Upcoming Events
- Kings Birthday – Monday 2nd June – School Closed
- RAMs Training – Friday 13th June 8:30am
- Ao Tawhiti Matariki Celebration – Thursday 19th June
- Matariki – Friday 20th June – School Closed
- IEMs – Friday 27th June – School Closed for Instruction
- School Holidays – Saturday 28th June – Sunday 13th July
- IEMs – Monday 14th July – School Closed for Instruction
- First Day of Timetabled Classes Term 3 – Tuesday 15th July
- RAMs Training – Wednesday 30th July 2:30pm
- Emotional Rollercoaster – Ao Tawhiti Wearable Arts Event – Wednesday 13th August 7pm – Tūranga
- Senior Camp – Monday 18th – Wednesday 20th August – Living Springs
- Staff Only Day – Friday 22nd August – School Closed
- NCEA Practice Exams Begin – Monday 15th September
- IEMs – Friday 19th September – School Closed for Instruction
- School Holidays – Saturday 20th September – Sunday 5th October
- IEMs – Monday 6th October
- First Day of Timetabled Classes Term 4 – Tuesday 7th October
Message From Anita
Kia ora koutou,
As we near the middle of another enriching term at Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible learning and community spirit we’ve witnessed across the school. The last two weeks have seen unprecedented numbers of staff absence, and I would like to thank our caregivers for their support in keeping their children home when we have asked for learning at home, or when your children have been unwell. I would also like to thank you all for your support when your child has come home from school after having a number of relief teachers, instead of their regular Learning Advisors. It has been impressive to watch staff support one another by taking on extra classes, duties and keeping an eye on students on the floors. It has also been impressive to watch our students’ rise to the occasion by working independently, keeping an eye on our relief teachers and helping one another to navigate through learning when their regular Learning Advisor hasn’t been available to answer questions.
The last two weeks have exemplified our core values of Whanaungatanga, Aroha and Tiakitanga.
At Ao Tawhiti, our philosophy of student-led learning continues to shape a dynamic and busy environment. It has been inspiring to see learners taking ownership of their education—pursuing passions, setting goals, and exploring real-world contexts with creativity and curiosity. But, none of this is possible without the commitment and support of our parent community. Your involvement—whether through mentoring, helping organise trips, or simply encouraging independence at home—plays a vital role in making our model work.
Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us. At Ao Tawhiti, we live our values every day: everyone’s a learner, learning happens everywhere, and we get there together.
Anita
Messages from Senior Leaders
EOTC and RAMs training
Kia ora koutou. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped out with trips and visits so far this year. We really value your support! We run RAMs training sessions for whānau members regularly. These half hour sessions provide an opportunity for family members new to the school, or new to volunteering, to find out what is involved. Times and dates for Terms 2 and 3 are as follows:
- 8:30am, Friday June 13
- 2:30pm, Wednesday July 30
- 8:30am, Friday August 29
Please RSVP using the form below, so that I know how many people to expect for each session. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdov2Zlz0ztJsGzBynQe5KYOuaChvHnhNxXcU0MvyWBxlENSQ/viewform
Do feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Megan Taylor megan.taylor@aotawhiti.school.nz
Matariki
Matariki is fast approaching and we are getting ready for our wonderful annual event and hāngi on Thursday 19 June.
If you would like to be involved, please complete this form and I will be in touch.
I was reflecting on past Matariki events I enjoyed when my kids were young. One of my standout memories is the storytelling that is a big part of Matariki. Is anyone interested in presenting a story to the audience as part of our performances? Please let me know ~ niki.stephenson@aotawhiti.school.nz | 027 226 4017
Niki Stephenson
News/Notices
The Retro 60s Surf & Cocktail Ball
Join us on Friday, 6th June, 7 –11 PM at Ao Tawhiti (Level 1) for a groovy night of vintage vibes and far-out fun. This R18 shindig features a retro cocktail bar, Beatnik lounge, lots of surprises and live surf sounds from incredible band Surfing USSR. Surfing USSR combines the classic surf music sound of the 1960s with elements of exotica (think tiki lounge music) and Eastern European folk music.
