Kākāpō Syndicate (Years 1,2&3)

Kākāpō Year 1 classes are located in Rooms 1 and 3.  Our Year 0 class is in Room 25.

Kākāpō Year 2/3 classes are located in the upper floor of the building adjacent to the office.

The Kākāpō team fosters self management, supporting akōnga to become increasingly more independent and resilient as learners. The curriculum is  integrated, with student voice and personal interest driving learning experiences.

Below you will find some information about the Kākāpō syndicate.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher (kaiako) at any point during the year. 

Kaiako are in their classrooms from 8:30am in the mornings so the best time to discuss any issues or concerns with them is between 8:30-8:45am. Kaiako are more than happy to meet with you at other times.

Kākāpō Teachers

Michelle Pontifex

Rūma ono (Room 6) Kākāpō Team Leader

m.pontifex@ngaio.school.nz

Kia ora koutou,
I am Michelle and I’m proud to be part of our kura whānau. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I am deeply passionate about supporting our tamariki to thrive. Ngā ākonga are always at the heart of what I do, and I strive to create a positive, manaakitanga-filled environment where they feel empowered to ako, grow, and succeed. In addition to teaching, I am privileged to serve as the Team Leader of Kākāpō. I love working collaboratively with my team and whānau to ensure our learners have the best opportunities to shine. Teaching and leading are both roles I truly treasure, and I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day.

Tessa Gatenby

Rūma whitu (Room 7)

t.gatenby@ngaio.school.nz

Kia ora,

I’m Tessa and I am delighted to be back teaching in the Kākāpō syndicate this year. I’m looking forward to getting to know some new faces and building positive connections with the tamariki as we learn and grow throughout the year. I’m going into my sixth year of teaching at Ngaio School and I’m excited to work within such a fantastic team. I believe creating and maintaining reciprocal and effective relationships with students is a crucial aspect of teaching, and I work hard to make sure every child feels valued in the classroom. I’m a Wellington local and thoroughly enjoy being part of the Ngaio community.

Christina Johnstone

Rūma rima (Room 5)

c.johnstone@ngaio.school.nz

Kia ora koutou,
Ko Christina tōku ingoa.
I feel privileged to have been teaching at Ngaio School since 2015. During this time I have taught from years one to four. I am thrilled to be part of the Kākāpō Syndicate again this year teaching years two and three. I am passionate about creating a positive, engaging and supportive learning environment where ākonga can flourish as individuals and love being part of the Ngaio community.

Thomas Searancke

Rūma waru (Room 8)

t.searancke@ngaio.school.nz

Kia ora,

I am Thomas, and I am excited to be joining the Kākāpō Syndicate at Ngaio School. I began teaching in 2018 and since then I have taught years two through six. I look forward to getting to know your children and helping them thrive in their learning.

Bronwyn O'Halloran

Rūma tahi (Room 1)

b.ohalloran@ngaio.school.nz

Kia ora koutou,
Ko Bronwyn tōku ingoa.
A warm welcome to a new year and an exciting learning journey at Ngaio School. I have had 30 years of teaching experience and have held a variety of roles from teacher, senior teacher to assistant principal. I have been teaching at Ngaio School since 2015. This year I am excited to be teaching our youngest students and building a strong foundation of learning as our newest learners begin their education at Ngaio School. I am also a mum to two young boys/men. I love to spend family time with my husband and 2 boys at Waikanae Beach, walking the beach and having time together making fun memories.
I look forward to knowing and making connections with all of the Kākāpō families.

Elise Chan

Rūma toru (Room 3)

e.chan@ngaio.school.nz

Kia ora,

Ko Elise tōku ingoa.

It’s lovely to return back to Ngaio School after having such a warm welcome in 2024. During my time teaching, I have enjoyed working with all year groups from Year 1 to 6, however, I am particularly passionate about teaching junior students. I look forward to another exciting year working alongside the Year 0/1 tamariki and creating a safe and supportive environment where they can all thrive and have a positive start to school.

Karen Doogan

Rūma rua tekau mā rima (Room 25)

k.doogan@ngaio.school.nz

I really love teaching. It is a special joy to work with tamariki as they start their schooling years. Young learners have a particular energy and enthusiasm that I enjoy. It has been my privilege to be part of the Ngaio School staff and community for many years. I have always thought my own children were fortunate to attend this wonderful school and I work hard to ensure that the tamariki I teach, have the opportunity to thrive here too.
Outside of school I enjoy walking, gardening and spending time with family.

Kākāpō Syndicate Information

Teacher Release

At Ngaio School, we are fortunate to have a team of experienced and passionate release teachers supporting our ākonga and kaiako. Classroom Release Time allows our teachers to focus on planning and assessments etc.

Donna Beechey will cover:

  • Michelle’s leadership and CRT every Wednesday.
  • Tessa’s CRT every second Tuesday – odd weeks.
  • Thomas’ CRT every second Tuesday – even weeks.

