At Ahutoetoe School we strive to ensure that our Health and Physical Education programmes grow our students holistically, are generating positive feelings in the hearts of our students and that we are enhancing their wairua/spirit and raising their sense of self-worth. In doing so we are developing students who positively contribute to their whanau, communities, and society. 

Tama Tū, Tama Ora; Tama Noho, Tama Mate.

Through physical activity we thrive. Through inactivity we languish.

Both physical activity and exercise are important elements in leading a healthy lifestyle as it helps our students to experience fun in learning through movement – laughter, playfulness and exhilaration in physical activity.

Being active at Ahutoetoe School is extremely important as we know that when we move our bodies we release chemicals called endorphins in our brains which make us feel good, boost our self esteem and help us to concentrate. We understand the link that regular physical activity has on our students and their overall wellbeing and we promote this within our school.

“Physical activity experiences are an integral part of human development. They contribute to people's physical health and well-being, growth, personal development, and self esteem”. Physical Activity for healthy, confident kids- Ministry of Education.

Daily Fitness

Each day our Year 2-6 students participate in fitness activities such as a walk around our neighbourhood, a fitness circuit and an aerobic based program called Jump Jam.  

This programme is invaluable, not only for increasing physical well being but also for developing our Year 5/6 Student Leaders as positive role models and peer mentors, demonstrating the important connection between leadership and physical activity for all our tamariki.

Our Year 0-1 students participate in a Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) which is a fun, movement-based programme designed to help children develop the essential skills they need for learning in the classroom.

During PMP sessions, children rotate through different activities that build their:

• Balance and coordination

• Listening and following instructions

• Body and spatial awareness

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Confidence and resilience 

We know that by including fitness based activities in our routine every morning that we are setting our students up for success in and outside of the classroom.

In Class PE Lessons

At Ahutoetoe School our students are taught a range of things that arise from the integration of the following four strands and the seven key areas of learning from the New Zealand Curriculum.

The four strands are:

• Personal health and physical development, in which students develop the knowledge, understandings, skills, and attitudes that they need in order to maintain and enhance their personal well-being and physical development

• Movement concepts and motor skills, in which students develop motor skills, knowledge and understandings about movement, and positive attitudes towards physical activity

• Relationships with other people, in which students develop understandings, skills, and attitudes that enhance their interactions and relationships with others

• Healthy communities and environments, in which students contribute to healthy communities and environments by taking responsible and critical action.

The seven key areas of learning are:

• mental health

• sexuality education

• food and nutrition

• body care and physical safety

• physical activity

• sport studies

• outdoor education.

Examples of what this could look like within the classroom are…

• Class lessons around the concepts of striking, small ball skills, large ball skills, fitness and endurance training for events such as Cross Country, specific sports training in each discipline for athletics and offensive and defensive skills training which help our students to effectively participate in game situations both at school and outside of it. 

• Regular lessons using Mitey. Mitey is an evidence based, school wide approach to teaching mental health education which is built around the NZ Curriculum and aligned to the Mental Health Education Guidelines. 

• Teaching lessons in conjunction with New Zealand organisations such as the New Zealand Police (Keeping Ourselves Safe), Life Education Trust, Food for Thought and Drowning Prevention Auckland. 

• Multiple opportunities for our students to participate in free taster sessions throughout the year in a variety of sports such as Softball, Soccer, Rippa Rugby and with organisations such as Kelly Sports. Through these taster sessions we hope to expose our students to new sporting avenues outside of school.

Interschool Events

Ahutoetoe School is part of the group of schools in the wider Hibiscus Coast area. Other schools in this area are: Dairy Flat, Gulf Harbour, Kingsway, Nukumea, Ōrewa, Ōrewa Beach, Red Beach, Rodney Combined, Silverdale, Stanmore Bay, Stella Maris, Wainui, Warkworth, Wentworth and Whangaparāoa. Throughout the year our students have the opportunity to compete against these schools in the areas of Cricket, Ultimate Frisbee, Swimming, Rippa Rugby, Football, Hockey, Cross Country, Softball, Tag and Athletics. These events are a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and learning in particular sporting areas as individuals and as part of a team. At these events our students make connections (Hono) with students from other schools and they also get to experience the joy of participating and taking part in competitive events.  

