Kohimarama School News - 12th March 2025
School News
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The transformation of education is essential to align with the changes that are occurring at an exponential rate across our world, which emphasises a future-focused, inclusive and evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. The revised national curriculum, particularly the English Curriculum, highlights the importance of foundational knowledge to support all learners.
At Kohimarama School, this transformation is not about change for the sake of change but about ensuring students are well-equipped for a rapidly evolving world. By focusing on a knowledge-rich curriculum, evidence-based instruction, and fostering skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, the Kohimarama Way, we prepare students for future success.
The emphasis on English and Mathematics and student-centered learning aligns with our approach. Schools must evolve to ensure students develop strong foundational skills while also nurturing their ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. This is particularly relevant as we integrate digital competencies into learning, ensuring our students are not just consumers of information but creators and problem-solvers in a changing landscape.
The video explores the key drivers for this transformation and how Kohimarama School is preparing students to thrive in the future.
Expanding Sporting Opportunities for Our Students
At Kohimarama School, we believe in the importance of providing students with a wide range of opportunities to explore and develop their talents. Sport plays a crucial role in building confidence, teamwork and resilience and we are fortunate to have families in our community who are passionate about sharing their experiences and supporting others to get involved.
One of our parents, Alex Hill’s dad Andrew, has kindly offered to share the different sports Alex participates in to encourage other students to try new activities. He has also offered to assist families with transport, gear and advice where possible. This is a fantastic example of the spirit of collaboration and support that makes our school community so special. Below are some of the sports Alex is involved in, along with details on how students can join.
Alex is involved in the following: Ice Hockey & Skating
- Exciting news: Alex was recently featured in a Kea Kids News article about Ice Hockey, highlighting Kohimarama School. He has also been selected for a National Development Camp in Queenstown at the end of the month.
- Here is the link to the article for your interest: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ice-hockey-the-new-rugby/2SRTIMNF2Z5CDSKA5YD5UANDPQ/
And also Inline Hockey, Skiing, Judo, Surf life Saving, Tennis, Rugby and Golf.
Andrew Hill has offered to share information and to assist in having students from Kohimarama School join in any of the above options. Thanks to Andrew for his willingness to give his time and energy to our students.
Contact Andrew Hill on (m) 0211957234 or (e) AndrewH@nandosgroup.com
Information Evening about Kohimarama Schools Year 7&8
Last evening, we had the pleasure of welcoming past Kohimarama School students who shared their experiences and the advantages of our Year 7 & 8 opportunities. It was inspiring to hear from four students who were in Year 8 at Kohimarama School in 2024 and have since moved on to St Kentigern, Baradene, Selwyn and Glendowie Colleges for Year 9.
We were also joined by Margo, Head Girl at Selwyn College and Lachie, Deputy Head Boy at Sacred Heart College, who reflected on their time at Kohimarama School and how it prepared them for both leadership and academic success. Their journeys highlight the strong foundation our school provides, equipping students with the confidence, skills, and values to thrive in their secondary education and beyond.
From Left to right; Margo (Head Girl at Selwyn College), Juliette, Louisa, Felix, Jayden, Lachie (Deputy Head Boy at Sacred Heart College)
The staff and students outlined the following;
- Developmental Continuity: As a full primary school, Kohimarama School provides a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for younger children. Staying in this familiar setting allows students to build strong academic foundations, social skills and emotional resilience before transitioning to the more complex secondary school environment.
- Quality of Education: Our successful full primary school has experienced teachers who understand the unique needs of younger learners. They can provide personalised attention, differentiated instruction and a supportive learning environment that fosters academic growth and confidence.
- Stable Peer Relationships: Remaining in the same school allows students to maintain stable peer relationships and friendships established over several years. This continuity can contribute to a sense of belonging, social connectedness and emotional well-being during these formative years.
- Leadership Opportunities: At Kohimarama School our students are offered leadership opportunities such as student council positions, house captains, peer mediators, library leaders or sports team captaincies. These roles allow students to develop leadership skills, responsibility and teamwork in a familiar and supportive setting.
