Reporting to Parents 2026
Keeping parents and whānau informed of their child’s progress is important to us.
Online Reports
Our school app, Hero has been designed for online, real-time reporting meaning that parents can view their child's progress via the Hero app or a web browser. For those new to Willow Park, or who need a refresher, we have included some information below:
We recommend that you download the Hero app as this is our communication tool as a school. To download the Hero app, please click on the picture below.
If you have any problems, please come into the school office and we can help, or email the Office at office@willowpark.school.nz . The app can also be accessed through a tablet or laptop through their online portal.
Mid Year Reports
On Monday 20 July, we will be opening our mid-year reports for 2026. The mid-year report works alongside an academic focussed Whānau Connect meeting which will be held on Wednesday 22 July or Thursday 23 July. This is Week 1 of Term 3.
This year all state schools have been mandated by the National-led government to follow the refreshed curriculum for English and Maths that was released as finalised at the beginning of this year. For Willow Park this has followed a familiar path that we have taken as a school, with a structured approach to literacy since 2021. Over the last two years we have introduced a structured approach to maths, using one of the Ministry approved providers, Maths No Problem. Our knowledge-rich curriculum clearly specifies what students are expected to know, and be able to do, for English and maths at every year level. It supports mastery over time by providing content that is carefully selected, sequenced, and coherent to make sure students build deep transferable understanding.
With these changes, the Ministry of Education has revised the assessment system in place for schools, introducing Progress Descriptors to measure progress of students across the year. National Curriculum levels are no longer being used. The Progress Descriptors are selected by the class teacher based on a comprehensive view of your child’s learning, including assessments, daily activities, and ongoing conversations. While we work toward the goal of proficiency by the end of the year to ensure readiness for the next level, we recognise that every child learns at their own pace. If needed, we will put supportive plans in place to guide and encourage their continued growth.
Statement from the Ministry of Education to Support Schools with Reporting to Parents:
What will the Mid Year Report 2026 include in it?
As a result of these changes and the transition between old and new curricula, Mid Year Reports will look a little different. Parents will see a general comment from the teacher, and goals for children for reading, writing and maths. The Whānau Connect meeting is an essential part of this report as it will be the teacher that is able to share with you how well your child is progressing using the refreshed curriculum.
Reports are opened online via the Hero platform. This is a written summary of a child’s academic achievement for the middle of the school year. Teachers set goals, and write a general comment about your child.
The General Comment has been written by the class teacher. A General Comment provides an overview, or a snapshot of your child from the class teacher’s time with your child. These details will also be shared in the conference.
The General Comment will focus on what is most relevant to your child as a learner and as a person. The following may be part of the General Comment:
Where your child really excels or has a strength, interest or passion.
Information about Key Competencies and Values
Inquiry
Information about how your child interacts with others, and levels of resilience and flexibility
The final piece of information shared on the report is your child’s attendance so far this year. This is shown as a pie chart showing the percentage of time present at school. Information on attendance can be found: HERE.
Printing of Reports
Parents are able to print a copy of the mid-year and end of year report when these are open. To print, please follow the instructions:
Download the report as a PDF
Print it from there
Reports can be printed from your HERO app if you have an Android phone.
If you have an Apple phone you need to print them through a browser and not the HERO app as Apple doesn’t support printing.
Our aim is for students to be ignited in their thirst for knowledge and skills, inspiring them to be lifelong learners, with opportunities to inquire collaboratively with their peers.
