The Riccarton Way is the spirit, the wairua that underpins the way we think, act and feel about ourselves, others at the school and those in our local and international community.

By emphasising the key values of commitment, honesty, respect and excellence, the school ultimately promotes a caring, supportive learning culture focused on progress and achievement. Each month we will have information and updates from our 4 whare: Atatū, Whaiao, Kōtuhi and Uranga.

Atatū whare news:

We are having a great term in Atatū, with a real focus on Kairangi/Excellence. For some of our students, this is their very first year of NCEA, so this value is really important as we finish up in internal assessments and look forward to achieving well in our external exams.

Our whānau class chant challenge (try to say that fast 3 times!) has been a great way to get to know each of our whānau classes a little bit better. A massive congratulations to AGb, ARw and ABd who have won the first couple of rounds. Miss Cording and the Atatū Leadership team have loved coming around to hear each of your chants being created and the different ways our classes have interpreted this challenge.

Miss Bell and I would like to remind you all of the importance of coming to school, on time and ready to learn. We are very proud of those of you who are showing continued commitment to your learning. 

Miss Bell and Miss Cording

Uranga whare news:

It was great to award our Spirit of Uranga Taonga this time to Abhipsha Sengupta of 13UHW, who received this prestigious award for being a senior helper with Badminton. Abhipsha has been organising badminton at RHS, helping with meetings, ideas, systems, captains and leadership. Mr Baars speaks highly of her organisation and help. Abhipsha demonstrates the Riccarton Way, keep it up!

Additionally, our Uranga students have been busy with entering and participating in various events and competitions this term. Keep up that participation as it often works towards our Whare Competition.

Coming up... Uranga Council will be hosting Karaoke week 8/9 - an entry form will be coming your way soon students!

Have a great rest of the term team!

Emma Trott & Matua Ramon

Whaiao whare news:

We’re halfway through Term 3 and Whaiao students are humming along. There have been a lot of brave and talented Whaiao folks participating in the Talent Quest and many more being a great audience. Our Manukura of Loseli and Bhavil have worked very hard with their Manukura colleagues to bring us such an amazing event.

Earlier this term, it was our huge pleasure to present Liam Hawke from WKn the Spirit of Whaiao. He is such an awesome role model for the Riccarton Way, and his commitment to Kapa Kaha and his 100% attendance were particularly noted in his nomination.

The second half of the term will be busy with an academic focus, starting with FEAT week (week 6), senior course selection, and SAID in week 9. Student leadership opportunities are also coming up with nominations already open for student representative on our Board of Trustees, and 2024 Year 13 leadership applications opening soon. For any more information about these student leadership opportunities, please see Mrs Kenton (the Whaiao Kaiarataki).

Mrs Kenton and Mrs Bell

Kōtuhi whare News:

Kōtuhi is full steam ahead for Term 3 and our Senior students are working hard towards their upcoming FEAT week. Good luck everyone!

Earlier this term we presented the Spirit of Kōtuhi Taonga to Emmanuel Perez from KTn. Emmanuel has been an active member of the Filipino culture group for several years and is on track to begin his study in nursing next year. He is one of the leaders of the Filipino group this year, alongside Wynnette. Emmanuel is a proactive, responsible, resilient, and kind-hearted student. He has shown great effort organising the events of Philipines Week this year. From cooking for the food stall to running the cultural events, he was involved in everything. 

Over the holidays Emmanuel did a few days of volunteer work at his local Rest Home, doing general duties and taking part in activities with the residents. An extremely respectful, polite and humble young man who exemplifies the Riccarton Way value of Manaakitanga in our community. Congratulations Emmanuel.

Emma Cusdin and Mel Anderson