Tickets are just $25 and all proceeds go toward building a brand-new playground. To book your tickets please complete this Google Form: Tickets Form Tickets can be collected from the office! These will be charged to your school account and invoices sent out.
Get ready for amazing raffle prizes — think family days out, dining vouchers, activity vouchers, and more! And if you’re feeling lucky, don’t miss our Silent Auction, featuring even bigger, better prizes that you won’t want to pass up. Imagine winning Helicopter flights for 2 in Queenstown, or a family getaway in Hanmer? These and more are up for grabs!
You can start buying your raffle tickets now – just pick up a sheet from reception, take it to your friends, family and co-workers and get involved!
**You can still purchase raffle tickets if you are not attending the ball**
WANTED: Bunting (60s themed), bubble machine, old 60s sheets for tablecloths, retro beach umbrella, dehydrated oranges, lemons, berries for the cocktail bar. Please contact Jenny Ward if you can help or assist with preparation-jenny.ward@aotawhiti.school.nz
Cultural Calendar
Get ready to celebrate creativity, connection, and culture in Term 3 and 4!
Ao Tawhiti will be hosting a range of Cultural Events that will bring together our ākonga, whānau, and wider community in the spirit of whanaungatanga, kaha, aroha and artistic expression.
Emotional Rollercoaster – A Wearable Art and Cosplay Event
Tūranga August 13th 5.30 – 7.00pm
There are two sections with various categories to enter for this event. The theme this year is “Emotional Rollercoaster” with the following categories;
Melancholy and Sadness
Joy and Happiness
Anger and Frustration
Calm and Content
These are of course open to artistic interpretation.
The Ao Tawhiti Film Festival is at Lumiere Theatre on October 20th at 5pm.
All types of genres are welcome. Please include titles and credits. This year, we potentially plan to have some prizes, guest speakers (film directors) and once again the post screening Q and A session.
Emotional Rollercoaster – Intention to Submit
The Ao Tawhiti Film Festival is at Lumiere Theatre on October 20th at 5pm.
All types of genres are welcome. Please include titles and credits. This year, we potentially plan to have some prizes, guest speakers (film directors) and once again the post screening Q and A session.
Jenny Ward
Student Achievement
Zac in year 7 has qualified to represent Canterbury for both trampoline and double mini at the NZ Gymnastics Nationals in Auckland in September. Congratulations Zac!!
Medications at Kura
Please register any personal student medications with the school office.
We have a secure medication administration process in place. When your student needs medication, at school, please chat with us. We will complete a medication form and create a plan to ensure safe storage, communication, and administration.
While it might be convenient for students to carry medications including over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and antihistamines, we require all medications to be securely stored in the first aid room. This helps prevent accidental medication ingestion or misuse.
By following this policy, we can create a safer and healthier learning environment for all students. Thank you for your support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact office@aotawhiti.school.nz
ProActive Physio at Ao Tawhiti
We have a physiotherapist on-site at kura every Thursday morning. Not only convenient; appointments with him will save each student/staff member $43.00 at the initial assessment and $35.50 per follow up visit.
Our physiotherapist is Kash, here’s a little about him from the team at ProActive:
Kashif is a wonderful Physiotherapist with expertise in musculoskeletal and sports therapy. He recently moved from Timaru to the “big smoke” and is loving exploring a new city.
Before he trained as a physio therapist Kash was a teacher in Pakistan and enjoys being in the education setting just as much as working in the clinic. His was one of the first of his friends to move to NZ-which was a brave and courageous step. Kash is the middle child, with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He talks to his family almost daily on what’s app. Outside of work, he is an avid cricketer, previously playing for Temuka Cricket Club and now looking to join a new team in Christchurch. (We hear he is a great bowler).
Kash will be at Ao Tawhiti every Thursday morning from 8am to 10:30am. Come say hi and
get to know him.
Student Absences
Thank you for always keeping the school informed if your student is off sick, learning from home, or not attending for any other reason.
There are multiple ways you can record an absence;
- send a message through SchoolApps – an App available on Apple or Android. Simply subscribe to Ao Tawhiti via the app.
