Tūī Syndicate (Years 4 to 6)

Tūī Syndicate is our Year 4 to 6 syndicate. Composite year 4/5 classes are located in the lower area of the school. Year 6 classes are in the lower rooms of the two story block adjacent to the office. As students enter Tūī, they have an increasing range of roles and responsibilities within the school e.g. Sports Leaders, Peer Mediators, Road Patrollers and Ngā Rangatahi o Ngaio members, MacAttackers, Buddy Readers, Junior Journalists and the Enviro Team.

Tūī Syndicate has a Tuakana/Teina model based on developing relationships between our children and helping prepare them for future leadership roles within Tūī Syndicate. 

Planned experiences through Education Outside the Classroom programmes (EOTC) help develop resilience and confidence in our learners. Our school’s ROCKET Values form a basis for these and are central to all our learning in Tūī. One highlight for our Year 6 students is Forest Lakes Camp. Pedal Ready is also an integral programme planned each year. These programmes help increase confidence and provide challenge.

Communication with Whanau and continually developing children’s well-being are essential to our core practice. As year 6 akōnga grow and venture off to intermediate, our teachers recognise that this is an essential time for support and guidance. It can be a time of apprehension and change. Our teachers liaise with families and contributing schools to help support transition of students to intermediate school. 

Below you will find important information about our Tūī Syndicate Team.

Tūī Teachers

Chantal McKee

Ruma tekau (Room 10) Tui Team Leader

c.mckee@ngaio.school.nz

I am very excited to be part of the Ngaio School kura whānau. I have been at Ngaio for nearly 8 years and teaching year 4-6 for a lot longer! I love providing challenges and seeing growth in confidence both socially and academically in our tamariki. My interests include; going away with my husband Phil in our caravan and walking Poppy (our school dog) and seeing the Wellington wind in her ears. We have two daughters, Toni is a pharmacist in Winton and Jessie has started teaching at Titahi Bay School. As Team Leader of Tūī, I am very proud of our hard working, supportive team. We strongly believe in building relationships and working closely with whānau to support our learners.

Poppy McKee

Poppy is a Canine and Friends Pet Therapy Dog. She has many talents, and often seeks out children that may need a cuddle or reassurance in their day. She is very placid and loves to lie with children on the floor. You will often see her at the school sports or around the playground walking with children. Poppy has been known to shake children’s hands at Year 6 graduation and is often a huge favourite in the Leavers Book. She is fondly referred to as Ngaio’s School Dog.

Sam Jenkins

Ruma Tekau mā rua (Room 12)

s.jenkins@ngaio.school,nz

I’m thrilled to once again be teaching year 6. I’ve been here at Ngaio since 2018 and love the school and wider community. I like to get involved in lots of different extracurricular activities like Enviro Club, Artsplash Dance, and Wearable Arts. I’ve lived in Wellington for a while now but my home is down south in Dunedin, where I visit regularly and often do road trips through Central Otago with my dad. In my spare time I like getting out into nature, playing and watching football (Liverpool is my team), reading and writing, and playing games.

Hayden Trass

Rūma Rua tekau (Room 20)

h.trass@ngaio.school.nz

I’ve been a part of this brilliant school for twelve years. I’m originally from Masterton but I’m very much a Wellingtonian now and love working in the Ngaio community. I began teaching in Asia (Taiwan, Thailand and China) and discovered a career that I love. I’m particularly passionate about teaching about the world around us, its people and their cultures. Outside the classroom, I tend to spend a lot of time researching family history and like to travel when I can. I’m excited to be teaching another year in Tūī with wonderful colleagues and students.

Louisa Marks

Ruma Rua tekau mā tahi (Room 21)

l.marks@ngaio.school.nz

This is my 6th year at Ngaio school and third year in the fabulous Tūī team. I love teaching the energetic, curious and fabulously imaginative ākonga that come into my class each day. I live locally with my husband Gus and labrador Isla. My own tamariki have all left school, two are at university and one just started work this week. My interests are gardening, tramping and I have just taken up watercolour painting.

Nicola Stevenson

Rūma Rua tekau mā toru (Room 23)

n.stevenson@ngaio.school.nz

I am originally from the UK. I have taught in London, Melbourne and Wellington for over 20 years. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, running, hiking and biking. I am passionate about meeting students where they are at and building on their strengths. I am excited to continue my teaching journey in Tūī this year!

