2025
r a e Y l o o h Sc OUR G N I T A R CELEB
Celebrating Our School Year Bay of Plenty & Rotorua
W
elcome to Celebrating Our School Year, a special publication dedicated to highlighting the achievements and memorable moments from schools across the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua regions. This is our chance to reflect on the creativity, dedication, and resilience that have shaped an incredible year for students, teachers, and families. From childcare centres nurturing our youngest learners to colleges preparing students for their next chapter, education plays a vital role in every stage of life. This publication is all about celebrating the people who make education extraordinary. It’s a tribute to the hard work and commitment shown by educators, the enthusiasm of students, and the support of families who stand behind them. As you read through these highlights, we invite you to share in the pride and joy of a year well spent. Here’s to the achievements of 2025 and the bright future ahead for every learner in our region!
Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kura Katorika o Pāpāmoa. Suzanne Aubert Catholic School is a Year 1-6 Catholic primary school that opened in Pāpāmoa in February 2021. Our beautiful coastal school has a roll of 209 learners and will continue to grow to a capped roll of 250. Our foundation school serves a large community and is part of the All Saints by the Sea Catholic Parish. We provide a future-focused, faith-based Catholic education that places learning at the centre. We provide opportunities for our children to connect with people, place and purpose through our school vision: to engage, inspire and empower through Christ. This year has seen many memorable highlights including: A refreshed curriculum design which is underpinned by the science of learning. It has been exciting to see the positive impact this has had on progress and achievement across the school through our explicit instruction in literacy and maths.Watching our tamariki being courageous in the performing arts through choir, dance, Talent Shows,
Fuse Bucket Drumming, school band and our music education specialisation. The Aubert athletes have competed with grit and team spirit in local competitions including athletics, cross country, Rippa Rugby, Touch Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Flippaball, Swimming, Chess, Surfing, Gymnastics and Tennis.The establishment of our school’s first Kapa Haka Roopu and the mana of our learners as they performed for the first time this term as they continue to grow in their knowledge of Te Ao Maori.The construction of our multi-purpose space - the Pompallier Centre. This is a state of the art facility for our school, parish and wider community. We are incredibly thankful to TCC and TECT who provided grants towards the equipment fitout. We look forward to the blessing and opening on 12th February next year to coincide with our 5th anniversary!As our school grows, we are excited to welcome new members to our learning community. We are currently taking enrolments for 2026 and 2027. If you are interested, please contact the office or check out our website: office@suzanneaubert.school.nz www.suzanneaubert.school.nz
A Year of new learning, progress, achievement and fun! W
elcome Bay School is proud to celebrate a year marked by new learning, progress, and strong community partnership. Our kura has embraced significant learning developments, with staff and tamariki working together to embed the refreshed curriculum. This shift has brought renewed clarity and focus in class on what and how to teach. Both tamariki and staff have certainly been in the learning pit at times this year! Attendance has been our number one target. We are proud to have lifted attendance rates through proactive support, regular communication, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child is present, engaged, and ready to learn. Our team has worked closely with families to remove barriers and celebrate positive attendance habits, recognising that every day at school counts. A major highlight of the year has been the successful introduction of the Maths No Problem programme. This resource has already made a meaningful difference to student confidence and achievement in mathematics. Tamariki have enjoyed having their own text book and using the games and resources that supplement their learning, while teachers have valued the rich support it provides in designing effective and engaging lessons. The programme has strengthened mathematical understanding across year levels and continues to help learners stretch their thinking while having fun with maths. All staff have been through BSLA (Better Start Literacy Approach) training to grow their capability and capacity in teaching reading and writing. We are starting to see real gains in both areas and this will only go from strength to strength as this new learning is consolidated in 2026. Our commitment to strong home–school partnerships has also remained a priority. Parent workshops focused on our reading and mathematics approaches have been extremely popular, offering wha- nau practical insight into how learning happens in today’s classrooms. These sessions have empowered families with tools and strategies to support their children at home, strengthening the vital link between school and community. We know that when parents and teachers
work together, tamariki thrive—and this year has been a shining example of that partnership in action. Beyond the classroom, our tamariki have excelled in a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities. From local competitions to inter-school events, students have displayed outstanding effort, talent, and sportsmanship. Their achievements reflect not only skill but also the pride they bring to representing Welcome Bay School. Two of my huge highlights were the choirs performance at Baycourt and our Kapa haka performance (in the new uniforms) at Ra Whakangahau. This year also saw the creation of Feather TV, a vibrant student-led initiative that offers our community a unique window into school life. Whether sharing classroom moments, interviewing tamariki, or showcasing events, Feather TV has become a platform for student voice, creativity, and connection, earning enthusiastic support from wha- nau. We were also excited to officially open our Wheels Zone, which has quickly become one of the most e to both the school popular spaces on site. Accessible s Zone provides a safe and wider community, the Wheels o explore biking and and engaging place for tamariki to eady wonderful mountain biking. It adds to the already upports active facilities our learners enjoy and supports play, wellbeing, and fun. h, As we reflect on a year of growth, innovation, and achievement, we are
www.welcomebay.school.nz
incredibly proud of our tamariki, staff, and community. Welcome Bay School continues to be a place where students are inspired to fly in their lives and learning! We look forward to building on these successes and welcoming another year of learning, connection, and opportunity.