- leave a voicemail or speak to us directly on 03 377 7773
- send an email to office@aotawhiti.school.nz
Please make sure you notify the office via one of the above options in order to prevent being sent an absence message, regardless of whether or not your student’s LA is aware of their absence.
Ao Tawhiti Ski Trips to Mount Hutt 2025 – Sign up now for number one
We have pencilled in our first Ski Trips to Mount Hutt for Ao Tawhiti this year. The package includes travel, ski pass, 1-2hr lesson, boots and skis / board. It does not include clothing. The first trip is booked for Friday 25th July. The cost for a student package and travel is $150 or travel only $50. We may not have as many trips available this year so please don’t wait to sign up if you want to come along. Once you have signed up you will be sent another email confirming your place and the charge will be applied to your account. This must then be paid to secure your place.
Booking Details:
Group 1
- Date of Visit: Friday 25th July 2025
- Arrival Time: 10am
- Lesson Time: 11am
- Number of Students: 30 Students
Trips will only go ahead if we have enough students to make them financially viable. This means spaces are limited to 40 students and parents per trip.
Ski trips are open to all students. Younger students in year 1-6 will need to have a responsible adult attend too. Accompanying adults do not qualify for any school rates or packages and they will need to pay for the travel costs. Adults can make their own arrangements to ski on the mountain and will need to pay Mount Hutt directly on the day.
This year Mount Hutt have added a number of penalties and charges in their Terms and Conditions which I need to make you aware of in advance.
- Schools need to confirm numbers well in advance, At least 14 days or more. This means we will need confirmation before then. No changes can be made after this date without incurring a minimum $40 charge per change.
- Changes or cancellations after confirmation will incur a penalty
- If a student is sick they will need to provide a medical certificate within a week of the trip.
- Students must stick with the ability level lesson they signed up to or this will incur a change fee of $40
- Students must sign up to ski or snowboard and stick to this or a change fee of $40 will be charged
- Schools can not cancel or postpone a trip within 5 days of the planned trip.
What does this mean for those signing up?
- This year there is a non refundable deposit of $80.
- Students will need to sign up early and not leave it to the last minute.
- Trips will go ahead as long as Mount Hutt is open. Sometimes this may mean some parts of the mountain are closed. This could be due to the weather or other operational matters.
- The ski package is an all or nothing deal. This means there is no reduction if students have their own gear or don’t want a lesson for example.
- Once a student is confirmed they can not change between skiing to boarding or change the level of their lesson.
- Students $80 deposits are NON REFUNDABLE. This is due to the school being charged a cancellation fee by Mount Hutt and the bus company.
- Travel costs are NON REFUNDABLE.
- If your child is sick or injured and can not attend a trip, families will need to provide a medical certificate within 5 days if they wish to claim the charges back from Mount Hutt.
If you have any questions please email me on kay.hayes@aotawhiti.school.nz
Please sign up using the form below.
Ski Trip Number One 25/07/2025 Sign up form
Kay Hayes
Party at the CAC!
HB Mangō Taniwha
Rutherford’s Den
Throughout term two, Homebase Mangō Taniwha have been focusing on science, so on Wednesday the 28th of May, their science journey took them to Rutherford’s Den at the Christchurch Arts Centre.
The day had started with the students getting dressed into the black university gowns and making a replicasof an atom while learning about all the science behind them.
Next, the guide told them a little bit about the Arts Centre like the observatory, the stone architecture,its history and its Gothic buildings which reminded everyone of a little bit of Harry Potter.
In Kingston’s words, ” I looked like Harry Potter in the cloaks of wisdom, my hair swayed in the remains of the old buildings- a basement and an old theatre”.
Afterwards, there were experiments with a scientist from the University of Canterbury who showed them a variety of experiments including a magnetic ball cannon, a balloon in the case that deflated when frozen and suddenly filling it up with air when Finn shook it!
It was amazing learning about all the juicy science and being dazzled by the experiments.