Dan Byrne

Tūī release teacher

d.byrne@ngaio.school.nz

I am happy to have been a part of Ngaio School as a teacher since 2016. On top of that, both of my children attended Ngaio as ākonga, so I feel very committed to this wonderful place. Before moving to New Zealand, I trained as a teacher and worked in London schools for 7 years. My interests include playing and watching many sports, especially football. Outside of school, you might spot me running around or playing football. It has been a pleasure to be part of the community here and I am excited to be part of the 2026 Tūī teaching team!

Hannah McAdie

Ruma tekau mā rua (Room 12)

h.mcadie@ngaio.school.nz

I am so excited to be completing my placement for the Master's of Primary Teaching and Learning at Ngaio School. I will be entering Sam’s Year 6 class (Room 12) as a Student Teacher to observe, learn and practice. I grew up in Taupō, where I lived with my family and dog (Zola the cavoodle), before I moved to Wellington to study Educational Psychology in 2023. I love nature and spending time with whānau and friends. I am a creative person who grew up dancing, choreographing, and acting, and I have recently joined cheerleading! I am looking forward to being a part of the Ngaio School community!

Zoe Smith

Ruma tekau (Room 10)

z.smith@ngaio.school.nz

Sandra Lissaman

Sandra Lissaman

Part time teacher

s.lissaman@ngaio.school.nz

I am thrilled to be joining the Tūī team as a part-time teacher this year.
I live in Karori with my partner and our two sons, who are both at primary school. When I’m not teaching, or being corralled into a game of backyard cricket with my boys, I enjoy reading, gardening and walking in the hills around Karori. I am passionate about building strong, positive relationships with ākonga and working creatively and collaboratively to meet the needs of all learners.

Tūī 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, assessment, and leadership responsibilities while ensuring continuity of learning for tamariki.

Dan Byrne will cover:

  • Support in Year 6 space 9-11am 
  • Chantal’s leadership  every Wednesday, Non-teaching Friday (odd weeks) and CRT every Thursday 11.30-3pm
  • Sam’s CRT every Tuesday 11.30-3pm
  • Hayden’s CRT every Friday (odd weeks)
  • Nicola’s CRT every Monday 11.30-3pm

Sandra Lissaman will cover:

  • Louisa’s every Friday – CRT even weeks + Non-Teaching odd weeks 

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.

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

Syndicate Dates

Please refer to website calendar

Syndicate Hui

Tūī Hui are held in Rūma 24 and start at 10:10am. Whānau of the hosting classes are invited to attend. 

 

Week 2: Friday 31st July – Room 12 Sam

Week 4: Friday 14th August – Room 21 Hayden

Week 8: Friday 11th September – Room 22 Louisa

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 creation story of Tane separating his parents Ranganui and Papatūanuku, as inspiration, we will be exploring Mātauranga Māori through the significance of Tāne-Te-Tokorangi. We will begin linking nature to storytelling, focusing on native birds and the messages they can carry. This will lead to creating visual art works inspired by ideas from pūrakau and the natural world.

Literacy Focus Term 3

Year 4/5 Focus:

Continue with poetry from Term 2

Retelling Purākau (see below) – sequencing ideas, including descriptive detail and unpacking key understanding of vocabulary.

Character Studies – Unpacking character traits, sharing how characters look, sound, behave and are connected. Discuss examples that the children know and begin to build a deeper understanding of how an author connects key characters and introduces traits according to the plot or to surprise the reader.

Narrative writing – Understanding character descriptions, settings, plot, climax and resolutions. 

 

Year 6 Focus:

Narrative writing – Understanding character descriptions, settings, plot, climax and resolutions. 

Novel Studies – through literacy circles children will discover and present key ideas about descriptive features and author’s styles. As a reader, they will reflect, connect and make judgments about what they are reading.

Picture Book Unit- Creating a short piece of writing that  includes illustrations to retell a story.

Mathematics Focus Term 3

Ākonga participate in a structured mathematics programme Monday through Friday, where they have opportunities to participate in whole class and small group sessions with teachers, engage in Maths Talks, practise work and extension activities.

 

This term, our focus in mathematics will be covering the following: 

Year 4/5 Major Focus:

Rational Numbers: Fractions, decimals and percentages.

Measurement: Compare measurements, tell the time, 

Algebra: Recognising and continuing and creating patterns

Financial Literacy- Calculating total costs including dollars and cents, rounding money amounts and represent currency using play money

Consolidate: Basic Facts (Games, Practice Sheets, Online Games),Place Value, Rounding

 

Year 6 Major Focus:

Rational Numbers: Fractions, decimals and percentages.

Connect: Financial Literacy 

Measurement/Geometry: Identifying and describing angles at a point.

Connect: Geometry – shapes, angles, polygons. 

Algebra: SPATIAL – Tessellation, translation and rotation.

