KORERO FROM FRASER
Welcome to Week 4 everyone. After a disappointing start to the year with the significant weather event and subsequent disruption to our EOTC trips and activities, it has been fantastic to get into our modules this week.
On Tuesday we had the pleasure of blessing our new whare ahead of the space being available for use next week after it has been signed off by the Council. This building is a significant one for our school as it is a symbol of our commitment to our mana whenua, in particular Ngāti Wairere and the connection we have with te reo and tikanga Māori. Wiremu Puke of Ngāti Wairere worked closely with us on the design of our building which connects with a significant whare, Te Miringa Te Kakara, that opened to all orientations of the compass (north, south, east and west).
We see our whare as a blank canvas for us at the moment as we aim to, over time, involve our students and wider community by adding aspects of traditional māori design and art to the building that further magnifies it's cultural significance. We will use this space for learning across both the Junior and Senior High and also use it for important ceremonies and events during and outside of school hours.
Later this term we will hold an official opening for our whare.
Before I go, can I ask, have you explored Schoology yet? If yes, this is brilliant as it will keep you in touch with the learning happening at school. These conversations about learning are super helpful for clarifying and building understanding so thanks to those who are already onto this!
Below is a graphic for our ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening later this term. If you are new to our school then we expect you there! I cannot emphasise enough how important some of the messages are going to be on this evening for setting our students up for success so we really do want you there. Meeting your child’s Advisor and Hapū Leader is such an important first step to establishing a positive and productive learning partnership.