A South Auckland Kura Kaupapa Ends School Year Early Due to Low Student Engagement

A significant shift in student engagement has led to an early termination of the school year for seniors at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a Rohe o Māngere in South Auckland. The kura, which is a co-educational school that caters to students from Years 1 to 13, announced last week that it would be ending the term on November 29, approximately three weeks earlier than scheduled.

Decline in Student Engagement

The decision was made following a significant decline in engagement from Year 13 students. According to the kura’s panui (a formal notification), there has been a notable decrease in attendance and participation among these students, resulting in the need to make this difficult decision.

Implications for Students

As a result of the early termination of the term, 10 Year 13 students who had signed up for the Wiki Hakinakina sports tournament in Christchurch will no longer be attending. The kura has assured parents that payments for the trip will be refunded.

Comment from RNZ

RNZ reached out to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a Rohe o Māngere for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.

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Conclusion

The decision to end the term early highlights the challenges faced by schools in maintaining student engagement, particularly among older students. As the education sector continues to navigate these issues, it is essential for parents, teachers, and policymakers to work together to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education and opportunities.