We have 100% fully qualified experienced teachers who have all worked in Early Childhood for over 12 years. Sessional bookings and full day bookings available. Great adult to child ratios. We have created an environment which is welcoming to all members of our multicultural community. We respond to and show flexibility to the diverse needs of the community. We see relationships with children, families and whanau and a firm sense of belonging as being the foundation from which all learning can grow and develop. We foster tuakana-teina (older children helping the younger children) reciprocal relationships. We provide a safe, caring environment which advocates the wellbeing of every child. We seek to provide opportunities which will enrich and challenge children in a holistic way. Our programme reflects children’s interests and will provide learning opportunities which are assisted, supported and scaffolded. Literacy and Numeracy concepts are woven throughout our programme. We partner together with families/whanau and tamariki, we are lifelong learners reflecting and growing alongside each other.
“where kids shine” As a parent, I’ve watched my children truly find their place here. The teachers’ warmth, experience, and genuine care shine through in everything they do. They nurture each child’s interests with educational excellence, encouraging curiosity and confidence every day. With beautiful resources and spaces that embrace the natural environment, it’s a centre where children are truly seen, supported, and inspired. We couldn’t be happier with our child’s time at Bethlehem Community Preschool. The teachers are truly wonderful; caring, patient, and genuinely invested in each child’s wellbeing and growth. The activities are always fun, interactive, and thoughtfully planned. Whether it’s creative arts, hands-on learning, or outdoor play, there’s always something exciting happening that keeps the kids engaged and eager for more. It’s clear that the staff put a lot of heart into making every day special. We’re so grateful to have found a preschool that feels like a second home for our child. Highly recommend!
Visit our website www.bethlehemcommunitypreschool.co.nz Pop in to see us 53 Bethlehem Road, or calll us on 07-5793500 or email office@bethlehemcommunitypreschool.co.nz
SPACES AVAILABLE NOW FOR 2026.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tauranga Girls’ College Celebrates a Year of Success From academic excellence to cultural and sporting victories, students at Tauranga Girls’ College set a new standard for achievement in 2025. Ansh Dhot 2024 Head Prefect off to Cambridge University: Ansh has achieved something truly extraordinary, receiving offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities. She received offers from a host of prestigious global universities, including UCL, LSE, Columbia University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Royal Holloway, but has officially chosen the legendary UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE! In 2025, Ansh commenced studying the unique Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) program—a field offered exclusively at Cambridge. Opening of Pūwhenua: We were beyond excited to announce the official opening of Pūwhenua, the stunning new learning space formerly known as J Block! The opening was marked with an official blessing on 21 March 2025. This completely transformed building is now a dynamic 26-space open learning environment designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and discovery.
Key features of the new hub include: Dedicated Science Laboratories: Stateof-the-art facilities for hands-on scientific exploration. Māori Performing Arts Studio: A dedicated space to celebrate and practice Te Ao Māori. Technology Maker Spaces: Areas equipped for design, prototyping, and technological innovation. Digital Technology Suite: Dedicated spaces for programming, media creation, and advanced computing. Flexible Classrooms: Open, adaptable spaces that support diverse teaching and learning styles. Ellison Hollands World Champion: A huge congratulations to Ellison Hollands, the new 2025 Junior Girls International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Waterski Racing Champion! What an incredible achievement!