Max
Rutherford’s Den
We went to Rutherford’s Den and we even got to make some models of an atom. Some of us got to put on cloaks. We made our atom models in the study hall that had a lot of creaky wooden tables and steps. We even went to the basement where Rutherford conducted his science experiments. Next ,we did some science experiments with a scientist from the University of Canterbury. Some of them in my class even went on hoverboard.
Julian
Rutherford’s Den
Have you ever been to Rutherford’s Den? Well, we have, and I’m going to tell you all about it!
When we arrived we learnt about some of the scientific elements hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and so on. We made models of atoms as well.
Later, we had great activities with a scientist from the University of Canterbury. Dune even went on a human air hockey hoverboard and we pushed her around back and forth. She was scared but excited and when she hopped off she was all dizzy.
Next, Jenny went on a tray of nails, it was bigger than her. There was a bit of wood under her back and she had this pillow under her head.
A while before that, we put freezing cold water on top of a balloon and it deflated. We also did a magnetic run which sped quickly.
It was awesome!
Poppy
Jenny Ward
Music Tuition & Artist Development
Ben Woods is a solo artist, festival director, producer and jazz‐school graduate. He’s been an Aotearoa Music Awards finalist, soundtracked films, and performed at festivals and toured internationally —and he’s also an Ao Tawhiti parent!
Ben has a handful of tutoring slots available. Whether you’re ready to take the next step in exploring songwriting, level up your guitar or bass skills, compose for a band, sharpen your improvisation, record at home on a budget, or explore the nuances of synthesis and wild effects – Ben can help build a lesson plan to meet your goals.
The aim is always to create something that feels personal, focused, and moreish — something that gets you excited to keep going, to keep making, and to find joy in building your own unique style of expression.
To book or enquire, you can reach him at woodsbenjames@gmail.com.
Call to Extended Whānau
Do you or a family member have an hour free on a Monday and/or Thursday between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.? We’re reaching out to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents who might be able to help.
We’re launching a new numeracy initiative for our Year 7/8 community during these morning sessions.
The goal is to support students with their basic facts, especially their times tables, through short one-on-one or one-on-two sessions with an adult. All resources will be provided, and we hope these interactions will be fun and rewarding for both students and helpers.
Strong recall of basic facts and times tables allows students to participate more confidently and effectively in their maths learning.
If you or someone in your whānau is available and interested, please contact Paula at paula.green@aotawhiti.school.nz.
Thank you for supporting our learners!
We look forward to your support,
Paula Green
Help Needed – Reader/Writers Wanted
We have a growing number of students at our kura who qualify for Special Assessment Conditions, such as having a reader and/or writer during assessments. This support can make a significant difference in their ability to demonstrate what they know and achieve their potential.
Unfortunately, there is no external funding for this, so we rely on the generosity of our school community to help provide this vital support.
Next term is a particularly busy assessment period, and we’re looking for caregivers or extended whānau members who might have an hour to spare and are willing to contribute by being a reader/writer for a student.
If you’re able to help, please get in touch with Paula at paula.green@aotawhiti.school.nz.
Your support makes a real difference—thank you!
Paula Green
Floor 4
This week was our last week at CAC for this half of the year. We are hoping to get back out there later in the year.
We celebrated by making pizzas in the pizza oven there.
We would love to thank all the staff and peeple in residence there for all the amazing workshops and opportunities you created for us.
We hope that we have left some gifts for you and others to enjoy in the way of the art we have created, the parts for the sensory gardens we have made and the Gaga Pit we built.
We have been super lucky to have experienced such rich learning opportunities from making natural dyes to making brooms out of tī kōuka and creating art such painting stumps and murals amongst other things.
Thank you so much from all of Level 4
Kay Hayes
Delta Food Bank
The Delta food bank, based at the C.A.C, delivers cans to food banks across Christchurch. The Delta Food Bank delivers cans because they take ages to go off. But unfortunately, the Delta Food Bank has no more cans, which is a problem because lots of people can’t afford to buy food and since there are no cans, people will go hungry, which is why any donations are much appreciated. Please put any can donations in the box at reception. Thank you for your aroha, we are very grateful.
from Ivy in Homebase Toroa
Some of the students from Level 4 have been working with DELTA at the CAC making food parcels for families around Christchurch.
