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Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | Vol 36 Issue 16 | Term 2 Week 7
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Walking Together: How Te Ao Māori and Montessori Shapes Our Tamariki and Mokopuna Learning”
Rod Webster – Parent and Board of Trustees Member
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Ko Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pahauwera me Te Iwi Morehu ōku iwi
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Ko Ngāti Whakaeke, Ngāti Tautahi, Ngāti Hine, Te Whiu, Ngāti Te Rino, Ngāti Rehia, Ngāti Ueoneone, me Ngāti Pahauwera ōku hapū
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Ko Rod Webster tāku ingoa
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Growing Together: A Parent’s Reflection on the Wā Ora Way
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As a parent at Te Kura o Wā Ora Montessori, and one who whakapapa Māori, I often reflect on what makes our kura such a special place for our tamariki and mokopuna. It is more than just education; it is a way of being. A place where learning is not rushed, where each child is seen as capable and unique, and where community truly matters.
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At the heart of our kura is a commitment to nurturing the whole child intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.
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As parents, we witness how this holistic approach allows our children to grow not only in knowledge, but in confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning. The Montessori environment supports children to move at their own pace, developing concentration, self-discipline and curiosity in a calm, respectful setting.
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However, what makes this journey even more meaningful here in Aotearoa is how these Montessori principles align so naturally with te ao Māori, "A Māori Worldview”.
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A Shared Philosophy: Montessori and Te Ao Māori
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Montessori speaks of independence, respect, and interconnectedness. Kaupapa Māori reinforces these through concepts such as whānau, hapū, iwi, hapori, mana, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga.
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At our kura, these values are lived and visible in the everyday rhythm of our classrooms. Tamariki and mokopuna learn to care for themselves, for one another, and for their environment. Through daily practice of grace and courtesy, they show respect in their interactions and develop a deep sense of responsibility to others.
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Our learning environments are intentionally created as communities, grounded in connection and belonging. These values reflect manaakitanga, care, respect, and generosity, and whanaungatanga, the relationships that sustain us. In this way, our classrooms mirror the layered relationships of te ao Māori: whānau (family), hapū (sub-tribe), iwi (tribe), and hapori (community), all of which bind us together and strengthen our shared sense of identity, belonging and purpose.
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Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi
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As a kura hapori, we also carry a responsibility to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In education, this is often expressed through the principles of partnership, protection and participation.
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- Partnership reminds us that education is a shared journey between whānau, kaiako, tamariki, mokopuna and our wider community. At Wā Ora, this is visible in the strong sense of community and collaboration between whānau and the kura
- Participation ensures that all tamariki and mokopuna have the opportunity to engage fully in their learning, supported to succeed as themselves, with their identity valued
- Protection calls on us to actively uphold te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori, ensuring these taonga are visible, respected and lived within our kura.
These principles align closely with the Montessori vision of raising children who are confident, capable, and able to contribute positively to the world.
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Preparing Our Children for the World
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One of the things I value most as a parent is seeing how our kura prepares our tamariki and mokopuna not just academically, but for life.
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They are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and become self-directed learners.
They learn that their actions matter, that they are part of something bigger than themselves. This echoes both the Montessori idea of interconnectedness and the Māori worldview that everything is connected.
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In a world that can feel fast-paced and uncertain, our kura offers something grounding, a calm, ordered environment where children develop a strong sense of self, respect for others, and a deep connection to their hapori.
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As whānau, we are not just observers of this journey, we are part of it. The values our tamariki and mokopuna experience at kura naturally flow into our homes: respect, independence, kindness, and a sense of responsibility for others.
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Te Kura o Wā Ora Montessori is more than a kura, it’s a hapori shaped by shared values. A place where Montessori philosophy and te ao Māori sit alongside each other, enriching the learning experience and grounding it firmly in the context of Aotearoa.
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As a parent, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a kura that not only educates our tamariki and mokopuna but also nurtures who they are becoming: confident, compassionate, and connected citizens of the world.
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Māu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te kura - "With your contribution and my contribution, our school community will flourish.”
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Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pahauwera me Te Iwi Morehu
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WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING ĀKONGA AND THEIR WHĀNAU STARTING THIS WEEK...
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E WHAI AKE (Coming up) . . .
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Monday 1st June King's Birthday (WHOLE SCHOOL CLOSED)
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Tuesday 2nd June Preschool Kapa Haka, 2:45pm - 3:15pm, Pōhutukawa
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Tuesday 2nd June Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Wednesday 3rd June Primary Kapa Haka, 3pm - 4pm, Kauri Classroom
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Friday 5th June Technology - Year 7's, 8:45am - 12:15pm, Avalon Intermediate
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Saturday 6th June Working Bee, 9am - 12pm
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Tuesday 9th June Preschool Kapa Haka, 2:45pm - 3:15pm, Pōhutukawa
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Tuesday 9th June Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Wednesday 10th June Whānau Coffee Morning, 9am, Trade School Kitchen, Naenae
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Thursday 11th June Parent Education Evening - John Parsons, 7pm - 8:30pm, Tāwari (High School)
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Friday 12th June Technology - Year 7's, 8:45am - 12:15pm, Avalon Intermediate
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Please check below for your eldest child’s name to attend the next working bee. Contact the office with any queries.