- Family Community: At Kohimarama School we foster a strong sense of community among students, parents and teachers. Families can be actively involved in school activities, events and our students in decision-making processes, creating a supportive network that benefits both students and parents.
- Reduced Transition Stress: Transitioning to a new school environment can be stressful for students, especially at a younger age. Staying at our successful full primary school reduces the frequency of major transitions, allowing students to focus on learning and personal development without the added stress of adapting to a new school culture and expectations.
Last night was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the impact of our learning environment and the pathways our students take as they continue to grow and achieve.
Farewell to Russell Graham
After an incredible 27 years of dedicated service to Kohimarama School, our esteemed Property Manager, Russell Graham, is retiring. Russell has been an integral part of our school, not only maintaining our grounds and facilities but also building strong relationships with students, staff and parents over the years. His kindness, hard work, and commitment to the school will leave a lasting legacy and we are truly grateful for everything he has contributed.
On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank Russell for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for a well-earned and happy retirement.
With Russell’s departure, we are looking for a new Property Manager to join our team. If you, or someone you know, is interested in a role that involves handyman skills, planning and coordination, responding to school needs and events and ensuring health and safety standards are met, please reach out to me. It is important to us that this person fits into the school community in a positive way and continues the great work Russell has done.
Thank you, Russell - we will miss you!
Year 5-8 Swimming Sports
What a fantastic day we had at our Year 5-8 Swimming Sports on Monday 10th March, held at the Sacred Heart College Aquatic Centre! It was wonderful to see our students participating with such enthusiasm, giving their best effort across a full programme of events. The high level of involvement and the spirit of friendly competition made for an exciting and enjoyable day for all.
A huge thank you to our staff for their superb organisation and to our parents and whānau who came along to support and cheer on our swimmers. Your encouragement makes a real difference!
With times recorded, we now look forward to selecting our representatives for the upcoming Eastern Zone and Bay Suburbs competitions later this month. We know our swimmers will do us proud!
Thanks to everyone involved - great teamwork, great sportsmanship, and a great day of fun in the pool!
The Kohimarama Way - Respect/Whakaute
"A person's a person, no matter how small." Dr Seuss. "Nothing is more despicable than respect built on fear." Albert Camus
Learning Snapshots
Our upcoming Learning Conversations provide a valuable opportunity to share an up-to-date picture of where your child is currently in their learning journey. These conversations also allow us to discuss the next learning goals, ensuring that we are all on the same page - parents, teachers and students alike. In some cases, the teacher and student will be leading these discussions.
We encourage all families to book a time to meet with their child’s teacher on one of the following dates:
Wednesday 9th April – 1:30pm to 6:00pm
Thursday 10th April – 3:15pm to 8:00pm
The link is open to book your appointment via School Interviews - https://www.
Please note that school will close at 1:00pm on Wednesday 9th April to accommodate these conversations.
If your child is unable to be picked up at this time, please complete this form by Friday 4th April so we can make necessary arrangements.
We look forward to connecting with you and continuing to support your child’s learning journey together.
Are you able to help - Road Patrol supervision?
We are looking for parents who are able to support our school by giving us time on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday mornings 8.25 - 8.55 am. You would stand beside the lead Road Patroller on either Kohimarama or Rawhitiroa Roads and support them in their role. If you are able to help or have any questions please contact Meegan Hill on mhill@kohimarama.school.nz Thank you.
Book Day - Wednesday 2nd April
We are celebrating all things 'book' on this day by asking students to come dressed as a book character. During the day we will be doing a variety of activities that will include but are not limited to: 'stop, drop and read', finding special book characters around the school and writing a story together as a whole school. Start thinking about what book character you want to be.
Kohimarama School Book Fair 2025
Hello School Community!
We have only 2.5 weeks to go until our Book Fair kicks off, which is a bit exciting!!! Keep an eye out for the posters, which will shortly be going up around the school.