TGC Takes on NZ Fashion Week: Lexie Lochhead Wins National Streetwear. Five of our students proudly submitted their designs and were accepted into Walk the Line at NZ Fashion Week. We are incredibly proud of their achievements, special mention to Lexie Lochhead for winning the Streetwear section of this event. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! TGC 1st XI Wins Chica Gilmer Trophy: Tauranga Girls’ College celebrates a monumental year of success, spearheaded by our 1st XI Hockey team, securing First Place and taking home, the coveted Chica Gilmer Trophy at the NZ Secondary School Winter Tournament and accelerating them into Div 1 Federation Cup hockey.
Tauranga Special School
Saying goodbye... I have been the Tumuaki Principal Tauranga Special School, formally known as Kaka Street Special School, situated in 18th Avenue, Tauranga, for the last 23 years. My total time in teaching and leadership spans 49 years, working in a number of primary and intermediate schools in my hometown of Masterton. Tauranga Special School is an amazing gem in the Tauranga region. It is the only special school in the Western Bay, and currently caters for 119 students with additional learning needs, aged from 5 to 21 years. Over the next three years the school will experience significant roll growth, and beyond, with the opening of a new double class satellite at Te Puke Primary and in the pipeline in 2027 at Katikati Primary. The start up roll for next year is a new record of 130 with a waiting list of 22. The demand for our school’s specialist service is there. Across the country the 36 day specialists schools have Waiting Lists.
have two Offsite Community facilities, one in Greerton and the other opposite Tauranga Boys College on Devonport Road. Last but not least we have an Outreach Service with part time teachers working with 33 students with additional learning needs, their teachers and support staff, in 22 schools from Optiki through to Katikati. My decision to leave has not been easy but the saying, go out while on top comes to mind. The school is in great shape, growth guaranteed and will be taken forward under the new leadership of Dale Megson.
Barrie Wickens Tumuaki Principal
Our school is not just on one site. We have our Base School with four classrooms, here at 18th Avenue, satellite classes in Papamoa College, Welcome Bay Primary, Tauranga Intermediate, and the old Brookfield Primary School site. Early next year the Brookfield students and staff will move into a new double classroom building on site at Te Kura o Manunui School, Brookfield. In addition, we
I take with me a massive amount of memories, the good times and the sad times, but it’s time to step back and enjoy semi-retirement. My aim is to pursue a part time mentoring role for tumuaki principals and senior leaders in schools. I’ll add in fishing and golf and opportunities and for my wife and I to use our caravan to tour New Zealand.
I take great pride in what I have achieved for our special school but acknowledge that it does not take one person, it takes a team. Marvellous Board of Trustees, senior leaders, teachers, support staff, therapists, office staff, our caretaker, and support from parents. Barrie.
I take with me a massive amount of memories, the good times and the sad times, but it’s time to step back and enjoy semi-retirement.
Tauranga Special School 39 Eighteenth Avenue, Tauranga 3112 P: 07 578 4424
We are a small, homely centre, welcoming children from birth to five years in a calm, mixed-age environment. Our focus is caring deeply for each child and supporting their whanau. With long-serving, qualified teachers and strong adult-to-child ratios, we take the time to know every child as an individual. Our days are filled with learning, laughter,kindness and a genuine sense of belonging. We warmly invite families to come and see us for themselves; spaces for 2026 are now open we’d love to meet you and your child.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 187 Old Taupo Road | Utuhina | Rotorua P. 07 348 6605 | E. office@rcck.org.nz Opening hours Mon - Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm
A
s I come to the end of my first year as Principal of Rangiuru School, I have spent some time reflecting on just how much has happened in a short space of time. Twelve months on, I can say with confidence that this school and its people have made a lasting impression on me. From the very beginning, it was clear that Rangiuru School is a place where relationships sit at the centre of everything we do. Our children are known, cared for, and supported as individuals. Families are involved and invested, and the school plays an important role in the wider community. That sense of connection is something you feel as soon as you walk through the gates. This year has been about strengthening our foundations while also moving forward together. Staff, students, whānau, and our Board have worked hard to build momentum and ensure our school continues to meet the needs of our tamariki. We have focused on creating a learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and confident to give things a go. In our classrooms, there has been a strong focus on quality teaching and learning. We have continued to build consistent approaches to reading, writing, and mathematics, with particular emphasis on structured literacy. Small class sizes allow teachers to really know their learners and respond quickly when extra support or challenge is needed. This is one of the real strengths of being a small rural school. Rangiuru School also offers a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom. Sport continues to be a big part of school life, with students taking part in many different sporting codes across the year. We have been proud of the success our teams have had at
cluster sports events, as well as the way our students support one another and represent the school with pride, teamwork, and respect. Alongside sport, our bush classroom has been a real highlight for both students and staff. Learning in the bush brings a sense of fun, curiosity, and adventure to the school week. It gives children the chance to explore, problem solve, work together, and connect with the natural environment in a meaningful way. We have also really valued our continued partnership with Maketū Ōngātoro Wetland Society. Through this partnership, our students have had opportunities to learn about local wetlands, restoration work, and caring for our environment. These experiences help bring learning to life and strengthen our connection to the place we call home.
