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1/7 Kōkopu School Kia ora and welcome to all of our students and whānau About Kokopu School Kōkopu School - Since 1884 Ki Te Ako me te Mahi - To Learn and Serve Kōkopu School is a dynamic school just 15 minutes west of Whangarei catering for students in Years 1 to 8. Our school has a strong community spirit and a friendly rural family atmosphere. We offer a wide range of exciting and inspiring learning experiences while developing tuakana teina relationships across the school. Our INSPIRED vision and values are central to the teaching philosophy and organisation of Kōkopu School. We provide a creative, safe and exciting school environment. With small class sizes and high expectations of achievement, positive behaviour and working together. We have a strong tradition of academic, artistic and sporting success. Our students are encouraged to be ‘country kids’ through practical activities where they are challenged as risk-takers in a supportive and safe environment. Our Tuakana Teina focus (older students working with younger students) develops children that are caring, empathetic and respectful of others. Please feel welcome to visit our school to meet us or just to have a look around. Respect for Others Tuakana Teina - PB4L Students will build lasting Tuakana Teina relationships so that they will be connected, feel cared for and show leadership, Respect for our Environment Students learn important ideas about living in a rural area with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and becoming kaitiakitanga. Respect for Ourselves Students have high expectations of their learning and behaviour. We ‘Learn and Serve’. Keep in Touch Newsletter School App FaceBook

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Strategic Plan To view our School strategic plan please click on the button below: Kokopu School Strategic Plan 2023 Please click below for our annual finacial report. 2022 Financial Report

Kokopu School History The following was compiled for the 105th Jubilee in 1989 ​ In 1912 there was one school situated between the Kara and Kōkopu districts. It was situated on Mr M. McKinley's property at the Kōkopu end of McKinley Road. Children from both districts attended the one school. This school was then moved to a site adjoining the Kara District Hall, and a teacher's dwelling was erected as well in 1913. The Kara residents decided to work timber from Mr Henry Cleary's property (later to become Colonel Wood's property). Mr F Watts was the carpenter. He married Miss Cope, and her brother was one of the timber workers. Some time after the project was started, Mrs Watts died suddenly. A messenger was sent to the timber workers to relay the news, only to be met by the workers carrying out her brother's body. He had been killed earlier that morning when a log rolled on top of him. When a tragedy like this happened on those days, the relatives were shown great respect. It was some time before the work continued. Nor was the completion of the work without its problems! William and Henry Wrack were the wagon men employed to cart the logs to the mill and the timber back to the building site. (These two brothers have streets named after them in Kensington, Whangarei. Wrack Street and Henry Street) While one of the brothers was jacking logs on to his wagon, the jack slipped and speared the upper part of his arm. The jack had to be dismantled and he was taken to hospital in Mr Nobe's wagon. The buildings were finally completed in 1913. Mr Brennan came to teach in the Kara school on it's new site. Kokopu School was opened on February 2, 1914, with Mr Kruger as the first Headmaster and a roll of thirteen pupils. These children came from the Guignier, Leca, Snelgar, Waymouth, Kokich and Baker families. At first is was a part time school with Kara. The six days a week were shared between the two schools. This meant that pupils often had to attend school on Saturdays! ​ In August, 1914 the Great War broke out. This took all the young men from the valley including the Kara school teacher. Twelve men left during the war period. They were Donald Stuart, Melven Cleary, Jack and Charlie Nelson, Willie Dent, Harold, Ned and Henry Smith, George and Charlie Matthew, Bert Attwood and William Miller. The Matthew brothers failed to return home. During this time, Mr Kruger came to teach at the school, but because he was a German, problems arose through prejudices on both sides, and he had to leave the district. During Mr Kruger's term at the school it was changed to a half time school, three days at Kara and three at Kokopu, taught by the same teacher. This state of affairs remained for over twenty years. The next teacher was Mr Izod, a middle-aged man who had been a good athlete in his younger days. He played games with the children. It took a number of good strong boys to stop him from making a touchdown when he had the football in his hands. He had a big beardie dog who joined in the game too. The dog was really good in a tackle! He beat