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Monday 8th June 2026 | Vol 36 Issue 17 | Term 2 Week 8
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What Makes Wā Ora Special
Richard Goodyear – Acting DP Primary
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It has been great to be back at Wā Ora these past couple of months. It is not the first time I have dipped back in. In fact, between 2020 and 2022 I returned for three different part-time stints, after spending eight years here as a full-time teacher across both the Primary and High School.
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Working in a variety of schools — both Montessori and mainstream — and then returning to Wā Ora so many times has given me a unique perspective I reckon. One of the things that consistently strikes me about Wā Ora and Montessori education itself, is the strength of the connections and sense of community that exist here.
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I have been fortunate enough to attend many Wā Ora Year 13 graduation ceremonies over the years, and I think it is in this setting that these values reveal themselves most clearly. Each graduate is invited to stand up and share their reflections on their time at school, as well as their plans for the future.
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Almost without exception, these young adults speak about the strong sense of community they experienced and the meaningful relationships they formed with both fellow students and teachers. Just as importantly, many talk about how those relationships carried them through difficult periods in their lives.
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When adolescents open up and tell us what truly matters in their education, we need to listen. And it always does my heart proud to hear these reflections because they affirm something that sits at the very centre of both Wā Ora's vision and Montessori philosophy.
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What strikes me is that these graduates are rarely talking about specific lessons, assessments, or academic achievements. Instead, they talk about people. They talk about the teachers who believed in them, the friends who stood beside them, and the community that helped them navigate difficult times. This is significant because Montessori education has always understood that human development does not occur in isolation. The process of becoming oneself takes place within an environment, and that environment is made up not only of physical spaces and learning materials, but also of relationships.
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Dr Montessori described education as an "aid to life".¹ She recognised that academic attainment was only one aspect of education and that the deeper purpose of schooling is the development of the whole person. Children are engaged in a process she referred to as self-construction² — the lifelong work of becoming who they are meant to be. This process does not occur in a vacuum. It unfolds within a carefully prepared environment, and Montessori understood that relationships are one of the most important elements of that environment.
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The Montessori environment is often described as a prepared environment, but this preparation extends far beyond shelves, materials, and lessons. Montessori understood that the environment includes everything that surrounds the child, including the social and emotional climate in which they learn. Children need adults who know them well, trust them, and guide them with both warmth and high expectations. They need peers who challenge them, support them, and share their journey.
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One of the great strengths of Wā Ora is that these relationships begin early. Some of our children start their journey in playgroup and continue through many years of Montessori education. During that time they are deeply known by the adults around them and become part of a community that values them for who they are. This continuity of relationships helps create the conditions in which children can develop independence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
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When I think about the graduates I have listened to over the years, I am reminded that the true impact of education is often not fully visible until much later. Long after specific lessons have been forgotten, people remember who believed in them, who guided them through difficult times, and where they felt they belonged.
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That is the enduring gift of a strong community. It helps young people become not simply successful students, but confident, capable, and connected human beings. In many ways, this reflects Montessori's vision of education itself: not merely preparation for examinations or careers, but preparation for life.
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- Montessori, M. (1996). Education for a New World. Oxford: Clio Press, pp. 5–6.
- Montessori, M. (2007). The Absorbent Mind. Amsterdam: Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company, pp. 13–18.
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E WHAI AKE (Coming up) . . .
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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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Friday 12th June Whānau Hui, 5pm, Tōtara
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Monday 15th June Matariki Concert (Whole School), 10am - 12pm, T2, High School
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Tuesday 16th June Preschool Kapa Haka, 2:45pm - 3:15pm, Pōhutukawa
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Tuesday 16th June Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Wednesday 17th June Primary Kapa Haka, 3pm - 4pm, Kauri Classroom
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Wednesday 17th June BOT/Council Hui, 6:45pm - 9:45pm, Sunroom Tāwari, High School
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Friday 18th June Technology - Year 7's, 8:45am - 12:15pm, Avalon Intermediate
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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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Whānau Coffee Morning
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A reminder that our Preschool and Primary parent get-together is happening this 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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HuttFest 2026
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Come and support our Wā Ora Kapa Haka rōpū at HuttFest!
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Our talented performers will be taking the stage during the week of 22nd – 26th June at Walter Nash Stadium:
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- Wā Ora Preschool Kapa Haka rōpū – morning of 22nd June
- Wā Ora Primary Kapa Haka rōpū – afternoon of 25th June
- Wā Ora High School Kapa Haka rōpū – evening of 25th June
We would love to see members of our community there to support our tamariki and rangatahi.