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Saturday 6th June
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Preschool July Holiday Programme
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Bookings for our July Preschool Holiday Programme are open!
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- Week 1: Monday 6th - Thursday 9th July (closed Friday 10th July for Matariki)
- Week 2: Monday 13th - Friday 17th July
Hours are 8:45am - 3pm, costing $35 per day. Extended care from 3pm - 5pm is available for an additional $20 per day and must be booked in advance.
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If your child attends another Preschool/childcare centre during the holidays and they claim the 20 Hours ECE subsidy, please let Emma know so your enrolment can be adjusted.
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Spaces are limited and bookings close Friday 5th June 2026. Payment is due by Friday 19th June. No refunds or booking changes can be made after confirmation.
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Morning tea is provided. Please send a named lunchbox that follows our Food Policy (no nuts or nut products).
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Families who book will receive further information closer to the programme start date.
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Please complete the online booking form here.
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Wā Ora Council AGM Invitation
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All whānau are warmly invited to attend the 2026 Wā Ora Council AGM on Wednesday 24th June, 7.00 pm, in the Tōtara Classroom, Primary School.
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Come along to hear about the past year's achievements, recent building developments, and the school's current financial position.
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The Council is also seeking nominations for one parent representative vacancy. Nominations are open to all Preschool, Primary, and High School parents and close on Monday 15th June. Voting will take place at the AGM.
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If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Monday 15th June to ensure quorum requirements can be met. A meeting agenda and calendar invitation will be sent to attendees following the RSVP date.
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For nomination forms or further information, please contact the school office.
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Matariki Concert
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We warmly invite you to join us for Wā Ora’s annual Matariki Concert on Monday, 15th June, at 10:00am at the High School.
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This special event is an important part of our school calendar and a chance for our community to come together to celebrate Matariki; a time of reflection, connection, renewal, and shared celebration as we mark this turning point in the year.
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All classes, from Preschool through to High School, will be performing and sharing their learning through music, movement, creativity, and performance. It is always a joyful occasion that reflects the spirit of our kura and the strength of our Wā Ora community.
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The Kawakawa baristas will also be selling tea, coffee, and hot chocolate from 9:00 am. All whānau are welcome to join us from 9 am to mingle and connect together in T2 before the concert begins.
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Date: Monday 15th June 2026
Coffee available: From 9:00 am
Concert: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Location: Wā Ora High School, 175 Rātā Street
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We look forward to celebrating Matariki together with you all.
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Found in the Primary Playground
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The following items have been handed in:
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- A Snapper Card and Farmers Card (found together)
- A Hutt Mall Gift Card (found separately)
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If any of these items belong to you, please contact the school office to arrange collection.
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Whānau Coffee Morning
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Our Preschool and Primary parent get-together is happening next week on Wednesday, 10th June at 9am at Trade School Kitchen, 17 Everest Avenue, Naenae.
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These gatherings are very relaxed and offer a great opportunity for Preschool and Primary parents to meet and connect with other families. Toddlers and babies are very welcome!
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Come along for a relaxed chat and a cuppa and stay for as long or as little as you like.
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Kawakawa: Seeking Fertilised Chicken Eggs
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Kawakawa is looking to expand its chicken flock as part of its ongoing Occupations and Production and Exchange mahi. Mikel and the construction ākonga have been working hard and are close to completing our new chicken coop and installation.
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We are now hoping to source 5-10 fertilised eggs for the start of Term 3 so that we can hatch and raise our own laying hens here in Kawakawa. This will provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities for our ākonga, including animal care, responsibility, food production, and observation of life cycles.
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If you, or someone you know, may be able to provide or help us source fertilised eggs suitable for laying hens, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
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Please contact Hilary if you are able to help.
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Bricks, Bricks and Bricks
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Mikel’s Kawakawa ceramics class is looking for 50+ fire bricks to build a kiln, as well as at least 40 red bricks.
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If you are able to help or donate any bricks, please get in touch with Mikel or Hilary.
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Cyber Safety Evening with John Parsons
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John Parsons from CITIZEN21, a nationally recognised cyber safety expert, is coming next week!
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John works with schools and organisations across New Zealand and internationally, helping communities navigate the safe and ethical use of digital technology. He is also the author of Keeping Your Children Safe Online.
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This is a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to hear practical, up-to-date advice on topics such as social media, online gaming, digital wellbeing, online relationships, and helping young people make safe choices in an increasingly connected world. Whether your child is just beginning to use technology or is already active online, there will be useful insights for every family.
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Thursday 11 June
7:00–8:30 pm in Tāwari at the High School
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Friends and whānau of our school community are warmly welcome. Please RSVP to the office.
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Coming Up
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Next Meeting: Thursday 2nd July (via Zoom)
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School Holiday Steam Returns This July!
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Term 3 Sports
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Further information about the sports can be found when you click on the Google Form:
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Please note all Term 3 registrations will close on the 23rd of June.
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