13 November 2025
Warm Leadership Shines Through KickStart Breakfast at Papatoetoe North School
The morning hum at Papatoetoe North School, Auckland, has a special energy these days, thanks to the leadership and enthusiasm of Mrs Siona Lavakula. Her leadership of the KickStart Breakfast programme has transformed the start of each school day, ensuring tamariki are not just nourished, but welcomed, valued, and inspired.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Step into the school hall any morning and you’ll find a vibrant, café-inspired space filled with flowers, condiments and background music playing. Tamariki tuck into their kai, share conversation and some finish their homework. Mrs Lavakula, always greeting each student with a cheerful smile, decorates the room with colourful banners and sets up themed days/weeks such as ‘Favourite book character’, alongside celebrations of Hindi, Māori and Pacific Language weeks keeping the programme connected to learning.
Student Involvement and School Values in Action
At the heart of the KickStart Breakfast programme is student engagement. Mrs Lavakula encourages tamariki to help set up, serve breakfast, and tidy away—fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging. Students are encouraged to contribute by supporting one another and demonstrating school values of tautau (service), kindness and whanaungatanga (connection).
The students within Papatoetoe North School are so grateful for Mrs Lavakula’s leadership with their school breakfast club:
“I love helping Mrs Lavakula set up and serve breakfast. Most of all, I love seeing everyone enjoy breakfast every morning”, shares Ronnie.
“Mrs Lavakula goes out of her way and above for our school breakfast club”, reflects Elijah.
Motivation and Favourite Moments
For Mrs Lavakula, leading the programme is more than just serving breakfast. “it’s the simple but power moments where students show deep gratitude, whether through a hug, a smile or saying thank you”. These gestures truly capture why Siona loves leading the school’s KickStart Breakfast programme and seeing the positive impact on tamariki. Her ‘why’ is seeing the joy, growth and engagement of each child while ensuring everyone begins the day nourished, cared for and ready to learn. Her warmth and consistency make the school’s breakfast club a place many tamariki love coming to each day.
Positive Impact on Students’ Wellbeing and Learning
Teachers and school leaders have observed the difference, sharing students who attend KickStart Breakfast are more settled, focused, and ready to engage in learning.
Whaea Marie shares “Mrs Lavakula brings a lot of energy to the breakfast club! She integrates learning that is happening in the school. With students having full tummy’s, I can see a huge difference at it shows that they are ready for learning. It’s also a great opportunity for students to show service’
Principal, Stan Tiatia adds, “I love the sense of community and aroha this programme enables for us. The huge number of children shows that there is the need but also the ‘vibe’ that the children love being part of. It has enabled the breakfast staff to shine and offer a solution to a need but in a way that strengthens dignity and wellbeing for all’
Mrs Lavakula’s positive leadership continues to nurture through her dedication, creativity, and commitment. Ensuring every child has the chance to start the day with a full puku and a sense of belonging. KickStart Breakfast programme is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of community, and thanks to Mrs Lavakula, its impact will be felt for years to come.