JUCO

Kakaia

Year 7 and 8

About Me and the Kakaia Class

The Kakaia homeroom is located on the junior campus here at Apii Te Uki Ou. After finishing primary school at Year 6, our students continue their learning at our school in the junior campus rather than moving to a new high school. This allows them to remain in a familiar environment with friends and teachers while beginning the transition to a more secondary-style learning programme.

My name is Terrie (Teresa) Monteath and I am originally from Invercargill, New Zealand. I am a mum to three wonderful girls, and I have a strong passion for all things related to the Arts. I am the Kakaia homeroom teacher and I teach English, Social Sciences, and the Arts within the junior campus and middle syndicate at Apii Te Uki Ou.

Kakaia students begin their day with me for English before moving to different classes around the school for their other subjects.The Kakaia students of 2026 are a wonderful group of students, who are sports and the arts motivated. They are very caring and supportive, and they participate in many opportunities at our school.

Year Levels and Learning Opportunities

Kakaia class is made up of a mix of Year 7 and Year 8 students. Students follow a daily timetable and move between classrooms depending on the subject and teacher, helping them develop independence and organisation skills.

Subjects include English, Mathematics, Te Reo and Culture, Science, Social Sciences, PE and Health, Technology, and the Arts.

We also offer an options programme where students can choose workshops that interest them on Friday afternoons. Throughout the year there are many opportunities for students to participate in sports, as well as interval and lunchtime activities such as ukulele classes with Aunty Sai.

Our aim is to run the JUCO (Junior Campus) in a way that reflects the structure of a high school, helping to prepare our students for a successful transition into future learning.

Culture and Wellbeing in Our Class

My goal as a teacher at Apii Te Uki Ou is to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and happy at school. Student wellbeing is extremely important to me, and we place a strong focus on our school values: achievement, caring, respect, integrity, and creativity. These values help guide our students not only in their learning but also in their relationships at school, at home, and within the wider community.

Culture is a strong and important part of life at Te Uki Ou and also for our Kakaia students. Cultural practices and traditions are embedded in our daily school life, including language, singing, dancing, music, turou, pure, art forms, food, and celebrations.