the boys for the ball! It was a sad day for the children at the end of 1918 when the teacher and his dog left the school. This was the end of the war. The soldiers returned with the plague aboard the boat. Donald Stuart returned home a very sick man. He stayed in Kara with his mother and brother, Murdock, for some time, then was admitted to hospital and died on Easter Monday, 1921. The next teacher was an Irishman by the name of Michael Daniel Regan. He came to teach the children, but had an alcohol problem. Many a morning the children arrived at school and found that there was no teacher to teach them. One morning a prefect sent the children home and a week later there was an enquiry held by an education board official, the school committee, and the teacher and the children. It ended with the teacher being dismissed. ​ At the end of 1919, Lewis Cheeseman came to teach. He was from a well known family in the north. His wife died suddenly and a relieving teacher took over for a short time. His name was Mr Oswald Guest, and he was single. He left early in 1921. The next teacher was the first lady teacher that the school had ever had. She was Mrs Dyer. She had three sons and two daughters. Her husband was a Wayby farmer. Val(Pip), her youngest son, has been teaching school for many years at Tikipunga. In 1925, Mrs Dyer gave up teaching through ill health. She was succeeded by another lady teacher, Mrs Lennane. Her husband was a farrier and he took over the blacksmith's shop in Maungatapere for a time while his wife taught the two schools, Kara and Kokopu. ​ In 1928, Mrs Lennane left and Mrs Brewer came. Her husband was a farm hand and proved a valuable asset to the district. The Depression in 1930 made things very hard for those leaving school because there was no work available. The local farmers were self sufficient, growing their own meat and vegatables, but many of the older identities remember the townsfolk who were forced to seek work, food, and shelter for their families in the country. In the early 1930s, Mrs Brewer left and Miss McDonald taught for a short time. She was succeeded by Mr Jim Wilson, who rode his motorbike out from town each day. The Kara school was closed down in April 1937 and about this time the original Kokopu school was moved to Waiotemarama and a larger school was brought from Maungatapere. ​ World War Two began is 1939, taking young men away from the district once again. Mr W. Attwood's son, Tom was killed in action. During the war years, there were two more lady teachers, Mrs Kokich and Mrs Spehr, and at the end of the war the children were taught by a Returned Serviceman, Mr Neville Ward, who had served in the islands. In 1942, the Kara school house was brought to Kokopu and in 1950 work was begun on the Kokopu Block. A road was put through from Kokopu to Maungatapere and called the Kokopu Block Road. Returned Servicemen were settled there in 1952. The Kara school was put up for tender and purchased by the Dent brothers, who removed it on to their property. The Education Board recommended that the Kokopu school have a new school built and playing fields brought up to standard, with a school bus taking secondary children to the main road to connect with another into Whangarei, and returning, picking up primary school children and bringing them to Kokopu. Peter Buisman, a local farmer, drove this bus for twenty three years. School History 1958-1989 These 31 years have witnessed a variety of changes in the school and Kara-Kokopu District. In 1958, two brand new classroom were opened, and thanks to community involvement, the learners swimming pool was also built and opened. The original school house, constructed with upright weather boards, was replaced in 1959 when a new house was erected on the present site, west of the school. The original house can be seen near the road about 3 kms east of school. The school roll has fluctuated dramatically, being a 2 teacher school in 1958, increasing to 3 teachers in 1963 for 2 years, then levelling out a 2 teacher school until 1985, when the roll exceeded 50 pupils, and a 3rd teacher was again employed. A new classroom was transported from Auckland in 1986 and resited at Kokopu, testimony to an expanding community. A contributing factor to the increase in the school roll has been to subdivision of traditional farms on Kara Road, allowing greater diversification into horticulture. In conjunction with a growing community there have also been vast improvements to roads in the district. The Kokopu Block Rd was sealed in 1987 and later Kokopu Rd was sealed from the intersection with Block Rd to as far as the school. Kara Road is due to be sealed this year. ​ Children in the district have been transported to school by bus. The days of Peter Buisman driving the Departmental Bus have gone, with a private company contracted in 1980 to take over the run. It was very convenient in those days when the bus was parked in the bus shed next to school, as the teacher was able to drive the children to sports days and take