Our recent round of reporting to parents has caused me to reflect on what a holistic education is and its value. We are deeply committed to implementing the new curriculum, and we believe that foundational skills in literacy and numeracy are essential for tamariki to be able to access their whole educational journey and grow life skills. The core work of a primary school is to ensure our students have grasped the basics, and here at Huriawa Thorrington, we offer so much more. As educators, we believe that our whole programme aims to develop a child’s physical, emotional and social growth, as well as academic.

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Honing in on respectful human relationships helps children to learn empathy and compassion for others. We come to know that people with different perspectives in the world can co-exist respectfully. Children learn this by testing their relationships with others and learning how to repair them. 

Considering who we are and who we want to become is more important than what we want to become. Our 4Cs (Caring, Curious, Confident, Citizens) promote the values we strive to cultivate. The NZ Curriculum’s Key Competencies are ways of being and acting in the world. The five competencies are:

• Thinking

• Using language, symbols, and texts

• Managing self

• Relating to others

• Participating and contributing.

Having time to practice and reflect on experiences designed to grow these competencies leads to an ability to self-regulate and self-direct learning.

Children are inherently interested in how the world works. We have a responsibility to foster their curiosity, teaching them how to think critically, ethically and creatively. Deep Learning creates space for children to think about big ideas that can be transferred to other learning situations. Children are encouraged to analyse thinking, justify their ideas and in doing so, hone their communication skills. We have found that selecting texts for structured literacy lessons that match our Deep Learning focus can build depth in knowledge, supporting deeper wondering and thinking. 

Human expression, through drama, music, art, and cultural expression, promotes the development of self-identity.  Children make critical insights into their learning when they internalise and express their ideas through their body and artistic communication. Approaching the world with a creative lens can support our ability to examine problems from different angles and solve them. 

Kaitiakitanga, meaning guardianship and protection, promotes our responsibility to care for and protect the land and water for future generations. Starting with our students driving small actions at school helps them to grow agency and know they have the power to make collective, sustainable change. 

The aspects of our programme described above play a great role in supporting children to “discover who they are, what they value, and how they can contribute (Wenmoth D. 2025).” A truly valuable education combines strong foundational skills with the richness of human experience. 

Reflecting on what we do well, to grow the whole child, makes me proud to lead this wonderful learning environment and reinforces my appreciation of the work our teachers do.

Juliana Rae

Tumuaki - Principal