Engagement

Dr Anne Milne, "Our (school) definition of achievement might be the national measures such as NCEA credits, literacy, numeracy and tertiary sytdy, but without human measures, positive self identity, critical awareness, purpose and hope, young people become disengaged and disillusioned with school."

At our school we have aimed to embrace the positive aspects inherited by former management and build these into the values, beliefs and practices we use today.

Our ancestors recognised the importance of acquiring and passing on knowledge and had already developed a strong culture of educating through storytelling, sharing mythologies, and teaching problem solving through practices consistent with the values inherent in their times. Social practices were just as important. Strong relationships and high expectations were the norm - whanaungatanga - values of integrity, trust, sincerity and fairness or equity were fostered - manaakitanga - the importance of a sense of place and the socio-cutural practices concerning .... were taught.

Oral language is our first language in any culture.