Student Life & Learning

Whakareinga/Enrichments Opportunities

Connecting students across a variety of experiences (Whanaungatanga) during their pre-adolescent and adolescent years is essential for their overall development and growth. The Whakareinga programme provides exposure to things they otherwise wouldn’t experience in the standard curriculum. Students get the opportunity to apply the skills and mindsets they’ve developed in other parts of school to something novel. This is a chance to form new hobbies, interests and passions!

Whakareinga / Enrichment Classes 2026 Term 3 Weeks 1-5

Rāroa’s first round of the Whakareinga/Enrichment Programme will commence in Week 1 of Term 3, on Thursday 23 July. This programme offers enrichment in a range of learning areas and will run for the first 5 weeks of Term 3.

There will be another round of Whakareinga running in Weeks 6-10 also in Term 3; some will be new ones, some the same. Your child will be doing a new Whakareinga in the second round.

Whakareinga will run on Thursday afternoons, for the whole afternoon block.

Descriptions of the Whakareinga for 2026 Term 3 Weeks 1-5 are listed below.

Here is the form students will use to fill in their choices from Wednesday 3 June:

Whakareinga / Enrichments 2026 Term 3 Weeks 1-5

A Taste of Miniatures

Enjoy working with your hands, like making things and want to improve your fine motor skills when working in miniature?

This is an introduction to making miniatures, you need to be focused as this is a very hands on activity. (Mrs Dowman)

Aerobics 

Where 8-counts are life and the energy is high! Dust off your sneakers and get ready for a Whakareinga full of fun, fitness, and new friends. We will focus on strength and learning aerobics movements as you build confidence in learning new choreography in teams. For those interested, there are competitions that you can enter but this is not compulsory. If you did aerobics last year you are welcome to rejoin us in 2026, and for new students some previous dance experience will be essential. (Miss Smalley, & Miss Myer)

Ancient Worlds: The Odyssey

Ancient Worlds is back! This time, we’re setting sail with The Odyssey – an epic adventure filled with monsters, magic, shipwrecks, and trickery. We’ll explore this legendary story through ancient texts, musicals, movies, and more as we journey across the ancient world with Odysseus. If you love myths, drama, action, and storytelling, then climb aboard! (Miss Rose)

Architectural Design

Have you got a flair for architectural design? Would you like to design and construct a model of your dream house? In this enrichment you will learn about architectural design, computer aided design, and how to construct your models using the laser cutter and (potentially) 3D printers to make high quality products. Be prepared to be focused and work hard. We are aiming high for this one!!! (Mr Bailey)

Cultures Connect

ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ  , 你好 , 你好 , Chào mừng, 환영, hwan-yeong, 你好 Nǐ hǎo, 你好, Ayubowan

Come and connect with your friends, and make new ones, as we explore some of the cool things about different countries and cultures. Create flags/posters for our ELL room, share games celebrating some of our favourite places or events from different places..  (Kelly)

Dance – Showcase Performance

Enjoy a good dance? Love music? Want to put something on stage that’s completely yours? In this project, you’ll work with a group to create your own original dance piece from scratch, exploring a theme while experimenting with movement, music, and storytelling to build a performance that expresses an idea or creates a vibe. No dance experience? That’s okay! You don’t need to be a trained dancer—just willing to give things a go, be creative, and work as a team. If you do have dance experience, this is your chance to take the lead and push your choreography skills further. What matters most is a willingness to be creative, take risks, and work as a team. The goal? Every student will perform their dance in our Performing Arts Showcase later in the year, in front of a live audience. If you enjoy being creative, collaborating with others, and stepping outside your comfort zone, this is your chance to shine! (Just note, there will be a few rehearsals during lunch times / morning tea closer to the Showcase.) (Miss Westlake)

Express Yourself with New Zealand Sign Language

Ever wanted to talk without making a sound? In this fun, fast-paced Whakareinga, you’ll learn New Zealand Sign Language through games, challenges, and real conversations. Show off your skills, learn something unique, and surprise your friends by speaking with your hands – this is your chance to stand out and try something totally different! (Miss G)

Film Studies

Step into the captivating world of cinema with our Film Studies Whakareinga! Designed to ignite young minds, this program explores the artistry, storytelling, and cultural impact of film. Through interactive discussions, literacy based response tasks, and screenings of diverse films from around the globe, you will deepen your understanding of cinematic techniques, genres, and narratives. Whether you aspire to be a future filmmaker or simply love the magic of the silver screen, this group offers a fun and enriching journey through the world of cinema. Join us and unlock the secrets behind your favorite movies! (Matua Dillon & Miss Renouf)

Glee Club for Showcase!

