Kaitao Middle School was opened on the 3rd of November 1969.It has undergone many changes over the last 37 years with it's buildings,uniform and academic structure.These changes were introduced by all of the principals who have led the school over the last three and a half decades.Their common thrust has been the innovative use of technology within the parameters of the school.the academy structure is the most recent change which allows students to work with their strengths,interests and talents.This change addresses the learning needs and outcomes of the students.The idea of academies evolved when when our principal,Mr. O'Rourke, was wondering how our sister school, Illminster intermediate ,was winning all our sports exchanges.They told him that they had an amazing challenge academy and were the only school with this system in New Zealand.Mr O'Rourke decided to investigate further and after many hours of discussion: meetings,surveys and questionnaires of staff and students,parents and caregivers the Kaitao Middle Schools Academy's were born at the beginning of 2006. The school is divided into seven academies.These are:Accelerate(academic),Challenge(sports),Discovery(computers),Adventure(needing extra help with their literacy and numeracy),Expressive(performing arts),Rumaki(Te reo Maori) and environmental. Another one of the big changes was the uniforms.The boys wore Grey shorts,Grey polo shirts and a v-neck jersey as well as white socks and conventional lace-up shoes.Nowadays they wear a royal blue and yellow sweatshirt