Sports Agreements

As a parent of a child who is playing sports it is important that you read through the Sports Players agreement with them so that they understand their role in the team. It is also important that you read through the Parents agreement so that you can support the coach and your child to have the best experience at each game.

Our students, parents, coaches and managers representing Ahutoetoe School are expected to follow and uphold the behaviours and standards outlined in these Sports Agreements. 

Sport

At Ahutoetoe School we are passionate about providing opportunities for our students to participate in sporting activities which will increase their fitness and skill in sport and game play situations. We recommend that students who are in their first year of school do not take part in our after school sports teams as this can be very tiring, overwhelming and potentially put them off participation in sports in the future.

At Ahutoetoe School our students can sign up to participate in sporting opportunities in the areas of Miniball/Basketball, Netball and Touch, all of which are coached and managed by our amazing parent community. We also have an Ahutoetoe School Cheer team which is run and managed by All Star Infinity.

Our role and yours

The Sports Team at Ahutoetoe School is responsible for administrative tasks, such as creating and registering teams and organising gear bags. 

Coaching and managing of teams is the responsibility of the parents within each team and there is no expectation that members of staff coach a team or attend games. If we are unable to find a coach for a team within the given timeframe then we will have to withdraw that team from the competition. If you sign up to coach your child’s team we are able to support you with resources for training purposes.

Making Teams

At Ahutoetoe School we create sports teams with a lot of thought and with the best interests of our students in mind. When we create our teams there are several things that we take into consideration…

• The number of students. We make sure that there are enough students in each team to accommodate any absences and illnesses that may occur as the last thing we want to do is cancel a game due to insufficient numbers.

• The skill level of our students. When there are multiple teams in the same age group, we grade teams so that the more experienced players can be extended and the developing players still have the chance to build their confidence and experience on the court or field.

If the required numbers for a team are not met, we will communicate this with the parents who have registered their child to play and try to find additional players. Please note that we will have to withdraw the team if not enough players are found. For example, in a team requiring 5 players on the field/court, 7 is the minimum that must be found to create a full team. We limit team numbers so that there is enough game time for each player and so the coach can easily manage rotations of players.

Please be aware that if you and your child register for an afterschool sport it is a commitment for the season. Dropping out mid season lets the whole team down and could result in the team having to withdraw. 

Registrations

Registration cut-off dates are set by outside organisations. The school cannot change these so please pay attention to the dates shared for each sport. If children or parents change their minds after signing up, refunds are not possible as the school pays for each team and cannot be reimbursed if a player decides to not participate. 

• Miniball/Basketball

Miniball is junior basketball and is designed to give our Year 1-4 students the basic skills required to have fun while playing basketball while our Year 5-6 students play ‘proper’ basketball. 

Miniball and Basketball are both great for children who like large ball games, running and working with a team to get the ball down the court into the hoop.

Key information…

• All games are played at the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, 159 Brightside Road, Stanmore Bay and run by Harbour Basketball. 

• Games are approximately 20 minutes long. 

• Teams are 5 aside and both boys and girls can play in a mixed team. For a full team we need 7 players. 

• Mouthguards are compulsory for all players.

• Players must wear shoes and black bottoms. We will supply a sports shirt.

• Competitions run for 13 weeks (including 4 weeks of grading and two weeks of playoffs/finals). Grading will only be possible if enough teams have entered. 

• Miniball/Basketball is split into two semesters. Semester 1 is for Term 1 and 2 and semester 2 is for Term 3 and 4. When you register to play you are committing to the whole semester.

• The cost for this varies from term to term and is set via Kindo.

• Miniball and Basketball guidelines can be found here.

