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

The Term is passing very quickly. It has been another very busy period, and a number of important events still remain, including the Year 7-10 Camp (in Rotorua), end of Year Class activities, and of course Prize Giving.

As a newcomer here there are a number of processes and systems that are very impressive, and worth celebrating. One is the effective implementation of the Positive Behaviour for Learning Programme (PB4L).

Schools deal with children who come from a wide range of backgrounds, and often they can live vastly different lives away from School. However when we come together as a School, we have certain values and expectations that we live by.

For some students, these can be poles apart from the beliefs they have grown up with, or those they live by when not in School. Unsurprisingly from time to time there can be a clash of belief systems, and issues do arise. Thankfully this happens infrequently but, as is the case in all Schools, it does occur. What is important is how we deal with these situations when they arise.

The first priority is to ensure that we provide learning opportunities for all Students, to enable them to realise their full potential, in a safe environment. Our Staff, and BOT, are committed to this, but occasionally our ability to accomplish this is challenged.

PB4L School-Wide is a whole-school approach to help Schools develop their own social culture that supports learning and positive behaviour. The PB4L School Wide Framework is evidence based. It provides a process for considering both learning and behaviour across the whole School, for groups, and for individual students.

A crucial component of PB4L is Restorative Practice, a support to build positive, respectful relationships across the whole School Community. It also provides Schools with a set of tools to manage behaviour when things go wrong, using a relational approach.

PB4L is a very important part of the culture of this School. It is highly valued and is implemented consistently across the School. In most classes there are children who stand out because of their behaviour, either good, or bad. One of the very real strengths of this framework is that it acknowledges all students, including those who perhaps could be labeled as the quiet achievers - those who simply get on with things, without fuss or drama, without making great demands on the time and attention of the teacher - those who can often be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of a busy classroom.

Congratulations to the School for working so hard to develop a practical brand of PB4L, one that serves this School so well, and for also ensuring that PB4L practices are constantly reviewed, modified, and enhanced. No "system" is ever perfect - however the School has worked hard to ensure PB4L is a valuable part of “the way we do things” at CTS.

There are only 3 weeks until the holidays, and end of another very busy year. Take care, and try and find some time to enjoy the weather, the beauty, and the special character of this wonderful area.

Nga mihi nui

Richard McMillan

Coastal Taranaki School

92 Carthew St

Ōkato 4335

17th November 2025

Hon Erica Stanford

Private Bag 18 888

Parliament Buildings

Wellington 6160

erica.stanford@parliament.govt.nz

Tēnā koe Erica,

Coastal Taranaki School Board members confirm their ongoing commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

In our diverse community of Coastal Taranaki, the Treaty principles of participation, protection and partnership underpin our pursuit of equitable outcomes and educational success for all ākonga / students.

The CTS Board does not support the amendment to section 127 of the Education and Training Act 2020 to remove the requirement for school boards to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Their removal risks erosion of a legal constitutional mechanism that strengthens and affirms the importance of cultural identity and belonging to student wellbeing as a foundation for success.

We join the national Area Schools Association and support the National Iwi Chairs Forum calling for reversal of amendment to section 127 of the Act, in order to uphold the mana of the Treaty for our ākonga Māori, whānau, hapū and iwi.

We will continue to serve our CTS community in honouring the Treaty not only as a legal responsibility but as a foundation for excellent and inclusive education to benefit all.

Our school whakataukī captures our commitment to treaty based partnership. Mā te whānau te tamaiti e puawai, through collaboration our learners will thrive.

Ngā mihi,

Coastal Taranaki School Board

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/09/stop-asking-how-was-school-today-to-raise-successful-kids-ask-these-questions-instead.html

This artwork, initiated and designed by Sports Coordinator Nicky Philips, represents a powerful visual expression of our school values and identity for all tangata to be their best.

The collaborative effort reflects ako, whanaungatanaga and manaakitanga through shared connection.The piece was created with Art Teacher Kelly Waugh through a careful Term 1 and 2 selection and design process, with students all creating one piece of artwork exploring concepts of identity, culture, movement, and kōrero tuku iho.The final board was selected and hand-painted together by our Year 9 and 10 students, who invested significant time, thought, and commitment into producing a design that honoured both the school and the wider community.

