At last year's Whānau Hui we collected feedback from our Māori families on what their priorities were for their children. We have developed some strategic goals to help us achieve success.

This year we have signed up to Te Puna Reo Māori to support teachers with their own development of te reo.  This year, all classes have a morning routine that includes karakia, waiata and pepeha.  We are also working with Blend Learning to ensure that when we teach science and social studies, we include a te ao Māori lens - this might include Māori history, stories, plant knowledge and a whole range of other areas.

Our Kapa Haka group participated in the Kōtuitui Kapa Haka Festival last year and this year we want to build the group up to be bigger and better.  This year there will be both a Kapa Haka Festival and a Pasifika Festival.  Whaea Michelle is running a Kapa Teina (Year 0-3) and a Kapa Tuakana (Year 4-6) group.  

Another clear message from whānau was that they wanted their children to experience a Marae visit (and Noho Marae) while at school and this is something we are in the first stages of planning.

Lastly, we have connected, in a more official way, with our local iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki and will be part of a three year professional development programme called Mana Kura.  We believe this will be of huge benefit to our tamariki and are excited to be on this journey with them. Whakawhetai ki a koe mo to tautoko me to awhina.