• Teams are coached and managed by parents. 

Miniball

The Year 1-4 league plays on a full-sized court with lower hoops, to ensure players are successful in scoring goals while learning the fundamentals of basketball.

For our Year 1/2 teams games are played on a Wednesday anytime between 3:30pm and 5:10pm. 

For our Year 3/4 teams games are played on a Thursday anytime between 3:30pm and 7:15pm. 

Basketball

The Year 5-6 league plays on a full-sized court with regulation hoops of 3.05m.

Games are played on a Tuesday anytime between 3:30pm and 8:00pm

• Netball

Netball is a great team sport which fosters discipline and quick movements as well as a great understanding of spatial awareness. Netball focuses on ball skills, footwork and communication. Netball is run by Netball North Harbour and our teams play in the Hibiscus Coast League.

Key information…

• Netball is played in Term 2 and 3.

• Games will be played at the HBC Centre at Edith Hopper Park.

• Games are played…

-Year 1/2 students play on Tuesday afternoons for a 12 week season.

-Year 3 students play on Tuesday afternoons for a 13 week season.

-Year 4/5 students play on Thursday afternoons for a 14 week season.

-Year 6 students play on Wednesday afternoons for a 14 week season.

• Make up of Teams…

-Year 1/2 teams consist of 4 students on the court with 2 additional subs.

-Year 3 teams consist of 5 students on the court with 2 additional subs.

-Year 4/5 teams consist of 7 students on the court with 3 additional subs.

-Year 6 teams consist of 7 students on the court with 3 additional subs.

• Players must wear shoes and black bottoms. Your child will be required to purchase a school sports shirt which can be found here.

• Netball New Zealand Rules can be found here.

• Teams are coached and managed by parents. 

• Touch Rugby

Touch rugby is a fast paced, action packed game which is fun for all ages. This sport helps develop teamwork, basic ball skills, passing and running. Touch rugby is run by HBC Sharks Junior Touch which is an affiliated module of Touch NZ and Touch North Harbour.

Key information…

• Touch Rugby is played in Term 4.

• Games will be played at  Silverdale United Rugby and Sports Club . 

• Games are played on Wednesdays at these times…

-4pm: Year 0-2 – Boys or Mixed teams only

-4:00pm/4:30pm: Year 3/4 – Boys, Girls, or Mixed teams

-5pm: Year 5/6 - Boys and Mixed teams

-4:30pm: Year 5/6 – Girls teams

• Teams can be all girls, all boys or mixed. Mixed teams must have at least 3 girls on the field at any time.

• Teams are 6 aside. For a full team we need a minimum of 8 players.  

• All students must wear footwear. For safety and to protect the playing surfaces, only non-marking athletic shoes (sneakers) are permitted; cleats are not allowed.

• Silverdale United Rugby and Sports Club Touch Rules can be found here.

• Teams are coached and managed by parents. 

• Cheer

All Star Infinity Cheer has partnered up with our school to create a school Cheer Team.  This is an exciting opportunity for students in Years 2-6 to develop cheer, tumble, and dance skills while representing our school at exciting competitions.  

Key information…

• School Cheer is offered through terms 1 - 4.

• Training consists of a one-hour session each week at the All Star Infinity gym in Silverdale (14b Manga Road, Silverdale) and is run by an experienced coach.  

• The team would learn a routine consisting of stunts, tumbling and dance and compete at various competitions throughout the year.   

• The team would be entered in up to 4 competitions and would be versing other schools from around Auckland. The amount of entered competitions will be determined based on everyone's availability. 

• The competitions are held at Eventfinda Stadium in Wairua Valley and are as follows:

• Eutopia - June

• Super States - August

• Spring Carnival - September

• Super Nationals - November

This is a fantastic chance to build confidence, teamwork, and athletic skills while having loads of fun!

Whole School Events

• Athletics

Our annual school wide Athletics Day is a highlight on the calendar, celebrating movement, skill, and fun for all students. We believe that physical activity is vital for wellbeing, and this event gives every learner the chance to connect and find fun through participation.