Events such as Ag Day, camps, performances, and community celebrations have also played a big part in building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. These experiences allow our children to step outside their comfort zones and grow in ways that extend well beyond the classroom.
events, supporting trips, fundraising, or simply being present, there is always someone willing to help. That level of care does not happen everywhere, and it is something very special. Rangiuru School is a small school with a big heart. We offer a place where children are known by name, where older and younger students learn alongside each other, and where leadership and responsibility are encouraged from an early age. We provide transport options, learning support, and a warm, welcoming environment where every child belongs. As I look ahead, I feel excited and optimistic about what is to come. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together this year, and grateful to everyone who has played a part in making Rangiuru School the place it is. It has been a privilege to serve this community in my first year, and I look forward to continuing the journey together. Nga Mihi Nui Hannah Mortimore
Our rural setting is something we value deeply. Outdoor learning, hands on experiences, and learning connected to the real world are part of everyday life here. Programmes like Garden to Table, environmental projects, and education outside the classroom support our children to develop independence, resilience, and respect for their environment. One of the highlights of my year has been getting to know our families and the wider community. The support shown to the school has been generous and genuine. Whether it is helping at
What makes us a great school of choice?
• Hands on learning • Garden to table programme • Trees for Survival Programme • Weekly Bush Classroom • Fabulous Fridays • Small class sizes • Country School vibes We focus on building strong relationships and meeting individual student needs
Nature Library: Helping Children Connect, Learn, and Love At Nature Library, our kaupapa is simple and deeply held: helping children connect with, learn in, and develop a love of nature, self, and others.
T
hrough small-group learning and unhurried time in nature, children are supported to grow confidence, curiosity, creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. This year, Nature Library proudly celebrated its 8th birthday — eight years of exploration, play, learning and connection with nature. Nature Library offers two core programmes — Nature School during the term and Nature Kids Holiday Club during the school holidays — alongside the Explore & Play Nature Packs, designed to support nature connection at home. Nature School runs weekly during the school term on Tuesdays in Te Puna and Thursdays in Mount Maunganui, with children spending a
adventure and rest, creativity and calm. In 2025, we also launched our Explore & Play Nature Packs — a beautifully designed set of nature activity cards created for children and families to use anywhere: backyards, beaches, parks, or bush walks. Every activity in the pack has been tried, tested, and loved by Nature School children. These screen-free adventures encourage curiosity, imagination, and shared time outdoors, making nature connection accessible beyond our programmes. As we head into summer and look ahead to the 2026 school year, Nature Library continues to offer a nurturing, values-led alternative for families seeking meaningful experiences for their children. Whether joining us during term, the holidays, or through play at
Kathy truly puts her heart into these programs & it shows. My kids absolutely love spending the day out in nature with her & other great kids. Highly recommend to anyone looking for their children to spend a day in nature with the most caring, compassionate & grounded facilitator.