Calling all aspiring stars-in-the-making! Are you ready to hit the stage and unleash your inner songbird? This is your chance to join Glee Club. In Glee Club we will sing pop, Broadway, Disney songs, 80’s jams, and anything else you can think of. We will be belting out ballads, learning to harmonise and creating choreography to create a diverse repertoire  of music. But it’s not just about hitting the high notes—it’s about finding your voice and gaining the confidence to share at the Performing Arts Showcase! So, grab your mic, tune up those vocal cords, and get ready to shine like the true star you are. The spotlight awaits—let’s make some unforgettable music memories together! (Miss Dobbie)

Lego Masters

Get ready to take on the ultimate Lego Masters challenge! Over 5 weeks, you’ll design, build, test, and improve incredible creations—from tall towers and strong bridges to creative machines and real-world solutions. You’ll work in teams, compete in exciting challenges, and use your imagination and problem-solving skills to beat each task. There’s no single right answer—just your ideas, your teamwork, and your chance to build something amazing. If you enjoy being creative, solving problems, and building cool things, this is your chance to prove you’ve got what it takes to be a Lego Master. (Paul)

Konnichiwa! Let’s Learn Japanese

Konnichiwa minasan! Hello everyone! We will learn about hiragana, basic information of the language to help guide us in our practice conversations, and explore aspects of Japan’s culture. ありがとう!Arigatou! Thank you!  クリスティー せんせい Christy-sensei (Whaea Christy)

Mauri Tu Tangata – Leadership Through Games

Do you want to build your leadership skills, confidence, and mana through games and challenges? Are you already a strong leader in our kura and want to share these skills with others? If either of those questions apply to you, this Whakareinga is for you. Mauri Tu Tangata teaches skills that all young people need to feel confident by using games and challenges that help to build connections with others. This is perfect for people that like to move around, and are wanting to cement themselves as a strong leader before they enter Year 8, or college in 2027! (Mr Boekhorst & Mr Fouhy)

Origami

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, creating intricate shapes and figures from a single square sheet of paper. If you are creative, patient and enjoy working on fiddly projects that need precision, this is for you. Make an installation for your bedroom, or decorate your class. Come and find your calm place. (Mrs Collins)

Pacific Languages: Samoan, Tongan, Fijian  & Cook Island

Step into the vibrant world of Pacific languages and culture! Our Pacific Language programme is a fun, interactive space where students can learn to speak basic phrases, explore stories, and traditions, and build an awareness of the different cultures in the Pacific. Whether you already have a connection to the Pacific or are just curious to learn something new, this is your chance to grow your skills, celebrate culture, and connect with others in an exciting and supportive environment. Come give it a go—you might just discover something amazing about yourself! (Miss Fa’alogo)

Photography

Do you love taking photos, being creative, or capturing cool moments? In this Whakareinga, you’ll learn how to take photos like a real photographer. You’ll explore camera angles, lighting, action shots, and how to use photos to tell a story. You’ll get the chance to photograph exciting events, people, learning, and everyday moments around our school. Your best photos could even be chosen for the school magazine at the end of the year, so the whole community can see your work! If you enjoy being creative, and spotting moments that others might miss, this could be the perfect Whakareinga for you. (Whaea Bridget)

Scripted Drama

Love acting? Here’s the one for the theatre kids! You’ll begin by building confidence with drama games, then hone your stage performance skills by practicing with scripts. Learn how to bring characters to life and connect with the audience. There will be auditions for some students to perform a scene in the Term 3 showcase. (Mrs L-P)

Sewing & Fabrics

Do you have a passion for sewing? For taking fabric designs and making something new? Come along to sewing and fabric to learn the basics of sewing or develop your current sewing skills. You can choose from two base line patterns and bring your own fashion flare to the design and fabrics. (Victoria and Jordan)

Sports Skills

Keen to improve your reactions, coordination and fundamental skills?

You will be introduced to a range of coordination challenges and have the opportunity to improve your skills throughout the term. After that – It’s over to you! ( Mr Lavery)

Tennis & Squash at KTSC

Each week, students will leave school at 12:45pm and travel to Khandallah Tennis and Squash Club, where they will take part in professional coaching sessions led by qualified squash and tennis coaches. Alongside these sessions, students will rotate through peer‑led games, skill‑building drills, and modified match play designed to strengthen striking technique, footwork, spatial awareness, and tactical decision‑making. The club is able to provide rackets and balls. Please be aware this Whakareinga will cost $42. (Mr J)

The Evolution of Music

Do you have a passion for music? Have you ever wondered why music through history sounds different to what you’re hearing every day? Let’s journey through the 1960s, 80, 90s and 2000s, listening to different music, comparing their origins and learning how different styles come about! (Miss Pollard-Brown)

The Knack of Knitting

Are you creative and clever with your hands? Would you like to help the hospital by knitting blankets for premature babies? Join this Whakareinga and learn to knit, or develop your existing knitting skills, to make blankets, do kind work and exercise your brain at the same time! (Ms Forrest & Mrs Dobie)

The Moneyverse

Step into The Moneyverse — a fast-paced, interactive Whakareinga where students become explorers of the financial universe! In this hands-on programme, you’ll learn how to make your money work for you. From mastering Banqer to building your own investment portfolio with tools like Sharesies, we’ll dive into real-world money skills that go way beyond the classroom.

You’ll discover how to grow your wealth through savvy saving, smart investing, and understanding options like term deposits, shares, and more. Along the way, you’ll take on challenges, simulations, and scenarios that put you in charge of your own financial future.

Whether you’re aiming to be a future investor, entrepreneur, or just want to understand how money really works, The Moneyverse is your gateway to confidence, independence, and financial superpowers.

Get ready to think big, take risks, and watch your money grow! (Mr Wright)