Te Kura o Te Pāroa

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

He iti hau marangai, e tū te aniwaniwa. Ka kitea e tatou i te whakamutunga ō te haerenga roa!

We are excited to share a significant milestone in our building journey. We are now in the final phase of our project, with the refurbishment of our front classrooms — Pahitaua, Ōwhataiti, and Kawarehe — well underway. It is wonderful to see these spaces being transformed.

We are also looking forward to having our back car park returned to us soon, which will be a welcome change for our kura.

This week has been a big one, with many classes shifting into new spaces. We are incredibly proud of our resilient and positive kaiako and tamariki, who have handled all the changes with such adaptability.

We warmly invite whānau to come into the kura and see our “new look” for yourselves.

There is one more shift coming up in July for our senior auraki and junior auraki classes, after which we can begin to settle into our refreshed environment.

We are also pleased to share that our kaumātua have approved the names for our classrooms, including new names, which are listed below.

Finally, our waharoa has been carefully taken down and is currently being refurbished — we look forward to its return.

A big thank you to the parents who joined us for Maths time in classrooms on Thursday the 19th. We hope you enjoyed the resources provided to support maths learning at home. If you were unable to attend and would like these resources, please contact your tamaiti’s class teacher to arrange a time to visit.

Ngā mihi nui,
Erin Te Pou
Tumuaki

We would like to thank Peter Barsdell and Mikaere October, principals from our two local high schools, who visited our kura today to speak with our Year 7 and 8 students about transitioning to high school in 2027. It was a valuable opportunity for our students to start thinking about their next step in their learning journey. Whānau, now is a good time to begin talking with your tamariki and mokopuna about their high school options and future pathways—don’t leave these conversations until the end of the year.

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.

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 needs 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.

Kia ora whānau

This week has seen a real strip back of our B Block! The toilet block is removed, the internals have been gutted and the ramp all gone. The building was very well built and the contractors had to use quite a bit of kaha to remove all the building materials.

Over the next few weeks, we should see the classrooms be rebuilt and shaped to be modern, dry, light and in line with all our new blocks.

Thank you to all whanau who had concrete cutters and machinery disrupting our space during our Pangarau evening. We all appreciate how patient whanau have been with our build projects.

On the plus side...Im sure you all enjoyed being in the new modern classrooms. Tamariki have adjusted well to the new spaces. Purpose specific furniture for our learning spaces should all be in place and these compliment our Explicit Direct Teaching.

Thank you for keeping the front driveway (near the waharoa Entrace) clear as trucks and vehicles use this entrance.

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!

Awarahe - Whaea Rose

Te Aomarama Martinovich - Mauri Mātauranga - Te Aomarama is a focused learner who confidently uses and shows our Student Engagement Norms.

Te Tōtara - Whāea Bethan Kohunui

Te Waipounamu Black - Mauri Mātauranga - Te Waipounamu always tried her best in class and is always polite and respectful towards her kaiako. Kei runga noa atu koe, Te Waipounamu.

Ohuirehe - Whāea Ardelle Williams

Tyran O'Brien - All of the pumanawa - For being a role model student in Ohuirehe by being a leader, making good choices, being a focussed learner and being helpful and kind every day.

Otamauru - Matua Eru Merito

Acacia McKoy - Mauri Mātauranga - Always remains on task and engaged in their work, showing strong focus, independence, and a positive attitude towards learning.

Kei te ū tonu a Acacia ki te ako me āna mahi hoki!

Kakahoroa - Whāea Helen Korewha

Hinemoa Biddle-Hunuhunu - Mauri Tū - Hinemoa presents her personal best when it comes to handwriting and story writing. She has worked very hard on letter formation by following the Casey Caterpillar model.

Te Korokoro - Whāea Te Amiona Korewha

Areka Patrick - Mauri Tū - For showing courage and confidence by leading our whaikōrero on the pae during karakia. Kei runga noa atu koe!

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

Riki Foster - Mauri Tangata - Mō tōna whakaū ki ngā mahi o te akomanga, kā mutu kei te tino pakari tōna reo Māori.

Te Pakora - Whāea Takirimu Teddy

Tamatehura Te Aomarere - Mauri Mātauranga - He tama koi. He tama hīkaka. He tama e ngākaunui ana ki te ako i ngā wā katoa.

Te Pekapekatahi - Whāea Cilla Gray

Hinemaiaio Mathews Tahuri - Mauri Ora - Hinemaiaio has developed the resilience to come to kura and enter our akomanga without her big cousin to help her. Tino pai to kaha Hinemaiaio.

Rakaurahe - Matua Murray

Te Rangimarie Hei Hei-Singh - Mauri Tangata - Kia whakapiki tona matauranga i roto i nga mahi katoa. Kia pai te whakahaere o tenei akonga.

This term the Kura Taiao or the environmental action group have been busy learning to identify and trap pests with Halo, Whakatāne. Here is what our Envirogroup students have to say about their learning this term:

He kura ako i a Rongomātāne. Nā Unique Hei Hei – Singh Lagah.

I like trapping and hunting. It helps Papatūānuku. Nā Thytaus Tahuri – Rangi.

Kei te hiahia au te kite i nga kararehe i roto i te ao, ki roto i te wai hoki. He pai te tiaki i te maara kai. Nā Ivy.

I te pai hoki te mahi taiao ki ahau. He ataahua ngā hue. Nā Billie-Rose Hei Hei – Waara.

I joined the Envirogroup because i want to help Papatūānuku. I am interest in learning more about trapping pests. He pai ki ahau te kohi rāpihi. Nā Tai Te Aorua Hahipene.

He pai te awhi i a Papatūānuku. He pai te hanga traps. He pai te kohi rāpihi ki ahau. Nā Te Ahurumōwai Hahipene.

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.

EBOP Swimming Sports

Our kura was proud to take part in the EBOP Swimming Sports, hosted by Awakeri and Edgecumbe kura. With 19 of our swimmers representing us in the pool.

All of our tauira gave it their best, showing great sportsmanship and courage across a range of events.

✨ Spotlight on Tai Te Aorua Hahipene
A special mention to Tai Te Aorua, who took on an incredible challenge by competing in every event—from the 3x length freestyle right through to the Medley. A true display of resilience, commitment, and heart!

Ka mau te wehi to all our swimmers – we are proud of you all! 💙

Student Profile 🏅

Congratulations to Pipiana Henry on her outstanding sporting achievement!

Pipiana has been crowned Whakatāne Children’s Athletics Club – U8 Girls Champion, a fantastic result that reflects her dedication, determination, and commitment for athletics.

We are incredibly proud of Pipiana and the effort she continues to show both on and off the track. Keep shining and striving for excellence!

Ka mau te wehi, Pipiana! 👏

Event link here: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ni3zNNCR/

This event has been created to bring local families together for a fun day out in our community, and we would really appreciate your help sharing the information with your school whānau.

There will be plenty for children and families to enjoy, including:

A special visit from the Easter Bunny
The Beulah Concrete Easter Hunt
A Kids Colouring Competition (ages 3–12)
Kids Easter Dress-Up Competition
Face painting and kids activities
Music and family entertainment
Food vendors and market stalls

Children can pick up a colouring competition sheet from Riverslea Mall stores, complete it at home, and return it before the event. Entries will be displayed in the Riverslea Mall shop windows from 22 March, creating a colourful community display for everyone to enjoy.

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