Fantastic Feedback!

“I just wanted to thank you and the whole school again for inviting us to the opening of your beautiful fale.  We feel really privileged to have been part of such a special occasion.  We always thoroughly enjoy visiting Owairaka and working with staff, and now really feel a part of the whole Owairaka community.  I personally was extremely touched to see how proud and confident your children were to celebrate their unique cultures.  This is something I never take for granted coming from South Africa and it makes me proud to consider myself a New Zealander now.”

“Thanks for your warm welcome at Owairaka School yesterday; we were very impressed with the school, the atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the children and teachers.  The gardens around the school, the environment and the fale were amazing.”

“A big thank you to you, the children and parents of Owairaka for coming to the museum on Sunday to perform Under the Mountain.  It was lovely to see the children rise to the challenge of a new auditorium, where they coped admirably.  You had obviously done a lot of work for this project both in working with the children and the impressive audio visual material.”

“From the time I entered your school grounds through to visiting a variety of classrooms … one can see the positive impact that the You Can Do It! Education Programme is having on the students at Owairaka School.  I would have to say that your school is right up there with the very best.  You Can Do It! Education is clearly embedded in your school culture. The schools where I have seen this are all led by exceptional leaders such as yourself who articulate and value all that the You Can Do It! Education programme promotes.  Once again a big thank you to you Diana and to your staff for allowing me to view the many good things that are happening at Owairaka School.”

“Thank you from my heart for your most welcoming and generous support at your special school. It was well worth the long journey to the opposite side of the world. I was inspired and have learned enormously, and most of all, enjoyed to be here, to help where I could, to get to know many of your excellent staff, to experience the joy and enthusiasm and wonderful interaction of all those children from all these numerous cultural backgrounds. It is such a pleasure to see, how peace work is done here, combined with care for our nature and environment, encouragement for self respect, independent learning, positive motivation, openness and tolerance.”

“I loved every minute of my time at school and was able to learn a great deal.  Owairaka will always hold a place in my heart and I will always remember how kind and welcoming the staff were.”

“We would like to express our gratitude for the richness of experience that our daughter is gaining at Owairaka School.  She has been part of such a variety of things, all of which have involved much hard work and enthusiasm from staff …”

“I just want to commend the entire school staff for the commitment and love that they have towards children.”

“I have been fortunate enough to attend a few of the school assemblies and witness the effort that you put into helping raise our young children.  It has literally brought me to tears.  Owairaka is such a beautiful school from the diversity of children and staff to how you respect these different cultures and cater for all your children.”

“Owairaka makes us as parents feel like we are not alone in the overwhelming task of raising wonderful kids.  It has a strong sense of community that filters through the teaching staff and out into the community. There has grown a sense of calm, and mutual respect reverberating between the students and staff, and parents. We appreciate the focus on the positive aspects of the children ….  We have loudly and passionately voiced our support of the school to anyone who will listen to us – and will continue to do so!”

“I want to thank you — and your terrific staff — for such a warm and welcoming visit today.  Your school exudes a sincere sense of commitment to student learning and development.  This feeling was present from the moment I walked into the office and during my entire tour and visit of your school.  In addition, I learned a great deal from speaking with your wonderful teachers and staff.  They are clearly a knowledgeable and dedicated group; I would be thrilled to work with every one of them!  You are an impressive leader and visiting your school was a delight.”

“Just a note to pass on our congratulations on a great concert tonight.  The breadth, energy and quality of work from staff and students added up to a wonderful evening!”

“We as a family have been really influenced by the  clean-green role modelling the school is providing the community …”

“Thanks for inviting us to your performance of Nizagim yesterday.  The kids were awesome!  To the kids:  Your energy throughout was super, you concentrated and knew what was happening at all times.  The lead characters, crowd scenes and orchestra were all focused, and the whole show fitted well together.  Everyone did their bit, including the very young ones!  Thank you for again reminding us of the need to look after our planet, and each other.  I know the audience will have gone away convinced of your message.”

“Yesterday I attended the school athletics at Three Kings Reserve.  I was there early and watched the teams arrive.  I would like to say how nice and well behaved your school pupils were.  The pupils and the teachers are a credit to your school.”

“It’s been a great year for the school and one you can be very proud of.”

“It was such a privilege to hear about and see such excellent programmes and teaching. ”

“We especially appreciate your holistic approach – both to other aspects of children’s development besides academic, and also for making families so welcome in your school.  We value the opportunities to be involved in our daughter’s school world.”