The Board met in mid-June for the first time kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) following COVID-19 lockdown.

Ki te kotahi te kaakaho ka whati, ki te kaapuia e kore e whati”
- Kiingi Taawhiao

When reeds stand alone they are vulnerable, but together they are unbreakable.

This tongikura (proverbial saying) by Kiingi Taawhiao (Second Māori King) acknowledges the resilience, strength, and collective efforts of our Te Ao Mārama whānau. As a Board, we would like to thank our Principal, leadership, staff, students, parents, caregivers and the wider community for your collective efforts and support to navigate our way through the unprecedented times of COVID-19.

Te Reo Māori / Tikanga Māori Strategic Plan

Sandra Humphry presented an update to the Board on the schools Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori Strategic Plan. Normalising and nourishing Te Reo and Tikanga Māori within our school is something the Board is fully supportive of which we have also taken steps to normalise te reo and tikanga Māori within our own Board meetings.

The Strategy represents the school’s commitment to both biculturalism and multiculturalism, to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a sense of belonging for all as represented by our school whakatauki (Māori proverb) Whiria Te Tāngata ~ Weave the people together

“FEEL IT, SEE IT, HEAR IT!” is the key message we took from Whaea Sandra. This is actioned every day throughout the school across several different avenues including (to name a few):

• The relationship with mana whenua Ngaati Wairere (local Māori sub-tribe), the use of the school pepeha and Hukanui marae visits

• Kapa Haka, waiata (songs), karakia, Te Reo Māori lessons for staff and students, pōwhiri (Māori welcome ceremony)

• School signage, imagery, the use of Māori words and sayings

• Celebration of Matariki (The Māori New Year) & Māori language week.

Most of all we are proud of the commitment and willingness of our school and whānau to embrace Te Ao Māori and the cultural diversity of our school. Striving to grow and nurture a strong sense of cultural awareness, identity, and a sense of belonging.

Stage 2 Expansion Project
With the growing roll of our school, discussions and planning has begun on the property front for the Stage 2 Building Expansion Project.

Although these discussions are in the early stages, the Board is working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the Stage 2 expansion meets the current and future needs of our school. This is a significant project which includes 14 new classrooms, and additional landscaping and playgrounds. Our Principal, Tony Grey will be heavily involved in the design process with the Ministry of Education & ShapEd (private partnership).

The Board will provide further updates as the Project progresses.

Manaaki Support Fund
The Board is happy to support the introduction of the Manaaki Support Fund to provide support for our whānau. The Manaaki Support Fund is available for whānau who from time to time may find it challenging to pay for aspects of school life, such as larger costs associated with camps and sports fees. This support fund will ensure that all students are able to participate.

We encourage all whānau who may need the support of this fund to apply, all requests will be treated will total confidentiality and sensitivity.

Staff Culture Survey
In early June, staff conducted a Staff Culture Survey with input from all 34 members of our staff. As our staff continue to grow, the measurement of Staff Culture is a vital part of ensuring the success of our school.

The Board is delighted with the positive results which is a testament to our school wide vision, values and the high calibre of our staff who are driven and supported by a strong leadership team within our school. The Staff Culture Survey is an important indication for the Board to ensure that all staff are well supported and valued within our school and that this is maintained as our staff continues to grow.

The results of the Staff Culture Survey can be found here: https://hail.to/te-ao-marama-school/publication/vfX0Uxe/article/uHfgDJh

Thank You
On behalf of the Board we wish everyone a safe and happy school holiday. Enjoy the break, and please look after yourselves and your whānau. We look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

Ihipera Heke Sweet

Ihipera is a Kairangahau – Researcher for Waikato Tainui. She was co-opted on to the Establishment Board of Trustees in 2018 as a Ngāti Wairere (local Māori sub-tribe representative) and then co-opted again in 2019 after our community board elections.

Ihipera is from Hukanui Marae, Gordonton. Ihipera has been involved at a governance level as a representative on Te Whakakitenga o Waikato, and has experience in indigenous research and policy while overseeing a number of water restoration projects at the College. Ihipera holds a Bachelor of Laws with a second major in Te Reo Maaori from Waikato University and is currently studying towards a Masters in Environment and Society.