In Awa Room our teacher is Mrs Cassidy Austin. She is a second year teacher joining us for 2025. 

I am thrilled to be part of the Karangahake School community. I have a deep passion for arts and culture, always eager to explore new forms of creative expression. In my spare time, you’ll often find me discovering the hidden gems of our local backyard, appreciating the beauty in every corner. I’m excited to contribute to this vibrant environment and look forward to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!  

For new entrants there is a phonics program that is taught. Part of this program teaches students to blend the letter sounds together to help prepare them for reading skills. New students also learn sight words and when they are ready they practise spelling words. 

Students have the use of technology, but there is a limit to their use. At Karangahake School we believe that although technology is important, it has its time and place. The younger students have the use of iPads during Reading and Maths time, the older students have the use of a school chromebook. Being able to write using hands is seen as more favourable than typing on a chromebook. Once students are able, they will be taught to publish a weekly story on their chromebook using DOCs.

Awa students have homework Monday-Thursday which is an extra practise for what is being done during class time. Such as practising their letter sounds, sight words and/or spelling and they read a book. Friday is the testing day to keep track on how their learning has gone. Homework is not expected to take long, simply 10-15 minutes. Maths homework is not given as sometimes parents (although they are trying to help) can unteach the way maths is taught.