidelines and providing transport to our away games. We appreciate all your support with this.

Once we have confirmation regarding the netball semi-final, information will be shared with whānau.

This term, the children in Mrs Morby’s class have been learning all about ocean pollution and microplastics. We learned that there are five major garbage patches in the world’s oceans, with the largest being bigger than Texas. The children recorded facts they discovered and discussed the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. They are currently completing artwork that depicts a whale swallowing rubbish in the ocean, using collage and a variety of different mediums to communicate this important environmental message.

We currently have a pirate theme that is guiding much of our learning in class. The children enjoyed taking part in an exciting pirate treasure hunt to search for hidden treasure. They followed clues that led them all around the school before eventually discovering the treasure buried in the sandpit.

The students are now working on writing their own pirate clues for a buddy to follow in order to find a hidden treasure. This activity is helping to develop their writing, sequencing, and problem-solving skills while encouraging creativity and collaboration.

Room 16 have been immersed in a rich science inquiry all about snails. The excitement these small creatures have brought into the classroom has been infectious, as students observe them closely moving across surfaces and leaving their trails behind. Pop in and see their impressive wall display showcasing their learning and snail-themed ako.

Room 17 have been creatively exploring pūrākau through the design and creation of masks representing different atua.

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COASTAL TARANAKI SCHOOL

Sonia Mau Principal

Sarah Oke Senior School Deputy Principal, Careers/Pathways, Tech on 45

Wes Mau Innovative Curriculum & Design Project Lead (Y0–6)

David Cripps SENCO

Viola Fung English

Ros James Maths Term 1

Steve Leppard Hard Materials Technology, Tech on 45

Natalie Bound Science, Principals Nominee

Keegan Bruckner Social Sciences, Geography, P.E Teacher

Hayley Gilmour Release Teacher

Liana Roberts Pouakai Team Leader, Year 7/8 Teacher

Dee Heath Year 7/8 Teacher

Renee Leathley Kaitake Team Leader, Year 5/6 Teacher

Emily Finey Year 5/6 Teacher

Johannah Poutini Year 4/5Teacher

Annie Harris NE Transition Teacher

Jemma Moorby Year 2/3 Teacher

Sarah Warren Year 1/2 Teacher

Tara Ross Year 3/4 Teachers

Alana Campbell Office Manager

Delwyn Pearce School Librarian

Kirsty Koboski Publicity Officer

Ole Bucka Grounds & Maintenance

Amy Mills Guidance Counsellor

Learning Assistants

Darryl Levett

Kirsty Koboski

Paula Fleming

Ruth Barron

Nicole Whittle

Fon Julian

Lisa Schrader

Marcus Wade