cultural and educational trips without having to rely on parents for transport. ​ Improvements made around the school include erecting a flying fox, fencing the top field so the children are able to play without the worry of standing or landing in sheep manure, planting trees, shrubs and gardens, improved drains, a new water tank and an upgraded water pumping system which has allowed the teacher time to "teach" rather than call on his small motor expertise down by the river. A new administration block with library facilities was installed in 1981 and a covered walkway built to link it with the old staffroom which is now used for storing teaching resources. A skyline garage was erected in 1980 and to complete the compliment of buildings, our third classroom was resited in 1986. Teaching aids used in the classroom have kept pace with technology, making the classroom a more interesting place for learning. From the early 1970's equipment such as Over Head Projectors, listening posts, film and slide projectors, cameras, calculators, video camera and TV monitor and most recently a Commodore computer have all been acquired. These improvements have been subsidised by the various school committees, from funds generated by the "Working Bees". Up to the present day, the children have all had their part to play in cleaning the school, however in 1986 the cleaner's hours were increased from 5hrs per week to 15hrs, so a cleaner had to be employed to vaccum, dust and clean windows, floors and toilets. The grounds and building exteriors have continued to be maintained by parents at the "Working Bee". ​ Many of the traditional school events have continued to be highlights on the school calendar. Picnics have been held at various beaches including Ruakaka, Ngunguru, and Wellington's Bay. The Calf Club Day is still enjoyed by children and adults. The Sports Days with other small schools in the district have been a feature, as has the annual cross-country meeting. Of course the dances at the Kara Hall have provided much enjoyment over the years, and the charm that the hall gives that little bit of "magic" to the popular end of year concert. Added to these have been the Guy Fawkes evening, and the annual School Camp which has been a popular highlight for senior pupils since 1975 when the children visited Port Waikato. Throughout the past 105 years the school has enjoyed a close working relationship with the community, giving a firm basis for a well rounded education. The extended-family quality of the school reflects the close-knit community spirit and this has ensured a memorable association for past, present and future pupils, parents and teachers.

Kōkopu School Local Curriculum ​ The Local Curriculum The local curriculum is the school’s interpretation of the New Zealand curriculum. Every state school in New Zealand is required to teach the New Zealand curriculum but how this looks will depend on the value certain aspects carry. At Kōkopu School we have many key features and strengths that are unique to our school and are reflected below. Vision & Values Kōkopu School’s vision is for all our children to be: INSPIRED (Inquiring, Nurtured, Self-Motivated, Positive, Involved, Respectful, Enthusiastic, Dynamic) and to live our school motto of “To Learn and Serve.” In our school, you will see we continuously refer to our values. Respect for Others, Respect for Ourselves and Respect for our Environment. Our values are part of who we are as a school. It is what we expect from ourselves, the children and the community. The values are closely linked to our PB4L, Tuakana Teina and Enviro Schools philosophies. As a school, we look to celebrate students who are showing our values. Proudly Country Kids We are a rural school and students have the opportunity to embrace being proudly ‘country kids’. Students show this through practical activities, where students are challenged and encouraged to be risk-takers, inventors, practical problem solvers, and entrepreneurs. They have a strong connection to the land and are kaitiakitanga or guardians of their environment and rural community. Agricultural day is an important event that brings our community together and provides unique learning opportunities for our students. Learning At Kōkopu School we have high expectations for student learning. We have a balanced approach which includes academic, sporting, artistic, cultural and social learning opportunities. Creative learning through an integrated approach with a local focus is important to us. We focus on students achieving their best and reward effort and progress, not just achievement. We have a growing focus on using the phonetical approach in reading (Literacy), utilize the Write that Essay program in writing and a strong numeracy approach in mathematics. We support and extend all learns to be the best they can be. Behaviour At Kōkopu School we have high expectations of student behaviour and demonstrating our school values. Learning and serving through our tuakana teina approach is important to us. We are a