Schools in the Cook Islands are gearing up for the start of the new academic year, and parents are being advised to support their children with their studies.

Imanuela Akatemia, a private Christian school on Rarotonga serving students from kindergarten to Year 13, is one of the schools preparing for the new year. Principal Pita Senibiakula is calling on parents for their support in ensuring their children’s punctuality, completion of homework, proper school uniforms, and adherence to school rules.

Senibiakula said the school is expecting more than 80 students this year.

Classes will officially begin on January 29 as the construction of the main verandah’s roof is still ongoing.

Last year, the school received a grant of $112,000 from the Japan Embassy to renovate its roofing and replace one of the water tanks. This project aimed to improve health and safety conditions for students and staff, and create a better learning environment. It is the Muri-based school’s major project for this year.

Additionally, the students’ wash basin project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in Cook Islands schools, is expected to be completed on January 31. This project is a collaboration between the ADB, the Cook Islands Ministry of Education, and the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC).

Senibiakula said they are waiting on the arrival of additional materials to complete the project.

Apii Te Uki Ou

Apii Te Uki Ou is experiencing a surge in enrolment, with more parents wanting their children to attend the school.

Principal Kim Noovao says they’ve received much interest and continue to grow their waiting list.

Currently, the school has 260 students on the roll. This year, they’ve offered places to 32 new families, including some children of staff members. However, they still have space available in Year 9.

Classes begin on Monday, January 22, and the school recently held three teacher-only days to induct new staff.

Noovao said they focused on teacher professional development through the “Spirals on Inquiry” programme with Rebecca Sweeney, emphasising all students’ success and equitable outcomes.

The school welcomes seven new experienced teachers from New Zealand and Australia: Deborah Lyttle - Year 1, Karen Parker - Year 3/4, Tracy Katene - Year 5/6, Sarah Dean - Year 5/6, Katesha Allis - Year 7/8 homeroom (Junior College), specialising in Art, technology, and assessment for learning, Lynda Sheridan - Year 7/8 homeroom (Junior College), specialising in textiles and food tech, Declan Sheridan - Year 9 homeroom (Junior College), specialising in science and health/Physical Education and Kim Aylward - Learning Support Teacher.

Among the major events for the year, the school will hold a welcome back to school community umu in the second week of Term 1 and continue to develop their localised curriculum with a plan to survey the community and engage with them. Additionally, the first term will see exciting programmes like triathlon, the school’s annual general meeting (AGM), and goal-setting meetings.

“We are looking for teacher aides to join our amazing team – no experience is necessary. Our team is very supportive and inclusive and we would love to have local people join our team to support our learners in their classrooms. Pay is $19,000 per annum,” Noovao said.

Apii Rutaki

Apii Rutaki is looking forward to a busy and important year which includes their 60^th anniversary celebrations.

School vice principal Tetari Ngatoko said while the birthday falls at the end of the year in December, the school will be organising events throughout the year.

Ngatoko said they have around 75 students ready to start school on Wednesday, January 24.

The school anticipates additional enrolments next week and welcomes a new staff member to join their team.

Ngatoko said the school’s project for the year focuses on its verandah extension.

Meanwhile, Apii Nikao’s enrolments began on Wednesday and continues until Tuesday, January 24 when the school starts its 2024 academic year.

Apii Arorangi is expecting around 90 students to walk through the school gates when classes begin on January 24.

St Joseph’s opens its doors on January 23, while Apii Takitumu and Apii Avarua commence their school year on January 24 and January 25, respectively.