The Book Fair will be open in the school library from Monday 31 March until Tuesday 8 April, before and after school, with a bonus session on Wednesday 9 April during the Learner Conversations. Details in the flyer below.
If you would like to help out as a cashier or costume wearer (costume is provided) for this event, please sign up to the roster on the link below. And please ensure you add your phone number to the list too.
Sports News
Netball Registration Closes Thursday 13th.
Year 3: We ideally need 4 more players.Year 4: 2 more players Year 7: Another 1 or 2 players.Year 8: We don't yet have the numbers to make up a team for year 8, so we're looking for at least 2, but ideally 3 more players.
Don't miss out!
Register here: https://docs.google.com/
Weet-bix TRYathlon - 30 March 2025
If anyone would like to get involved and have some fun in the upcoming Weet-bix TRYathlon at Point England Reserve, then this year the School has set up a group registration for you to link your individual entries to.
Joining the School Group provides a number of benefits and the chance to win awesome prizes for the school. Participants can opt for their TRYathlete Packs to be delivered to the school address at a discounted shipping fee of $6.00
Information about the TRYathlon can be found here: https://tryathlon.co.nz/locations/central-east-auckland/
To register an entry with the School Group please click here or search for Kohimarama School when registering: https://raceroster.com/registration/004a8eec-851a-4b44-9dcc-2bdf7658e433/entry?team=779627
Certificates & Awards
Congratulations to these outstanding students:
- Room 1 – Arnie A, Chirath W
- Room 2 – Cara T
- Room 3 – Joel C, Louis W
- Room 4– Kenshi W
- Room 6 – N/A
- Room 7 –Victoria H, Kristina R
- Room 8 – Charles T
- Room 9 – Henry L
- Room 10 – Zac M, Zoey R
- Room 16 – Aya B
- Room 11 – Samuel M, Frankie B
- Room 12 – Reece H
- Room 13 – Estee V, Felix S
- Room 14 – Mirana F, Frankie CG
- Room 15 – Ruby M, Logan E
- Room 17 – Eme G, Luca RR
- Room 18 – Poppy M, Jack B
- Room 19 – Georgia H, Louis G
- Room 20 – Xanthe H, Ben E
- Room 21 – Pedrro TR, Bella H
- Room 22 – Connor B, Hobson R
- Room 23 – Mia-Rose k
The Kohimarama Way Values - "Greenies"
The following students were caught doing the right thing in the playground and were the fortunate few whose names got pulled out of the "greenie" bucket in assembly last week:
- Charlie B Rm 1 for Respect Selwyn
- Dulcie Rm 1 for Reliability Colenso
- Sawyer Rm 9 for safe road crossing Colenso
- Aiden Rm 18 for safe road crossing Atkin
- Nayan Rm 19 for safe road crossing Selwyn
- Ivanna Rm 23 for Respect Colenso
Road Patrollers of the Fortnight
Thank you to all our Road Patrollers for their service to our school, we really appreciate you keeping us safe when we cross the roads. Our fortunate two this time are: Xanthe and Naomi
PTA News
GALA, GALA, GALA, GALA….
CALL FOR HELP…. Our Bi Annual Gala is in progress and we would like to hear from anyone who
would be keen to pitch in and help with the creation of the event;
We are looking for the following role;
Sponsorship – If you have a medium/ Large business and would like to discuss the options around
sponsoring the largest event Kohimarama school runs, then please pop an email across to
kohimaramapta@gmail.com
Auction Items – If you have energy to get on the phone/ call into business/ Pull on your own
business network OR wish to place your own business services up for auction, we would love to hear
from you. It could even be a weekend at your BACH during the winter months… Anything is
gratefully appreciated. kohimaramapta@gmail.com
Entertainment Specialist – We are on the hunt for a BAND to dance the night away to! If you are
keen to explore the entertainment industry and source some options, it would be massively helpful
to the success of the event. Get in touch today! kohimaramapta@gmail.com
School Policy
To see the Community Conduct Expectations Policy, follow the link below;
Community News
