Kia ora,
We extend our thanks to Riverdale School for joining us in a successful exchange program for our junior students. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with another local school and engage in enjoyable physical activities together. This collaboration has fostered a sense of community and mutual respect among our students, highlighting the importance of such inter-school interactions.
A special mention goes to our outstanding Kapa Haka group, whose performance at the Pae Tamariki Festival was a true highlight. Their dedication and talent shone through, and it was evident that many hours of practice and hard work had been invested. The pride felt by our kaiako, principal, and whanau was immense. Witnessing our students embrace and showcase their performance with such passion and skill was a moment of immense pride for our entire school community. A big thank you to Oriwa, Nehe and Darcy for supporting our kura in such an amazing capacity.
We look forward to continuing these enriching experiences, fostering connections, and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, we are building a strong foundation for our students to thrive and succeed. A big thank you once again to everyone involved for making these experiences memorable and meaningful.
As we move through to our reporting phase of the term it is important we convey the understanding around our values as they play an integral part of how we operate on a daily basis. Below is an explanation of why we use these values and the understanding that sits underneath them.
Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Whakamana, and Mana Aotūroa are four fundamental values that can significantly enrich a school community by fostering a sense of unity, respect, empowerment, and sustainable well-being.
Kotahitanga emphasizes unity and collective action. It encourages everyone in the school; students, teachers, parents, and staff to work together towards common goals. By fostering an environment of collaboration, Kotahitanga promotes a strong sense of belonging and togetherness. In a school setting, this could mean collaborative projects, inclusive decision-making processes, and team-building activities that bring the community closer.
Manaakitanga is about hospitality, kindness, and the care we show towards others. It involves respecting and looking after each other, creating a nurturing and supportive environment. In practice, this can be seen in how we welcome new students and staff, the way we treat visitors, and our daily interactions. Schools that embody Manaakitanga will have a culture of empathy, support, and genuine care for the well-being of every individual.
Whakamana is the concept of empowerment and respect. It means to uplift and give authority to others, recognizing their mana (spiritual power and authority). In a school context, Whakamana can be demonstrated by encouraging student voice, providing opportunities for leadership, and respecting the diverse talents and perspectives of all community members. This helps individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute positively.
Mana Aotūroa is about sustainability and the long-term well-being of people and the environment. It stresses the importance of protecting and maintaining our resources for future generations. For a school, this means implementing environmentally friendly practices, teaching students about sustainability, and creating a learning environment that promotes the health and well-being of both the people and the planet.
By integrating Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Whakamana, and Mana Aotūroa, a school community can create a harmonious, respectful, empowering, and sustainable environment that nurtures the growth and success of all its members. We understand that this is new learning for lots of our parents and wider community and thank you for joining us on our journey together.
Nga mihi,
Tony