Their contribution ensured the artwork carries authentic meaning, deeply connected to whakapapa and our local story.

Special acknowledgement goes to selected artist Ari Wattam and Nevaeh Smith - Year 9 Māori students in 2024, whose ideas and cultural knowledge helped shape elements of the tiki design and the symbolism used throughout.

The colour palette — white detailing, red triangular and black bordering — reflect clarity, unity and strength. White represents clarity and learning; red symbolises passion, connection, and black - resilience and grounding. Together, these colours frame streamlines, reo, maunga + tiki artwork in a bold, traditional Māori tikanga.

The artwork begins with streamlines, koru patterns, and symbolic Māori motifs, capturing movement and growth. Each line connects to the next, reflecting the way our students, staff and community support one another, develop their strengths, and continue moving forward as learners and people.

The words “Kia Maia” were intentionally chosen to anchor the piece. This phrase has become a valued expression within our kura in sport — a reminder to be courageous, to step forward with pride to strive and be our best. This artwork brings that message to life in a way that every student can see and feel each time they enter the gym.

The reference to our maunga connects the artwork back to place, grounding it in the whenua that shapes who we are as a community. At the heart of the piece sits a detailed central motif influenced by tiki and traditional carving patterns, symbolising protection, learning, and guardianship.

Overall, this piece stands as a celebration and a visual reminder of the unity of our school values ako, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga that sit at the heart of Coastal Taranaki School.

We have been learning about ‘Lizards’ in class, and Room 20 had to present a persuasive argument to try and convince the class that their lizard was the best. All students did a fantastic job in presenting their arguments, and it would be fair that there were multiple lizards that won the argument. If you had a lizard, which one would you pick and could you convince us that your lizard is the best?

We recently did a class debate around the topics ‘Communism’ and ‘Capitalism’. We had two teams ‘For’ and ‘Against’ for each topic. Students had to pick a side and argue their points as to why or why not these topics were good models. The debates were well thought out, and proved to be an excellent activity for all involved. One set of boys (ones on the right of the picture) took it one step further, and argued on a side that they did not originally agree with. This showed maturity and advancement in debating skills. Well done Room 20!

Building Tuakana Teina Connections Through Shared Reading

This term, Room 3 has joined with Room 15 to continue strengthening our tuakana teina relationships through shared reading sessions. It has been wonderful to see our older and younger students come together, showing care, patience, and enthusiasm as they read and learn alongside one another. This collaboration truly reflects our school values of manaakitanga (showing respect, kindness, and care) and whanaungatanga (building strong relationships and connections).

Both Mrs Hofmans and I have been incredibly impressed by the way students have embraced this opportunity to support and learn from each other. The joy and confidence we’ve seen during these sessions highlight the power of ako learning with and from one another.

I would also like to acknowledge my students for their fantastic role modelling of our SunSmart policy. It’s been wonderful to see them consistently wearing their hats at playtimes and encouraging others to do the same. Their example has had a really positive impact on our younger students, helping to build great habits and show what it means to be responsible members of our school community.

Ka pai, Room 3, I am so proud of your leadership and the way you’re living our school values every day!

Whaea Dee

This is the most junior of the tech taster classes that we are running in T4 . They have been working on nought's and crosses games, creating and converting their own designs into machine language to make on the laser cutter.

We’re excited to welcome four new chooks to our kura whānau! They’ve settled into their new home and are already bringing lots of joy (and hopefully soon a few eggs!) to our school.

Our chooks were kindly donated by the FOCTS team, and we’re so grateful for their generosity and ongoing support of our kura.

At the moment, a small group of students are taking the lead in showing manaakitanga by caring for our chooks and learning the routines that keep them safe and happy. As we get more confident and organised, we’ll extend this group and give each class the opportunity to contribute to their care.

In the meantime, please remember to treat our chookies with manaakitanga and respect.
🐣 Do not feed them — they have a special diet.
🐣 Let your kaiako know if you notice they’re missing something or if they’re not being treated kindly.

Welcome to your new home, chookies! 🧡

Woohoo!

Each class has 2 swimming slots per week.

