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We are committed to providing a variety of learning opportunities, that focus on progress and achievement, for the students of Ōwairaka District School. We strive to support learners in multiple ways to best meet their needs and strengths. We value working alongside our families and people in our community.
Ōwairaka District School provides a range of learning opportunities to meet the needs, strengths and interests of our students.
Our school is committed to:
achievement and success for all students
high quality learning in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
a wide variety of Sporting, Science and Arts opportunities
providing a rich curriculum to engage our learners
using digital devices to support children’s learning
providing learning experiences related to healthy living and our environment
quality professional learning and development for staff.
Te Reo Māori, Tikanga Māori & Kapa Haka
Te Reo and Tikanga Māori is integrated into the Ōwairaka District School curriculum. All students are taught the school pepeha and this is recited at every assembly and at the beginning of Board meetings. Students are also supported to learn their own pepeha and the history of Ōwairaka. The Kapa Haka group meets every Friday afternoon.
Kapa Haka provides an avenue for Māori students to access the Māori world and be culturally-connected learners… For non-Māori students, Kapa Haka provides a conduit to appreciate the unique role of Māori in shaping the New Zealand identity.” Alice Patrick
All students learn Te Reo and Tikanga Māori with a specialist teacher, in Ngā Ringa Āwhina. Ngā Ringa Āwhina means, “the helping hands”.
Student Support
Ōwairaka District School has a comprehensive approach to student support. We recognise the importance of identifying and responding to the ever-changing needs of our children in a timely manner. We work hard to provide the appropriate support for children and are committed to ongoing professional development for our teachers and learning assistants.
We have many supports in the school that help our children reach their potential. Children’s learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, is supported by our Learning Support Coordinator, Anwar, specialist teachers, and learning assistants.
Some of our children have English as their second or third language. We have a specialist teacher who helps these children learn English and settle into our school.
Enviro Schools
We are now recognised as being a Beyond Green Gold school. We continue to be committed to the Enviroschool Principles and strive to be great role models. The Enviroschools Programme aims to integrate environmental education into the whole of school life and to create learning opportunities by working towards a healthy, peaceful and sustainable environment - Enviroschools Handbook.
The Enviroschools kaupapa is about creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through people teaching and learning together. Our kaupapa guides all that we do and is embodied in five guiding principles that underpin the whole Enviroschools journey:
Empowered Students are enabled to participate in meaningful ways in the life of their early childhood centre or school. Their unique perspectives are valued for the knowledge and insight that they bring, and they are supported to take action for real change.
Learning for Sustainability recognises the types of teaching and learning that use connecting experiences to develop holistic and ecological perspectives, foster student enquiry, decision-making, action, and reflection, and create sustainable outcomes.
Māori Perspectives honours the status of tangata whenua in this land and the value of indigenous knowledge and wisdoms in enriching and guiding learning and action.
Respect for the Diversity of People and Cultures acknowledges the unique gifts, contributions and perspectives of individuals and groups, reinforcing the value of participatory decision-making and collaborative action.
Sustainable Communities act in ways that nurture people and nature, now and in the future, to maintain the health and viability of our environment, society, culture and economy.
Garden to Table
Garden to Table is a cross curricular programme that introduces children to healthy food in a fun and practical way. By being involved in the whole process, from sowing the seed to cooking the produce, students are more likely to try and enjoy healthy food. Click here to view our Garden To Table blog and find all the recipes.
Students in Pūriri and Kauri teams (Years 3 - 6) take part in Garden to Table sessions. Classes are run by Sarah, our Kitchen Specialist, and Virginia, our Garden Specialist. Half the class prepares the food while the other half harvests produce and cares for the gardens. At the end of the session all students come together to share a meal.
We are very lucky to have a number of fantastic volunteers but are always in need of more. You don’t have to be an expert gardener or cook, come and learn along with the children! Classes are held on Wednesdays, please contact the office if you can spare some time.
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