About Our School
Kaitoke school is a vibrant full primary school situated on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, located 90km northeast of Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf. Established in 1988, we are proud to offer a unique learning experience for our students in a stunning natural environment.
Kaitoke School is nestled among native bush with sweeping views across farmland and forest to Aotea’s magnificent skyline, including Mt Hobson Hirakimata, the highest point on the island. Our expansive grounds give tamariki plenty of space to run, play and explore, and Kaitoke Beach, less than a kilometre away, is a regular destination for school walks, learning experiences and connection to place.
Our learning spaces are now organised into three classes aligned with the three phases of the New Zealand Curriculum. Our youngest learners are based in Ruma Kauri, where Maree works with Years 1 to 3 in Phase 1, nurturing strong foundations in learning, relationships and confidence. Our middle school learners are in Ruma Kowhai with Whaea Sara, Years 4 to 6 in Phase 2, where students build independence, curiosity and deeper thinking across the curriculum. Our senior learners are in Ruma Tōtara with Matua Matiu, Years 7 and 8 in Phase 3, where students take part in a specialised intermediate programme. This includes technology rotations and specialist subjects that prepare them for leadership, learning and life beyond our kura.
We are incredibly proud of our programme, which reflects our values, our community and the unique environment of Aotea. Adding to the heart of our school is Barry, our much loved school therapy dog, who brings calm, connection and plenty of smiles to our days and is very much part of the Kaitoke whānau.
We place a strong emphasis on community connection and caring for our environment, with learning that is deeply rooted in place. Our students are actively involved in on-site pest management, composting and weekly work in our school vegetable garden, developing a strong sense of responsibility and kaitiakitanga. Alongside our school is the local Playcentre and early learning centre for tamariki aged three to five, strengthening continuity and whānau connections across the community. Located on our grounds is Te Whare Ako, a shared learning space where island students enrolled with the Correspondence School come together for teaching support, connection and belonging.
Our school motto, Whaia ki te Teitei – aim high, reflects our commitment to supporting every learner to reach their full potential. We provide a warm, inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. At Kaitoke School, we are proud to grow confident, capable and connected young people who are engaged in their learning and well prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Our History
According to information provided by Anne-Marie Mitchener and Jilly Dobson, Kaitoke School was built on farmland originally owned by the Sanderson family. The building is a Lockwood Design, and it opened in October 1988 with 30 pupils in Years 1 to 8. The teaching principal was Lois Pratley, and Kay Lawrence, Pat Sanderson, and Winnie Blackwell were the original staff.
The school has been involved in various historical events, including inter-school sports, A&P Shows, Wearable Arts, and the world premiere of the Flight Of The Albatross movie in 1996. According to Ben Sanderson, the land used for the school was his best paddock. The opening ceremony was attended by the then Minister of Education and Prime Minister David Lange.
Totally Off the Grid
Great Barrier Island does not have reticulated water or power, so here at Kaitoke we generate our own power (mostly through solar) and collect and filter rainwater for drinking. This is all part of our goal to be an internationally acclaimed Enviroschool.
Interschool and Off Island Opportunities
At Kaitoke School, we believe participation in interschool and community experiences is an important part of learning and wellbeing. These opportunities enrich the social lives of our tamariki, build confidence and foster strong connections with other schools across the island and beyond.
Our students take part in a wide range of events throughout the year, including swimming sports in the beautiful bay at Mulberry Grove, athletics and cross country at Te Kura o Okiwi, and a Winter Sports Day hosted here at Kaitoke School. We also come together with other schools to celebrate Matariki at the Community Art Gallery, strengthening cultural understanding and shared identity.
Water-based learning is a highlight for many students, with our Summer Surf School held at Medlands Beach every Tuesday during Terms 1 and 4. Our senior students also have opportunities to take part in the HUNTS programme, developing outdoor safety skills and confidence, and proudly attend the AIMS Games in Tauranga.
Across all three classes, students regularly engage in high-quality Education Outside the Classroom experiences, both on and off the island, reflecting our commitment to authentic, place-based learning and the incredible opportunities Aotea offers.
Ka Aro Ka Ako – Lunches in Schools
We are incredibly fortunate to have our amazing chef Mikaere, who prepares fresh, healthy lunches on site for our tamariki each day as part of the Lunches in Schools programme. Our meals are nourishing, well balanced and designed to support children’s learning, energy and wellbeing throughout the school day.
Lunches are cooked on site using wholesome ingredients and meet Ministry of Health nutritional guidelines. Students enjoy a variety of meals including hot cooked dishes, wraps, sandwiches and other favourites. We also provide morning tea for all students, with fruit, vegetables and yoghurt, ensuring every child is well fed and ready to learn.
Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan contains the aims, purposes and objectives of Kaitoke School. It is deemed to contain the aim of achieving, meeting and following the National Education Learning Priorities (NELPS) our foundation policy for teaching, learning and assessment is The New Zealand Curriculum.
School Policies
All our policies and procedures pertaining to the governance and management of our school can be found using the link below. We encourage you to have your say when policies and procedures come under review. We will let you know through HERO when this happens.
Username: kaitoke
Password: claris