Please pack togs and a towel in a separate bag so they don't get your school bags wet.

Attached is the timetable for when all classes will be swimming.

Any questions, please ask your child's teacher.

This week students from years 1-4 travelled to the Tukapa Rugby Grounds in New Plymouths for a Rippa Rugby Tournament.

Many thanks to those parents who offered transport and to coach/support the teams, and to Mrs Leathley for all the planning!

Kia Ora whānau,

Good to have some sunshine back in Ōkato lately! Hope you are all getting out in the garden, down to the beach or taking some time at the stony river for yourselves. We are seeing much more of our students outdoors and happy faces lately. It is great to see the uptake in skate/bike and wheel sports too! This term challenge yourself to 2 things - 1) To have purposeful movement/activity each day - Even 10 minutes can make a positive physical and mental impact on your body (sense of achievement, oxygen for focus, a quick mood boost) . 2) Be grateful for your surroundings (fresh air, green grass, good friends, local amenities etc.) - See what happens in a month with your health!

A special mention to our active and engaged parents helping out lately - we see you - volunteers, coaches, helpers, teacher support, fundraisers. When the community work to their skills and strengths together through kotahitanga/unity - it's pretty amazing what can be achieved. Also please do let us know at the main office if you can help out with any summer sports coaching - We would love to have you!

Athletics day

-Primary

Our Years 0–6 tamariki shone at Athletics Day, giving their very best in every event and showing huge enthusiasm from start to finish. Students demonstrated developing skills in running, throwing, and jumping, all while encouraging one another and celebrating each success with pride. A highlight of the day was the support from our Years 11–13 secondary students, who stepped confidently into coaching roles—demonstrating leadership, patience, and communication skills as they guided the younger learners through each rotation. It was a wonderful display of ako, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, with every child pushing themselves and having fun throughout the day. Ka pai, everyone!

-Secondary

Our secondary students showed high effort and school pride during this year’s Athletics Day. Participation numbers were higher than previous years, with students from across all year levels stepping up to compete, challenge themselves, and support their peers. Throughout the day, they demonstrated strong athletic skills across running, jumping, and throwing events, while also bringing a positive, encouraging energy to the athletics field.

What stood out most was the way our students conducted themselves as role models—showing great sportsmanship, celebrating each other’s achievements, and displaying determination to “be their best.” The day was supportive, competitive, and fun for everyone involved. Ka mau te wehi/awesome!

Touch leagues :

-Primary league - Wednesdays Opunake

-Secondary and adult league - Ōkato domain

We’ve had a fantastic number of students involved in touch this term, with strong weekly attendance and a noticeable lift in teamwork and communication on the field. Players have shown consistent effort during games and trainings, supporting one another and improving their movement, spacing, and game understanding each week. Go both Primary and Secondary teams!!

Congratulations to the following students for making the Opunake representative touch Teams - Lois Evans, Dawson Tamati, Leonard Wheeler, Enzo Staunstrupp Moore - We’ll done all.

Making a splash! The Ōkato pool is now open! 15th November the sun was out and the community was about :) Staff recently completed professional development and training with “Swimming skills Taranaki” Thanks to Cecile Elliott for her expertise! Summer sure is coming along now with swimming skills underway this week. We are also seeing students out surfing in the water lately and our secondary school programme “Surfing for life” is now underway in New Plymouth.

Haere tohu tone whānau - Keep moving together

Ngā mihi nui,

Casey Stevens

Health and Physical Education

Coastal Taranaki School

Kia ora,

We are excited to share with you the details for our Beta Climbing Gym summer holiday programme 2025/2026.

Starting from 22nd December, each programme session runs from 9am - 1pm, here at Beta on Burton Street, Waiwhakahio, New Plymouth.

$25 per day for Members
$50 per day for Non-Members
*pricing excludes shoe/chalk hire

Come in and see us, email, enquire on the website www.betaclimbing.co.nz or book through the links:

Betalings (5-9yrs) https://betaclimbing.gymmasteronline.com/portal/book/class/580832
Betakids (10-13yrs) https://betaclimbing.gymmasteronline.com/portal/book/class/580833

Many thanks, nga mihi nui,

The Beta team

.

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!

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