PB4L school (Positive Behaviour for Learning). This means we work hard to create a positive school environment that enables academic and social success for all students. This is based on the expectation that opportunities for learning and achievement increase if: Our school environment is positive Expectations are clear and consistent Children are consistently taught desired behaviours Children are consistently acknowledged for desired behaviours Children are consistently responded to in a fair and equitable way ​ Environmental kaitiakitanga/guardians Students at Kōkopu School become kaitiakitanga or guardians of their environment and rural community. They do this through learning and looking for ways to make the school and local community greener, sustainable and more beautiful. This is evident in our local planting days and caring for our streams and waterways. Culturally Responsive Practice Cultural awareness is embedded in our daily routines and practices. We value the importance of cultural diversity being celebrated and acknowledged the unique position of the Māori culture and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the NZC and our school curriculum. At Kokopu we strive to make learning relevant and effective for learners by drawing on students’ cultural knowledge, life experiences, languages, and connections. At Kokopu School we do this in a variety of ways. Our Tuakana Teina approach enables genuine and across school relationships that create a whanau culture and connections. We are committed to the revitalization of te reo in our school through staff PLD, student learning, involving our community and celebrating the use to te reo on a daily basis. Our whole school Kapa Haka/Tikanga program continues to provide great joy and pride as children learn together. Students love participating in the Kapa Haka festival each year at one of our neighbouring schools. We have a yearly whole school country study where we celebrate cultures, their histories, food and traditions. We look for ways to connect more with our community and use these to link for learning. The school has an ongoing commitment to develop relationships with the Korokota and Maungarongo Marae. Leadership We believe that all children have the qualities and attribute to be leaders. At Kokopu there are many opportunities for our students to experience leadership roles. House captains, student council, monitors, peer mediators, enviro groups, animal care, and cultural leaders, to name a few. Education outside the classroom Each year all our students go on camp and participate in EOTC activities. We believe the key to good EOTC experiences include; Promotion of leadership and self-management skills. Encouraging independence, interdependence and cooperation. Risk-taking. Physical, mental and social challenges that strengthen student wellbeing. Parental and whanau being involved. FUN! Community At Kōkopu School our local community is the heart of our school. Having been established in 1884, we have a long history with many of our families who have been here for multiple generations. This connection to people, the land, and history is important to us and adds to our learning. We have events that allow our community to be part of school and our school to be part of the community. These include agriculture day, planting days, sports days, cultural events, productions, open days, parent interviews, and more. We have strong relationships with the wider school community especially other local country schools through shared events and Community of Learning (Kāhui Ako).

OUR STAFF Kia ora and welcome to our wonderful school. Through high expectations, Kōkopu staff are committed to providing uniquely rural, fun and engaging programs that encourage children supporting others and bu TEACHING STAFF Yaron Overeem Principal Paul Ruddell Teacher: Rm6 Year 3-4 SENCO Jennifer Hibbert Teacher: Rm4 Year 3-4 COL Across School Teacher Jo Woods Teacher: Rm4 Year 3-4 Tama Weavers Teacher: Rm3 Year 5-6 Anna Boaz Teacher: Rm2 Year 2 Cindy Teacher: Rm1 Year 0-1 SUPPORT STAFF Vicki Lye – Admin Bexs Waterhouse – Admin Peter Stoneman – Caretaker ​ Glenis Delemare – Teacher Aid Rachel James – Teacher Aid Nadene Slabbert – Teacher Aid Pauline Simmonds – Teacher Aid ​ Loida Pyla – After School Care Leader ​ Crest Clean – Cleaners Board of Trustees Jeff Burson – Board Chair Yaron Overeem – Principal Lucinda McBeth – Member Toni Hughes – Health and Safety Tama Weavers – Staff Rep Ross Harper – Property Kirsty Tuhiwai – Member

Stationery ​ Each class has a specific list for the stationery the children need. Stationery can be purchased through OfficeMax. www.myschool.co.nz/ Search for Kokopu School and the class your child is in. ​ Room 1 = NE-Yr1 Room 2 = Yr2 Room 3 = Yr5-6 Room 4 = Yr 3-4 Room 6 = Yr7-8 A small amount is kept at school for purchase in emergencies. For your child’s classroom stationery list please ask at the office. A notice will be sent home by the classroom teacher if any further supplies are required during the year.