Unfortunately, the shelves are really bare and they need more cans!!
We are having a can drive over the next few days and would love it if people in our community could help DELTA out by donating one or two cans.
Please drop off cans at reception or on level 4.
From level 4
What I found in the frost
I was walking in the icy grass when I found this frozen dark blue thing, I was bored, so I went over to pick it up. When I picked it up, it stayed in the same shape because it was frozen solid. The ‘thing’ felt like a piece of clothing, it had a tag and I could just make out a sleeve. I wouldn’t figure out what it was until after it defrosted…
By Lilly – Homebase Toroa
Enviroflo – Free Drainage Inspection
Enviroflo Drainage is excited to offer a unique fundraising opportunity for our kura. They are proposing a free drainage camera check service for school whānau, with significant benefits for both you and kura. Here’s how it works:
Enviroflo will conduct a free drainage camera inspection for any families associated who are interested and meet the eligibility criteria (these will be discussed with homeowners at the time of booking). For every drainage check completed, Enviroflo Drainage will donate $50 directly to our school. Additionally, following the inspection, they will compile a report for the Natural Hazards Commission (formerly EQC), identifying any earthquake-damaged drains. If these repairs are approved and funded by the NHC, Enviroflo will undertake the work at no cost to the homeowners. They have been very successful getting hundreds of homeowners across the line for NHC (EQC) funded repairs. Furthermore, upon the completion of any NHC-funded repairs, Enviroflo Drainage will donate an additional $500 to our school. A condition of the free camera inspection is that Enviroflo is granted the right to submit the report to the NHC, and should the repairs be approved and funded, they are given the opportunity to carry out the repairs.
Please contact Ryan at info@enviroflo.co.nz or 03 242 0828
Pink Ribbon Breakfast
A huge thank you to the Hospitality classes who made some very yummy treats for our Pink Ribbon Breakfast. Those who came along and donated had a huge choice which included, waffles, cup cakes, biscuits, cooking crumble ice cream, cake, pancakes, syrup, couli and hokey pokey.
We raised over $160 so thank you.
Kay Hayes
Project playground
Project playground is ready for orders.
This is how it works:
1. You will have to fill out a form saying what you want.
2. We will get back to you confirming the order and saying how much money you will need to pay.
3. Once you pay we will make your Items.
4. Then we get back to you when it’s ready.
Thanks
Kay’s HB Project Playground
Other Notices
Coming up for kids and families at the Isaac Theatre Royal in June and July
The Isaac Theatre Royal is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events this June and July, perfect for kids and families. Two standout shows you won’t want to miss are the Matariki Glow Show and the Aunty Claus’ Mid-Winter Christmas Kids Gala
Matariki Glow Show
On Sunday 8 June, the Matariki Glow Show will light up the stage with its giant-scale, glow-in-the-dark puppetry. This year, the show tells the magical story of Matariki, sharing the magic behind the Māori New Year. The Matariki Glow Show brings the mythical tale to life with its unique puppets, which glow under UV lights in a black box theatre.
The performance is told in both te reo Māori and English, weaving together themes of whakawhanaungatanga, friendship, and family. It offers a truly uplifting and positive experience for all, making it a must-see event for children and families.
Aunty Claus’ Mid-Winter Christmas Kids Gala
On Saturday 19 July, join Aunty Claus (Santa’s Big Sister) for a merry Mid-Winter Christmas Kids Variety Gala. This fabulous cabaret extravaganza promises to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. In collaboration with the Isaac Theatre Royal, the multi-award-winning Tessa Waters, the “Undisputed Queen of Stupidity” (TimeOut London), leads this rollercoaster of fun, featuring the best in comedy, cabaret, circus, and drag the country has to offer.
Aunty Claus and her mate Jeff Parsnips invite the whole family to a joyful afternoon of songs, games, circus tricks, bubbles, and maybe even a sheep herding lesson! Fun is guaranteed for all ages, making it an event you won’t want to miss.
Both events are set to provide unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Be sure to mark your calendars and get your tickets early to enjoy these fantastic shows at the Isaac Theatre Royal!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Isaac Theatre Royal website.