- Abigail full day learning, exploring, creating, and playing outdoors through a blend of intentional experiences and free, place-based exploration guided by the seasons and natural rhythms of the land. One of the most special moments of 2025 for our Nature School community was celebrating three long-term Nature School children and their families, who have been part of Nature Library for four and five years. Walking alongside these children — witnessing their growth, confidence, leadership, and deep relationship with nature — has been a true honour. Our small-group setting creates a sense of family, where children are known, supported, and encouraged to thrive in their own unique way. Alongside Nature School, Nature Kids Holiday Club runs Monday to Wednesday in Mount Maunganui during the school holidays. Holiday Club offers children a grounding pause in nature — a chance to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy playful, meaningful outdoor experiences. Each holiday programme is themed and thoughtfully designed, balancing freedom and structure,
home, our invitation remains the same: to slow down, step outside, and let nature be your teacher. For programme details, bookings, or our Explore & Play Nature Packs, visit Nature Library online and join our growing community of natureconnected families. Nature Library is founded and facilitated by Kathy Broadhead MEd, BSc, PGDip Website: www.naturelibrary.co.nz Social: @naturelibrarynz Phone: 027 842 5645
ADVERTISEMENT
At Tauranga Intermediate School, our overarching aim is to inspire every student to explore their personal potential: tūhara pūmanawa whaiaro, in an environment that promotes excellence and acknowledges the signifi cance and diversity of each student’s learning journey. We have a commitment to raising achievement through explicit teaching and engaging programmes of learning, providing a rich, localised curriculum that celebrates the unique heritage of Tauranga Moana and integrates the language, culture, and identity of our diverse community. Guided by our STARS values—Manaakitia (Safety), Whanaungatanga (Team), Ka Taea (Achieve), Whakamanatia (Respect), and Pārekareka (Sense of Humour) — we will nurture confi dent, connected, and capable learners. In November 2025 the Education Review Office (ERO) evaluated Tauranga Intermediate School the top criteria of ‘Excelling’ in: - Leadership - Curriculum - Teaching & Learning - Professional Capability & Capacity - Inclusion & Wellbeing - Partnerships - Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Evaluation for Improvement The ERO team also evaluated their observations of teachers as ‘Excelling’ in all 10 Teaching Observation Framework criteria. As a school we are very proud of this feedback and consistency of best practice.
Other 2025 Highlights Include: A high percentage of students making accelerated academic progress in Reading, Writing and Mathematics Future Problem Solving national finalists 3rd placing out 62 fi nalists at Te Mana Kuratahi National Kapa Haka Championships Tauranga Book Battle Winners Outstanding Super 11 and Zespri AIMS Games sporting success
EPro 8 Challenge Winners The amazing time had by all of our students at Tauranga Intermediate’s spectacular Ngamuwahine Outdoor Education Lodge National Excellence Award for Chinese Language Teaching National Literature Quiz Finalists Waikato Science Fair Winners: - Best Yr 7 Exhibit - Best Yr 8 Exhibit A large number of students being involved in the Arts and the wide range of sporting teams on offer. We ensure we cater for all abilities Tauranga Intermediate recognises the importance of promoting global citizenship and connections through its sister school relationships with schools in Japan, Thailand, China and Taiwan. Our students benefi t from these schools visiting Tauranga Intermediate on an annual basis. In addition to this over the past few years Tauranga Intermediate School students have had the opportunity to travel to New Caledonia, China, Thailand, Canada, Samoa and Japan. For any Out of Zone inquiries please contact info@tauranga-int.school.nz
Everything Schools & Families Need –
All in One Place Looking for quality art & craft, classroom resources, and creative learning toys?
The Sc cho ool Shop is your tru uste ed New Zealand-own ned onlin ne store, su upporting teacherrs, schoo ols, and fam milies for over 30 yea ars. At ww ww.thescho oolshop.co.nz, you’lll find a wide rang ge of classro oom ressources, art an nd craft suppllies, educ cational toy ys, and early-llea arning products that supp port creativity y and handss-on learn ning g. We work clo osely with sc chools and educators across New Zealand, offering reliable products, fair pricing, and friendly service you ca an tru ust. For pa arents, we make it easy to support learning att home with en ngaging g, ed ducational toys and practical sc chool supplies delivered straightt to o your door. Whetther you’re a teacher stocking your classroom, or a paren nt prep paring for the e school ye ear, The School Shop is here to help p. and d family-o owned • New Zeala arning, sport & play • Quality products for lea
• Trrusted by y schools nationwide • Easy online e orderiing & delivery
Visit www.theschoolshop.co.nz today and discover why schools and families across New Zealand choose
The School Shop.