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Tickets can be purchased here:
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Sibling Preschool Enrolments
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A message for the whānau of our current ākonga: If you have a child under three years old who you’d like to attend Wā Ora Preschool when they turn three, have you pre-enrolled them with us?
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Please reach out to Emma if you have any questions.
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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 THIS Thursday - you don't want to miss this!
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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So that we have an idea of numbers attending, please RSVP to the office.
Thursday 11th 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.
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Matariki Concert - Monday 15th June
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We warmly invite you to join us for Wā Ora’s annual Matariki Concert next 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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Matariki Daytime Activities - Saturday 27th June
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We warmly invite our school community to join us for our annual Matariki celebration on Saturday 27th June, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
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This year's theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, celebrates the connections that bring us together as a community. Wander through our Playgroup, Preschool, and Primary spaces as each akomanga shares learning, creativity, and experiences inspired by their chosen whetū.
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Following the event, whānau are invited to continue the celebrations at the High School with a delicious hāngī. Information about ordering hāngī meals will be shared soon.
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Bring your whānau and friends and join us for an afternoon of connection, discovery, learning, and celebration.
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Rā: Saturday 27th June
Wā: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
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Kia kite koe i reira. We look forward to celebrating with you!
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Matariki Evening Hāngi - Saturday 27th June
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Following the daytime activities above, whānau are invited to join us for a Wā Ora community hāngi from 5pm at the High School.
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Further details will be sent out from the office next week but for now please save the date!
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Mānawatia a Matariki mā Puanga ki a koutou – we look forward to seeing you there!
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Celebrating Jocelyn's Success in Creative Writing
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We are delighted to share that Jocelyn Liang has been shortlisted in the Upper Hutt Libraries Short Story Competition in the aged 8-11 category.
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This is a wonderful achievement, and we congratulate Jocelyn on having her work recognised among the many entries received. We are very proud of her accomplishment and wish her all the best.
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If you would like to read the shortlisted and winning stories, a printed copy is with Hannah in the library that you can check out.
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Coming Up
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Next Meeting: Thursday 2nd July (via Zoom)
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Supporting Scout - Toy Story 5 at Petone Lighthouse
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Kia ora Wā Ora Community!
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My daughter Scout is one of just eight New Zealand kids selected for an incredible international musical theatre programme, performing and training in **Broadway and Atlanta** next year!
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To help get her there, I'm hosting a fundraiser screening of Toy Story 5 on Sunday 19th July.
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Now, I know we're all being hit up for fundraisers every five minutes, but this one comes with a side of Pixar-induced nostalgia, and two hours where nobody can ask you what's for dinner.
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So if you've got kids, grandkids, borrowed kids, or you're simply a grown adult who still cries at animated toys, we'd love to see you there. The cinema seats **112 people** and we've sold **20 tickets so far**, which means there are still plenty of seats waiting for some friendly bottoms.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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Tickets are $20 and include a few nibbles beforehand – available by commenting below or sending me a message.
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Beauty and the Beast - Hutt City Musical Theatre Inc.
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We're excited to share that three of our own Wā Ora stars – Scout Hunter, Mischa Blake and Aria Blake – are performing in Hutt City Musical Theatre's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR.
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This much-loved tale comes to life on stage from 24th June – 4th July, and we'd love to see our community supporting these talented young performers.
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Break a leg, Scout, Mischa and Aria – we're proud of you all!
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Hutt Valley Gymnastics Festival
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Last Thursday, our year 3s attended the Hutt Valley Gymnastics Festival along with 320 other children from schools around the Hutt Valley. Our tamariki participated in parkour, floor, beam, vault, bar and trampoline.
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Congratulations to Penelope van Beynen, Cora Lynds, Alice Pilcher, Arya Logan, Mythang Langle, Pinak Silimkar, Jagjot Tiwana, Yiling Su, Soren Sologar and Joe Malcolm for taking up this opportunity.
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We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Kunaal Sologar for taking the day off work to volunteer and support our tamariki for the day.
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Basketball
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The Wekas had a lot of fun in their game against the MCS Reds (0-8 MCS Reds). Keep up the great work, team!
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The Wa Ora year 5/6 team played two great games last Thursday (16-10 Wa Ora and 4-12 Rata)! Thanks again to Coach Kunaal for subbing in while Coach Richard was away. Lots of great passing and good effort made for two wonderful games! Ka pai, team!
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The year 7/8 team fought valiantly in a tough game last Wednesday (8-63 St Bernerds). Lots of great teamwork and good attitudes were on display – well done and keep it up, team!
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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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