Alison Craven will cover:

  • Christina every Friday – CRT even weeks + Non-Teaching odd weeks 
  • Bronwyn’s CRT every Tuesdayd from 9-11am.
  • Elise’s CRT every Thursday from 9-11am.
  • Karen every Monday

Our release teachers are dedicated professionals who embody the values of our kura and are committed to maintaining a positive, engaging learning environment for all tamariki.

Please feel free to contact your child’s whānau teacher at any point during the year. Teachers are usually found in their classrooms from 8:30am. The best time to discuss any issues or concerns with them is between 8:30-8:45am. If you would like to make a different time to touch base just flick your child’s whanau teacher an email.

You can check out our part time teachers in the Our Team section.

Syndicate Dates

Please refer to website calendar

Brain Break

Brain Break – Keeping Our Ākonga Energised!

Our morning learning block runs from 9:00 to 11:00, so we have a short Brain Break to help keep tamariki focused and energised. During this time, children can enjoy a small snack of fruit to refuel their brains. Please send a small container with cut-up fruit or vegetables for your child to eat during this break. This helps support their concentration and learning throughout the morning. Thank you for your support.

Syndicate Hui

If your child’s class is hosting, we look forward to welcoming you to celebrate their learning. Hui are held in Room 6+7. 

Dates

  • Week 2: Friday 23rd October  Room 5 and Kea Class hosting  
  • Week 4: Friday 6th November  Room 8 and Room 3 hosting 
  • Week 8: Fri 4th December Room 1 and Room 6+7 hosting 

 

Kākāpō Celebration Hui: Thursday 10 December at 9:10am

To accommodate all of our whānau, our Celebration Hui will be held outdoors. If it is raining, the hui will be postponed until the following day, Friday 11 December. 

We will share more details closer to the date.

Syndicate Programme - Termly overview

Inquiry – I am an Artist

I am an Artist is an inquiry that encourages our ākonga to explore their creativity through visual arts, drama, dance and music. Using the Māori pūrākau Ngake and Whātaitai as inspiration, ākonga will discover how artists tell stories, express ideas, and communicate meaning. Throughout the term, they will experiment with different artistic techniques, collaborate with others, and build confidence as creative thinkers and makers while reflecting on their growth as artists.

Writing & Reading Focus - Term 4

This term in literacy, our focus will be on developing key skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Here’s what your tamariki will be learning:

Oral Language

  • Listening and Speaking: Developing oral language skills to communicate clearly and effectively, and using language purposefully in various contexts, e.g. Pitopito kōrero (news).
  • Te Reo: Strengthening listening and speaking skills in te reo Māori through everyday conversations and classroom activities.

Writing

  • Create meaningful texts by developing and organising their ideas.
  • Use planning, drafting, and editing to strengthen their writing.
  • Spelling and vocabulary knowledge is built through:
    • explicit teaching of phonics,
    • high-frequency word recognition, and
    • learning common spelling patterns.

Reading

  • Personal Reading: Encouraging tamariki to select and read texts independently for both enjoyment and learning.
  • Instructional Reading: Using the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) to build structured literacy skills and deepen understanding.
  • Shared Reading: Engaging with oral narratives to develop comprehension, fluency, and an appreciation of stories.
  • Reading Comprehension: Exploring a variety of texts to understand genres, structures, language features, and deeper meanings.

Phonological Awareness and Spelling

  • Focusing on phonics through the BSLA programme.
  • Learning essential spelling lists, high-frequency words, and spelling patterns.
  • Building vocabulary with a “word of the week” and practising dictionary skills.

We are excited to see your tamariki grow as confident readers, writers, and speakers throughout the term.

Mathematics (Pāngarau) - Term 4

At Ngaio School, we follow the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum for Mathematics and Statistics. In the early years (New Entrants to Year 3), the focus is on developing confident, curious learners who can explore, reason, and problem-solve using mathematics in real and meaningful ways. Our teaching is hands-on, with a strong emphasis on talk, collaboration, and using concrete materials to build deep understanding.

Term 4 focus in mathematics: 

Year 0

Measurement: Capacity, Weight 

Measurement: Connect days of the week to familiar routines

Number: Numeral Identification and correct formation 

Number: Number structure and Operations

 

Year 1

Measurement: Capacity, Weight                                     

Number: Number structure and Operations                          

Number: Financial Maths/Money 

Number: Basic Facts                       

 

Year 2 + 3

Measurement: Volume, Capacity, Weight                            

Number: Number structure/ Financial mathematics                          

Number: Basic Facts 

Revision 

Te Ao Māori - Term 4

This term we will continue to strengthen our understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori through our everyday learning and experiences. 

As part of our I Am a Citizen inquiry, ākonga will explore Māori perspectives on leadership, belonging, community and collective responsibility, learning how people work together and contribute to the wellbeing of others.

Te reo Māori will continue to be woven into our daily routines, with regular opportunities to practise new kupu and phrases, share waiata and participate in karakia. 

