By Sharon Keen | Posted: Thursday August 3, 2023
Our annual Culture and Kai evening was a great success opening with performances from Kapa Haka and Pasifika. This was followed with a shared dinner and the opportunity to connect with whānau, staff and students. We also took the opportunity to seek feedback on what we are doing well for our young people, particularly Māori and Pasifika and what our next steps could be to ensure their continuing success at school. The results of this were as follows:
What we are doing well:
Most parents indicated they are happy with what we are doing for Māori and Pasifika students.
Many whānau are impressed with the opportunities we have to offer.
Families feel included in the school and welcome. They enjoy the culture nights we offer and think these are a good way to get involved.
Most pieces of feedforward were suggestions of things we already implement within the school.
We encourage diversity and have an open-door policy for all whānau.
We give our Pasifika and Māori students access to their culture, something to relate to and teach cultural significance.
Expose students to cultures they might not otherwise be exposed to.
Inclusive.
Next Steps
Ensure Te Reo Māori is taught consistently across the school.
More community events.
Later in the term the Board of Trustees will also be seeking feedback from our community about how we are going as a school and look at what our future focus should be. This information will go towards the development of our Strategic Plan and Annual Goals. These initiatives are used to direct the usage of staffing and funding and to ensure we are meeting the needs of our local community.
All classes are well under way with the teaching of their class dance that will be performed in our production in Week 9 of this term. We are all looking forward to this event so please remember to book your tickets when they are advertised as they sell out quickly.
The term is going very well and we appreciate the effort all are making to attend school regularly. If we can help in any way please contact us as attendance is real focus for us and also the country.
As always we are here to help if you have any concerns or question.
Nāku iti noa
Sharon Keen
Principal - Tumuaki