Peria School
Friday 21st March 2025
Newsletter
Kia ora e te whānau,
Opening of Our Courts & New Basketball Hoop
We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our newly upgraded courts, complete with brand-new basketball
hoops! This space will give our tamariki more opportunities to be active, play together, and build their skills.
They are already making the most of it.
Supporting Behaviour & Wellbeing Through a Trauma-Informed Approach
At Peria School, we know that behaviour is a form of communication. Our staff work hard to respond in ways
that uphold the mana of every student, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported. The way we speak
to our children matters—it shapes their confidence, learning, and emotional wellbeing.
A huge thank you to the whānau who come in to kōrero with us when things are happening for their children,
whether at school or at home. Your insights help us understand and support your tamariki better. If you have
any concerns about your child’s learning or behaviour, please reach out. Whaea Lisa is our main point of
contact for this—her email is lisa@peria.school.nz.
Investing in Learning Support
One of the things that makes Peria School special is our commitment to having kaiawhina (teacher aides) in
every classroom. This is a significant investment from the Board of Trustees, but we see the impact it has on
student learning and achievement.
Sometimes, when new students arrive and need extra support, teacher aides may shift to another class
temporarily to help them settle. This ensures that every child gets the help they need before things return to
normal.
Celebrating Our Academic Progress
We’ve been reviewing our student progress from 2024, and we’re proud of the results:
74% of students were working at or beyond in Reading
70% of students were working at or beyond in Writing
74% of students were working at or beyond in Maths
These results reflect our focus on consistent teaching practices, structured literacy (which is now showing great results),
and our deep professional development in maths. It also is a testament to the strengthening relationships we have built
with our whānau, our community and hāpu, who create space for our learners to be themselves and build a sense of
connection and belonging in kura and beyond. We know we must still keep a spotlight over our students who are at risk or
working towards curriculum expectations and we have strong systems and processes to do this, including using our
resources we have in terms of kaiāwhina and having clear plans in place for each of those diverse learners.
With the introduction of the refreshed curriculum this year, the expectations for each learning phase have increased. This
may mean a temporary dip in results as we adjust, but we are fully committed to ensuring every child achieves success.
At Peria School, we believe education is more than just numbers—it’s about opening doors and inspiring big dreams. We
take a holistic approach, valuing student interests, motivation, whānau connections, and community involvement. Regular
attendance and engagement in school are a big part of this.
Let’s keep working together to support our tamariki in reaching their full potential.
Ngā mihi nui,
Ariana Williams
Principal, Peria School
Peria School
Principal’s korero
