Our kura is part of the Fruit in School’s and Milk in School’s programmes where all our tamariki are given the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit and milk daily. The programmes have given some our tamariki the chance to become leaders and manage the milk and fruit – including those who wouldn’t usually put their hands up for leadership roles. These are very important and sort after jobs.
Our kura with the support of our awesome whānau whānui run Breakfast Club. All tamariki and staff are invited to have a shared parakuihi which runs Tuesday – Thrusday from 7:50 – 8:30.
Para Kore delivers education and training in our kura to create behaviour change that aligns with the principles of a circular economy by eliminating waste in the planning process, sorting waste so that as little as possible goes to landfill and educating our tamariki about how to reduce plastic and recycling. As a Māori organisation, Para Kore is grounded in relationships with and whakapapa to Papatūānuku, Ranginui me ō rāua uri.
In 2010 we were very fortunate to receive a bike track for our kura. This includes a track around our field, a pump track and a skills track where our tamariki can learn not only how to ride a bike but also opportunity to learn bike safety.
Kapa haka provides a learning environment that celebrates our Māori culture and what it means to be Māori. It is a taonga tuku iho i.e. something that is handed down inter-generationally – to be valued and treasured. It is a vehicle to appreciate te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, contributing to the retention and revitalisation of the language. At the same time, students are learning life skills, by having to demonstrate commitment and self-discipline. There are cognitive and physical benefits too – in terms of memorisation and coordination. Students also benefit from the values associated with being part of a group e.g. whānaungatanga, manaakitanga and aroha.
