Tēnā koutou katoa, whānau,

A very warm welcome to the start of the 2026 school year at Albany Junior High School. We are looking forward to another year of strong learning, connection, and growth for our students. 

Ngā mihi nui – we would like to sincerely thank our families, our new students and our Year 10 students who attended the pōwhiri today. We are grateful for your presence, your respect, and your patience as we honoured tikanga Māori and followed the appropriate pōwhiri processes. As is sometimes the case when tikanga is observed fully and respectfully, the pōwhiri took longer than anticipated, and we appreciate the understanding shown by our new parent and whānau community.

We warmly welcome back all remaining students on Monday 2 February, which will be the first full day of school for our whole student body. We are looking forward to beginning the year together as one kura.

As we begin, we would like to share some important start of year information to support a smooth, safe, and successful transition back into AJHS school life for students and families.

Our Values and Expectations
At AJHS, we are guided by The AJHS Way and our three core values:

  • Kia Pono – Integrity

  • Kia Manaaki – Respect

  • Kia Māia – Courage

These values shape our expectations for behaviour, learning, relationships, and partnership with whānau. Clear, consistent expectations enable our adolescent students to feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.

Mobile Phones – Important Update

In line with legal requirements and school policy, mobile phones are not permitted for use on site at any time.
This includes before school and during the school day until 3:15pm.

  • Phones must be turned off and stored securely as soon as students enter the school gates.

  • This means your child is not allowed or able to be directly communicated with during the school day. Student Desk is available for important communications that cannot wait until students arrive home.

These expectations support student wellbeing, safety, and focus.

Attendance, Uniform, and Punctuality

  • Students are expected to be in the correct uniform every day, including before and after school while on site. 

  • Due to the gym changing rooms being temporarily unavailable, students who have Physical Education in Period 1 or Period 5 are permitted to arrive at school in their PE uniform and depart in PE uniform on those days.

  • Punctuality is essential. Learning begins immediately, and late arrivals disrupt both learning and routines. 

  • Please ensure students arrive on time and ready for learning each day. The school day begins at 8.40am and concludes at 3.15pm.

  • Students may not arrive at school and then leave the school site again until the end of the school day.

Communication and Raising Concerns

If you have any concerns:

  • Please contact your child’s classroom teacher or Whānau Dean first.

  • This ensures concerns are addressed quickly and appropriately at the right level.

  • Senior leadership should be contacted only after this process, in line with our complaints policy.

This approach supports respectful, effective communication and partnership.

Canteen – TUCKR

We are pleased to introduce TUCKR as our new canteen provider.

  • Orders can be placed online via KINDO through the school website, or

  • Students may purchase food in person during designated times.

Further information will be shared shortly.

Teacher Communication

Over the coming days:

  • Classroom teachers will introduce themselves and share class specific information via email.

  • Please keep an eye on your inbox for these updates.

Safety Around the School

For the safety of all:

  • Please drive slowly when approaching the school gates, through the carpark, and on school grounds – please don’t park in the bus bay lane or across yellow lines at any time. 

  • Please be mindful of students crossing roads outside the school, especially at the school crossing.

  • Please do not park in the daycare carpark opposite the school – this is private property.
    Your care and patience make a real difference.

Financial Support

If you are experiencing any financial challenges, please contact:

  • Your child’s homeroom teacher, or

  • Your child’s Whānau Dean.

Support may be available, and we encourage early communication.

Meet the Teacher Evening Event – Tuesday 10 February 6pm

Programme details will be emailed to you early next week.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, care, and support as we begin the year together. We are grateful for the preparation you provide at home and the trust you place in our kura.

We look forward to a successful and positive year ahead at AJHS. 

Cushla Shepherd, Principal / Tumuaki

Albany Junior High School