Enrolments We welcome new students and their families to come and visit our amazing school. Give us a call, email or drop in and we will be more than happy to show you around and meet with our principal and teachers. Kokopu School is a full primary school catering for students in years 1 - 8. (Including intermediate) We have no zone attached to the school and we have students that come to us from all around our local area and further afield. Whether it is your 4-year-old or you are a new family to our area, enrolling as soon as possible helps us plan our staffing and roll for the year. We have full enrolment packs available at the school office or you can use the below online form. Please get in contact with us regardless. Enrolment form instructions Click on the “enrolment button” below. Complete form including all mandatory fields Select “Go to Part 2” which will automatically save the form When the online enrolment form is complete, please bring in your child's birth certificate and immunisation status so we can retain a copy. Enrol Online Here Additional Documents to sign. You can print these at home or get copies from the school office. After School Care Registration Cyber Safety User Agreement Media Release Form Additional information You can print these at home or get copies from the school office. Parent Info Booklet Stationery Year 7-8 Program Community Playgroup PRE-SCHOOL VISITS It is advisable that your child has at least two pre-entry class visits to familiarise them with their new learning environment, teacher and classmates. Please make contact with the classroom teacher to organise your visits. On the first visit, you are encouraged to remain with your child in the classroom in order to observe how the class functions. This will enable you to better support your child with their transition to school. During your next visit, you are welcome to pop in and out of the classroom. The staff room is available for you to have a cup of coffee. It is preferable to include at least one morning tea in these visits to introduce your child to the associated routines and play environment. PREPARING FOR SCHOOL In order to cope with the challenges of school life, it is important that your child develops independence in managing themselves and their belongings. You can help with this by ensuring they know how to: Use the toilet (and urinal for boys) and wash their hands Blow their nose Dress themselves Put school shoes on and off (please avoid shoes with laces unless they are self-tying ones) Manage lunch without help Recognise and manage their own belongings Pack and carry their own schoolbag Follow simple instructions Sit and listen for short periods of time (approximately 10 minutes With regard to literacy and numeracy, if your child can hold a pencil correctly, recognise their own name and write it, recognise the names and sounds of some of the letters of the alphabet, count and recognise some numbers, this is a bonus and will be further developed at school.

Job Positions Kokopu School - Teacher Aide Job Position 2023 12-20 hours per week Fixed Term Closing Date Friday 28th of May 2023. Starting Mid Term 2. ​ We are seeking a person to join our wonderful teacher aide team and work one-on-one with one of our amazing learning support students. ​ Key Criteria Applicants should have excellent communication skills, shows initiative, be adaptable, patient, and show a relational approach to working with students who have extra needs. Teacher aide or a history of working with children is an advantage. ​ Job description This position will involve working with a young student funded by the Ministry of Education. The hours of work are dependent on this funding. ​ Job Responsibilities Support students with daily classroom routines Implement an individual learning program. One on one. One to one support for specific learning areas in class Behaviour monitoring and support Setting up and monitoring visual timetables Work closely with specialist teachers and agencies. Work closely with families General classroom teacher aide support ​ ​ If you are interested in this position, please apply by using our online application form. Also please send a letter of application and CV to principal@kokopu.school.nz by Friday 28th of May 2023. Application URL: www.bit.ly/kokopujob Application QR CODE: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For more information about school please go to our website www.kokopu.school.nz

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After School Care After School Care runs from 3pm – 5:30pm Monday – Friday in our Whanau Room. ​ It is a great community service and we aim to provide a fun and stimulating care programme for your child. Each day children get afternoon tea, time to do some homework, relax and an activity. ​ If you would like to enquire about After School Care please contact the office. ​ Fees Regular Care: (e.g. care booked on a regular basis) $8.00 per session. (1.15hr per session x 2 sessions) $8.00 retainer fee if a child does not attend when booked. Kokopu School After School Care program is OSCAR approved which means there is a government subsidy for some families. Check whether you are eligible to claim an OSCAR child care subsidy from WINZ.