Haere rā

Last winter, we arrived with our three children, Lily, Reef and Maya on your beautiful motu for a whole year of bonding and educational adventures. We are very sad to say goodbye to so many kind and loving people now that our return to the Netherlands is near.

Kaitoke School has gone to great lengths to make this experience possible for our international students. The kids have learned to master the English language among so many other things in and outside the classroom. They have grown in confidence, resilience, and awareness of their natural environment. They have become true Kiwi children, walking barefoot and developing a big love for the great outdoors, such as fishing and surfing.

A special thank you to the teachers and tamariki at Kaitoke School who made our kids feel welcome from the first day. And, of course, thanks to our beautiful whānau for all the support and our new friends who joined us in many great adventures!

We loved being part of this kind and supportive community. Aotea and its people will always be in our hearts. We say goodbye for now, but not forever … we will visit the Barrier again in the future.

Tom, Anneke, Lily, Reef and Maya Missaar

Listen to Leanne’s interview with Tim Higham on Island Stories, talking about Kaitoke Schools international accreditation:

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