For Whenua Families.

Moving home.

Whenua Kāinga are moving home at the beginning of term 3!

The building is almost complete with finishing touches being made to paint work, windows, carpet and landscaping etc. Furniture is being shifted into the block over the holidays and the teachers will be taking the term break to get things arranged as best they can.

What will be the same?

• The teachers and learning support adults who currently work in Whenua will ALL continue to work in Whenua.

• All the children’s books and equipment for learning will be set up for them to start.

• Bags will be stored on hooks for yrs 1-4 and and cubbies for yr 5/6 in and around the Whenua building much as they have been in the hall.

Accessing Whenua Kāinga on Monday 25 July

• We would love to have all Whenua children to access the buildings on the first Monday through the Tomes Rd gate. The Whenua teachers will be at the gate to meet you all.

• Parents (Wearing masks) may come in to drop children off and help them find bag storage.

• More information will come about bag storage etc closer to the time.

• Children will assemble outside on the court area behind Whenua as we prepare for the blessing ceremony and opening of the Whenua block.

• Shoes will need to be removed when entering the building at present. ( this is adults also)

• Please note it is possible that landscaping work will still be underway in the courtyard between Whenua and Rangi. It is therefore unlikely the courtyard doors will be open for access immediately.

Blessing ceremony - Monday 25 July 9.30am - 10am

We are thrilled to be able to open our new building with the support of a blessing from Ngai Tuahuriri. Parents of Whenua children are welcome to attend. 

Please email your child’s teacher if you would like to be at this event so we can cater for you.

Where will children be located in the building?

On our first day we will all be starting the day together in Toe Toe. This is our large community space nearest to the Tomes Road entrance.

From here children will move to one of the other spaces shown on the map above. The children will help decide which spaces will be allocated as whanau spaces for year levels in the coming weeks.

Opportunities for Whenua whānau to look through the new space.

(Shoes will need to be removed and adults must wear masks)

• Friday 22 July: 11.00am -12.30pm. Please email your child’s teacher to book a 10 minute slot.

• Monday 25 July: 9.15am - If you attend the blessing and opening ceremony you will have some time after this to walk through the space.

• Monday 25 July and Tuesday 26th July 3.15- 4pm we will hold an open home for any parents across the school to walk through.

• Week 2 and 3 of Term 3 (1 August - 12 August) We are holding learning conversations across the school at this time which will allow Whenua parents a chance to have a look through the building if you have not already done so.

Is everything completed?

As with all great builds we are a work in progress, there is still work on landscaping and installing new technology to come. Storage solutions are also under development.

This has been a long wait. Your children have been outstanding amid the disruption of two moves. Their teachers have been remarkable in managing learning that focuses on the move into the new space as well as making decisions about furniture, technology and more.

This is a real moment of celebration and transformation with more still to come. Please join us to welcome Whenua to their new home.