Each week of this term, classes are provided with a reo Māori phrase of the week, as well as a poster that covers a kaupapa that we want to (or are) learning about:
Below is the phrase of the week for week 7 & 8 as well as our kaupapa of each week - Email Sign-offs & Matariki

Huge thanks to Bream Bay College for hosting School of Rock 2024. We are so proud of our tamariki!

Ruakākā School had 10 students join other students from our Bream Bay Schools at the College to create  music together. The students shared their musical skills and were then put into rock bands. Each band had some mentors from the College support them to learn a song and get it ready for a performance on the second day. There were 5 bands created. Then next they each chose a song and combined so well, working together to stick to the beat and gel together as a band. Whānau came and enjoyed all of the students' hard mahi and saw the journey and learning that had occured over the 2 days. This is a real highlight for our students and an experience that we look forward to offering every year. Ka pai to our Ruakākā students who SHINED throughout this opportunity - ROCK ON!! 

A group of Y5/6 ākonga had a great day of art and creativity with Ben Kenobi of Ara Journeys on Thursday. All ākonga have retold stories in art on their pou. Ben will now turn these into digital artefacts. You will see from the photos that they have used the app to see what their pou will look like 3D when viewed. Thanks to Tania Coutts for her work with this roopū of talented students.

In each newsletter we will continue to learn about kaimahi / staff of our kura. Read about them below.

Nau mai, haere mai Whaea Donna. New kaiako in Room 9:

Donna Marie Most, māmā of two teenage boys Toby and Harrison. Originally from West Auckland and comfortable to admit it. My teaching exploits range from new entrants to intermediate students. My favourite learning areas are sports, art and drama. I'm excited to be teaching in the junior school for the rest of this year. My favourite moments are when children take leaps forward in their learning. 

Hello, I’m Alesha Stewart and I have worked at Ruakākā Primary for 3 years. I have several roles at Ruakaka school. All part time but they almost add up to being full time! 

My three roles are running the After School Care programme every day, assisting with the Lunches in Schools programme twice a week and teaching cooking in the Garden to Table programme the other two mornings.

I love working with children and food so both my loves are being fulfilled. Im creative and have a new hobby nearly every few weeks that I often involve the children in. 

I have a son who was a previous student here who’s now at college.

Ruakākā school is a busy and vibrant school so there is never a dull moment!

We are really fortunate that Becky from Lifewalk will be supporting our kura as a Wellbeing Mentor. She will be available for 4 hours each week to meet with any students who are needing extra support in a low key way to chill or chat. Becky is a chaplain for LifePoint Church. All conversations/sessions will have parent permission prior and no religious aspects will be part of the sessions. If you would like your tamaiti to be able to talk with Becky please contact the office so that we can set that up.