Leading up to the main day, students engage in regular training sessions designed to develop fundamental athletic skills in a supportive and engaging atmosphere. Students are trained in each skill area, focusing on jumping, throwing, and running.

These training sessions and the main event are enriched by our senior learners, who take on a leadership role by supporting our junior students. On the day, senior students support learners by running each activity and encouraging and supporting each student at every event. The event itself is focused on participation and having fun, ensuring that students of all abilities can enjoy the various activities.

For our Year 5/6 students who meet the qualifying heights, distances, and placings at our school event, there is the exciting opportunity to represent our school at the Interschool Athletics event, competing against students from other local schools and proudly embodying our value of Hono (Connection).

• Cross Country

The school wide Cross Country event is a fantastic opportunity for every student to challenge themselves and experience the rewards of endurance in an engaging setting. We encourage all learners to value the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

To help students prepare, we incorporate regular training into our school routine. These training sessions are not just about running; they are about fostering confidence, resilience, and athletic skills. A crucial part of this preparation involves our senior learners, who play a significant role in training junior students and providing enthusiastic support and motivation to everyone on the day.

The focus of the event is entirely on participation and enjoyment. Whether running for a personal best or simply completing the course with friends, students learn to develop perseverance, build stamina, and celebrate personal achievements.

The Year 5/6 students who meet the qualifying placings at our school event will have the privilege of representing Ahutoetoe School at the Interschool Cross Country event, giving them the chance to compete and make valuable connections (Hono) within the wider community.

Other in School Opportunities

Beyond our major school wide events, Ahutoetoe School is committed to providing a diverse and exciting range of Health and Physical Education (PE) opportunities throughout the year. We believe in exposing our students (ākonga) to various activities that foster physical skills, positive values, and essential wellbeing knowledge.

Curriculum and Wellbeing Focus

• Mitey: As part of our commitment to holistic wellbeing, we embed the Mitey approach to mental health education across the school, helping students develop crucial social and emotional skills.

• Health Education: Our curriculum includes vital units like Keeping Ourselves Safe and essential topics such as Positive Puberty sessions run by specialist external agencies like Nest Consulting.

• Daily Fitness: All students participate in regular Daily Fitness sessions, which are explicitly linked to the specific skills we are focussing on each term (e.g. balance, spatial awareness, or ball skills), ensuring consistent skill development and physical activity.

• EOTC Activities: Learning is extended beyond the classroom through various Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) activities that often involve physical and teamwork challenges.

Interschool Competition and Taster Sessions

We actively seek opportunities for our students to represent Ahutoetoe School and compete against other schools in the area in various sports. These Zone Day competitions may include: hockey, football, cricket, rippa rugby, softball, swimming, and tag.

Please Note: While we have the opportunity to enter all of these events, participation in competitive tournaments is determined by the level of student interest and skill shown each year.

Specialist Programs

We partner with specialist outside agencies to bring unique, skill based programs to our students. The following are examples of programs we have delivered in the past:

• Footsteps: This program combines technology and fitness sessions, led by professional coaches, to enhance students' activity levels and participation in sports.

• Cycle Skills Programme: Our Year 5/6 students benefit from the practical, real-world instruction provided by the Cycle Skills Programme, teaching road safety and riding confidence.

• Ambassador Visits: Students gain inspiration and insights from visiting speakers, such as an Olympic Ambassador.

• In class taster sessions to sports such as softball taster sessions and football to encourage broad participation and skill exposure.

Through these diverse experiences, we ensure that every student experiences a rich and supportive environment where they can build their skills, connect with their peers, and develop a lasting appreciation for health and physical activity.

Contacting Us

The best way to contact us is by emailing the Sports Coordinator email: sportscoordinator@ahutoetoe.school.nz and either Laura Vickery (In Charge of after School Sports) or Emma Thompson (In charge of Health and PE within school).