Kura Teina (Years 0–8)
Our School
Kura Teina is a primary school for approximately 348 students from Years 0 to 8. We are proud to also offer two onsite full-immersion Māori programmes, Te Roopu Aroha Ki te Reo, for students from Years 0 to 6.
The primary years at our kura provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Through carefully designed learning pathways, we support students to develop the skills, confidence, and dispositions needed for a successful transition into secondary schooling and beyond.
Our Learning Environment
Kura Teina consists of 16 classrooms across Years 1–8, including Te Roopu Aroha Ki te Reo. Each year level is supported by a dedicated team led by a Team Leader who oversees student progress and wellbeing.
Learning Assistants work alongside teachers and our Pastoral and Enrolment Lead to provide additional support and ensure all students are well supported to engage and succeed.
Our Curriculum
We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with its principles embedded throughout
everyday teaching and learning.
Our teachers are engaged in ongoing professional development in Structured Literacy and Mathematics, supported by a leadership team overseeing the implementation of the refreshed curriculum.
Our mathematics programme is No Problem Maths. Students also benefit from a wide range of
learning experiences beyond the classroom, including sporting events, outdoor education
programmes, EPRO, and year-level camps. These experiences range from on-site activities to
camps at CYC Ngaruawahia, Camp Raglan, Camp Kawhia, Pirongia, and surfing programmes for Years 5–6.
Whakanuia te mātauranga i te taiao kākano rua / Celebrating Education In A Bicultural Environment
Positive Behaviour for Learning
Kura Teina is a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) school. We promote positive behaviour through clear expectations, consistent classroom practices, reward systems, and regular assemblies that celebrate student success.
Student leadership is encouraged through initiatives such as our Peer Mediation programme, led by Year 5–6 student leaders. This programme supports the development of positive relationships, empathy, and problem-solving skills, helping to create a safe and inclusive school environment.
Te Ao Māori
Te Ao Māori is central to life at Kura Teina. Māori values and practices are woven throughout the kura, including karakia, waiata, pōwhiri, and adherence to tikanga o Waikato. We value our close relationships with local marae and kaumātua, which strengthen cultural understanding and identity for our students.
Kapa haka is offered across the kura, and students regularly participate in the Western Cluster festival, depending on tutor availability.
Student Support and Wellbeing
We provide a comprehensive network of support to ensure every student can thrive. Our Learning Support Coordinator oversees learning support programmes and works closely with teachers, whānau, and external agencies.
Additional wellbeing support includes a Social Worker in Schools onsite one day per week and a school counsellor available two days per week. Our Learning Support Coordinator also manages enrolments, supporting students and families as they join our kura.
Our House System
Our House System encourages belonging, school pride, and positive participation. Students are placed into one of four houses: Ngarunui, Opotoru, Te Kopua, or Waikeri — names gifted by local kaumātua that reflect important water tributaries within the Whaingaroa rohe.
Students earn House Points by demonstrating school values and participating in events throughout the year. Each term, the winning house celebrates their achievements together with shared kai and games.