Whānau Hauora Class Update!

Dear Whānau,

We are excited to share with you the latest update from our Whānau Hauora class! This term, our focus has been on deepening our connections and fostering a sense of unity within our classroom. To achieve this, our students have been engaging in an awesome Ko Wai Ahau activity.

In this activity, each student has had the opportunity to introduce themselves in a comprehensive and meaningful way. Either through a powerpoint presentation or just verbally. They’ve been leading karakia, reflecting on who they are, where they come from, and what subjects they are passionate about. Additionally, they’ve been sharing their aspirations for life after school, as well as their hobbies and interests. We have done this activity through a tuakana teina system where a junior is paired with a senior and they do their presentations together.  

This exercise has been incredibly valuable in helping us all get to know each other on a deeper level. By sharing their personal stories and future plans, students have been building stronger connections and developing a greater sense of kotahitanga (unity) within the classroom. It’s been awesome to see the students take pride in their identities and backgrounds, while also learning about the diverse experiences and dreams of their peers.

We believe that these activities not only enrich our classroom environment but also strengthen the bonds between students, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning space. The insights gained through “Ko Wai Ahau” are helping us build a stronger, more cohesive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

Ngā mihi nui,

Matt Naden, Wharenui Hawera, Caseymia Hawkins
Whānau Hauora Class Kaiako