Connect: patterns through the arts

PATHWAYS – Grid references (maps and compass points)

Connect: Graphing

Consolidate: Basic Facts and key understanding of place value.

Te Ao Māori & Kapa Haka Term 3

Te Ao Māori

Matariki 

We will revisit key kupu and retell the story of Matariki. 

Purakau

The pūrākau of Tāne Te Tokorangi and Tāne Mahuta will be explored and will link to ngā manu (birds) and the arts in the form of mask-making.

Language 

In addition to that related to the forest, our kupu this term will focus on the arts, particularly kowhaiwhai (koru patterns). We will also revise and strengthen oral language skills relating to pepeha.

 

Kapa Haka

Each Monday morning all Tūī ākonga focus on waiata, karakia, and te reo with their teachers. This term, Extension Kapa Haka is preparing for their performance at St Brigid’s Kapa Haka Festival (on September 19th) with Matua Hemi Prime.

Digital Technology Focus Term 3

Students continue to develop their digital skills and fluency through purposeful use of the Google Suite. Through regular engagement with these tools, students will:

  • Build typing accuracy and speed to support efficient creation of work
  • Publish work using a variety of fonts, layouts, and inserted images to enhance presentation
  • Create and present ideas using PowerPoint and Google Slides
  • Access and use online sources for research, learning how to locate and select relevant information
  • Name, save, organise, and share their learning appropriately within digital platforms
  • Use Google Suite tools confidently and responsibly to support collaboration and communication

Particular focus in digital fluency continues to be an integral part of the year 6 daily programme.

Physical Education Focus Term 3

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. 

 

Physical Education

Ākonga will participate in a run, jump, throw programme focussing on athletics skills. During this time, children will learn techniques in preparation for next term’s Athletics Sports. They will throw vortex and sling quoits, jump for distance (long jump), jump for height (high jump) and run short sprints and middle distances.

Children will also participate in the school Swimming Sports at Keith Spry Pool (during week 3). This will be an opportunity to showcase swimming skills perfected during the year. 

Graduate Profile | ROCKET values

ROCKET Values

Open Minded 

Being open-minded means being willing to listen to new ideas, try new things, and understand that others may think or feel differently from you. An open-minded ākonga will give unfamiliar activities a go, listen respectfully to others’ opinions, and consider different points of view.

Empathy

Empathy is about understanding how someone else is feeling and showing that you care. It’s putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
An empathetic ākonga checks in on friends, listens when someone needs to talk, and shows care in how they treat others.

 

Graduate Profile

Ngaio Ākonga are Resilient

I take measured risks, have a go, learn from mistakes and maintain a positive self-image.

By the time I graduate: 

I will be willing to take risks, trying new things with a growth mindset.  

I will be learning from mistakes, embracing challenges with determination and perseverance, and
asking for help when I need it. 

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.

Tuesday

Rūma 12 Sam 9:00-10:00

 

Wednesday 

Rūma 24 Nicola 2-3pm

Rūma 10 Chantal/Dan 10-11.00

 

Friday 

Rūma 20 Hayden 9.15-10am

Rūma 21 Louisa 1.45-2.45pm

Enviro Club

Enviro Club is an opportunity for students to learn about the environment and their role within it through both information and hands-on sessions.

Children are invited to opt in to the sessions they find interesting.

Enviro Club also offers leadership roles within the school, such as recycling, composting, and running sessions with younger students.

Throughout the year we will be focusing on the Arb and how the students, as kaitiaki, have a responsibility to look after our environment. We will also be working to improve our composting system across the school with the aim to reduce and reuse organic waste.

Enviro Club also offers leadership roles within the school, such as recycling, composting, and running sessions with younger students. Throughout the year we will be focusing on the Arb and how the students, as kaitiaki, have a responsibility to look after our environment. We will also be working to improve our composting system across the school with the aim to reduce and reuse organic waste. Students have opportunities to help sell plants at stalls during school events.

The Arb has been closed to encourage growth. This term, the Arb will be open for students to play on alternate days. Enviro students will monitor the impact this may have on the environment.  The Enviro Team endeavours to try to balance access and the impact children may have on our taonga.

Home Learning

The ROCKET Challenge is an optional home learning programme.

The purpose of the Tūī ROCKET Challenge is to:

  • recognise the learning children already do outside of school, and to encourage them to extend themselves in these areas
  • challenge children to try new things 
  • encourage children to contribute to your family, school and community  
  • enable children to discover, develop and showcase their talents. 

You can find out more about the ROCKET challenge here.  Please note these were updated Term 1 2026.

Early Term 4, teachers will be meeting with children to talk through what they have completed for the year.