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 6-10
Rāroa’s second round of the Whakareinga/Enrichment Programme will commence in Week 6 of Term 3, on Thursday 27 August. This programme offers enrichment in a range of learning areas and will run for the last 5 weeks of Term 3.
The second round of Whakareinga will be some new ones, some the same. Your child will be doing a new Whakareinga in the second round, apart from a few choices.
Whakareinga will run on Thursday afternoons, for the whole afternoon block.
Descriptions of the Whakareinga for 2026 Term 3 Weeks 6-10 are listed below.
Here is the form students will use to fill in their choices from Friday 14 August:
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. If you did aerobics last round you are welcome to rejoin us, and for new students some previous dance experience will be essential. (Miss Smalley, & Miss Myer)
Ancient Worlds: Legendary Ladies
Who was the face that launched a thousand ships? Which queen plotted revenge? Who outsmarted everyone around her? This time in Ancient Worlds, we’ll be meeting the most unforgettable and indescribable women of ancient history! (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)
Students already selected for Bands will be participating in this Whakareinga. If you are in a Rāroa Band this is where you will be placed. (Matua Tadhg)
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)
Improv Drama
What do Bowen Yang, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Kate McKinnon and Rāroa’s very own Instalaughs have in common? They all got their start doing improv! Come and learn the art of improvised comedy by playing theatresports games. Learn to think on your feet, create characters and build scenes without the safety net of a script. (Mrs L-P)
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)
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)
Step into The Moneyverse
A fast-paced, interactive Whakareinga where students become explorers of the financial universe! In this hands-on programme, you’ll build real-world money skills that help you understand how to make your money work for you.
Using MoneyTime as a foundation, you’ll explore topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, banking, debt, and financial decision-making through engaging activities, discussions, challenges, and simulations. You’ll discover how money grows through smart saving and investing, while learning about options such as term deposits, shares, and other ways to build wealth over time.
Along the way, you’ll take on real-life scenarios that put you in charge of your own financial future, helping you develop confidence, independence, and financial know-how that goes far beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re aiming to be a future investor, entrepreneur, or simply want to understand how money really works, The Moneyverse is your gateway to financial confidence and success.
Please note: If you have already participated in MoneyTime this year, we recommend choosing a different Whakareinga to ensure you experience new learning opportunities.
Get ready to think big, make smart decisions, and unlock your financial superpowers! (Mr Wright)
Te Rangatahi – Poi Making & Māori Culture
Ever wanted to learn how to make your own poi? In this Whakareinga, you’ll be getting creative and making poi to use as part of Te Rangatahi!
You’ll learn how to make and decorate your own poi while learning about the Māori culture and traditions connected to poi and performance. Along the way, we’ll also explore Māori arts and crafts, play kēmu, learn waiata, watch movies and share some kai and kōrero together.
This is a fun, hands-on opportunity to make something you can be proud of, learn new skills and connect with others. Come along, get creative and make your own poi! (Miss Dobbie)
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)