Our weekly Kapa Haka sessions with Hemi Prime continue to provide opportunities to develop confidence, learn together and connect with Māori culture through waiata, movement and performance.

We will also explore the pūrākau How Kiwi Saved the Forest, which tells the story of how Kiwi becomes a kaitiaki (guardian) of the forest. When insects threaten the forest trees, Tāne-hokahoka, guardian of the birds, and Tāne-mahuta, guardian of the trees, ask the birds to help. Kiwi bravely gives up life in the sky to live on the forest floor, eating the insects and helping to protect the forest. Through this pūrākau, ākonga will explore the importance of kaitiakitanga, taking responsibility and contributing to the wellbeing of our natural world.

Through these experiences, we aim to nurture a sense of connection, respect and curiosity, supporting our ākonga to grow their understanding of Te Ao Māori and its place in our lives, our kura and our wider community.

Digital Technology Focus - Term 4

Designing and Developing Digital Outcomes

In authentic contexts and taking account of end users, ākonga make decisions about creating, manipulating, storing, retrieving, sharing and testing digital content for a specific purpose, given particular parameters, tools, and techniques. Ākonga will analyse and discuss existing resources to evaluate their effectiveness and create a success criteria. From students’ evaluation a success criteria can be built so that students know what they are trying to achieve when creating their digital content.

Physical Education Focus - Term 4

Daily Fitness

Each day students will have the opportunity to improve their basic fitness through participating in a range of physical activities and cooperative games. 

 

Syndicate Sport

Ākonga will develop fundamental movement skills, including running, jumping, throwing and kicking, while building coordination, spatial awareness and control. 

Through cooperative games, they will practise teamwork, communication and safe participation, learning to work together, include others and encourage their peers. 

Ākonga will also reflect on how their effort, attitude and sportsmanship help create a positive and supportive environment where everyone can participate and enjoy being active.

Graduate Profile / ROCKET Values - Term 4

Graduate Profile – Ngaio Ākonga are Critical Thinkers

I can express an opinion, give reasons to justify my perspectives, ask questions and 

say why I agree or disagree with others’ views.

Inquiry – Social Sciences: I am a citizen  

This term ākonga across Years 0–3 will explore what it means to belong to a community, contribute to the groups we are part of, and have a voice.

We will begin by thinking about the groups we belong to, from our whānau and school to our local community and Aotearoa New Zealand. Through discussions, stories and hands-on activities, children will explore how we care for one another, make decisions together, take responsibility and show respect for different perspectives.

As our learning develops, we will discover how Aotearoa New Zealand is governed, explore the roles and responsibilities of our government, and learn how people are elected to represent us. 

Our learning will culminate in a class election, giving ākonga the opportunity to experience voting, share their ideas and explore how decisions can be made fairly.

Through this unit, we want our ākonga to understand that being a citizen means belonging, contributing and having a voice and that everyone, no matter their age, can play a part in making their community a better place.

 

ROCKET Values

Curiosity

Curiosity is about wanting to learn more and asking questions to find out how things work or why things happen. Curious people are interested in the world around them. A curious ākonga asks thoughtful questions, explores new topics with enthusiasm, and loves discovering new ideas.

Library Visits

Each week we visit the library and children are able to choose 1-2 library books to take home and enjoy. The books are then returned the following week, in time for new books to be issued. Please help your child to remember their library books each week, so they can return them and get new books issued. The library is also open during lunchtimes for children to independently issue and return books.

 

Library Timetable

Monday: 

  • Rūma 6+7 Michelle and Tessa

Tuesday:

  • Rūma 8 Thomas

Wednesday: 

  • Rūma 5 Christina

Friday:

  • Rūma 1 Bronwyn
  • Rūma 2 Karen
  • Rūma 3 Elise

Home Learning

Reading

At Ngaio School we use the Better Start Literacy Approach in our first two years of school. Your child will bring home a variety of language tasks to practise. These tasks can vary from guided books, independent books, word building games or phonics games to help your child practise their decoding skills. 

Please click here for more information about how you can help support your child with their literacy at home.

Poetry Books : Each week your child will bring home a poem in their poetry book to share with you. 

In years 2 and 3 students continue to be exposed to a broad range of texts and vocabulary and reading widely at home helps to reinforce the reading strategies introduced at school. Poems and reading books are sent home regularly and students are encouraged to select their own reading books for personal enjoyment.

Library Books: Each student will have the opportunity to select and share one or two books from our wonderful school library with their whānau.

Spelling

In the year 1 classes we work to develop the children’s spelling knowledge through both phonic knowledge, word building, rhyming words and securing the skills to spell new words.  

Twice a year (Term 1 and Term 3) the children will be tested formally on their spelling vocabulary and the data will be sent home so you are able to support your child with words they have not yet secured.

This continues in year 2 and by year 3 akōnga have their own individual spelling programme based on results from Essential Word testing. Akōnga have five words to learn each week, are tested by a buddy on Fridays, then new words selected.

New Parent Information Booklet