ADVERTORIAL
Since 2018, the values or Tikanga at Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga/Thames High School have been a guiding force in shaping the school community.
These values—Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Mātauranga, Whakamana, and Whakapono—have played a vital role in fostering positive relationships among staff and students, and creating an inclusive, supportive environment.
Now the school is taking a significant step forward in reinforcing these values by introducing a new visual tool.
This tool is designed to help both staff and students recognise and live by the school’s values in their daily interactions.
According to the Deputy Principal, Mr Ashforth, who oversees the Positive Behaviour for Learning School-Wide (PB4L) framework, introducing these visual cues will encourage students (taiohi) to live and breathe these values.
“The process of designing these motifs took over 18 months and involved consultation with the student body, staff, and local iwi.
“We are thrilled to see these values in images we can unpick, explain and weave into our curriculum and everyday lives here at the school.
“I am sure these will grow with our school and community and lead to our students achieving their true potential.”
The designing of these icons began by incorporating elements from the school’s symbol, or tohu, and adding visual references to the school environment.
These include the wharenui, Te Puna O Te Pito Mata (The Wellspring of Potential) and the original bell tower, which now stands in the school’s front garden.
The designs feature symbols such as Poutama (sun rays) to represent “the climb” or striving for excellence and harakeke weaving is used in a few of the motifs to show that each of these values interconnect.
The Tohu symbolises the local landscape, featuring Te Puke o Raka Maomao, Te Kowhatu whakairi a Ngātoroitangi (Table mountain) and the Firth of Thames/Tikapa Moana o Hauraki.
It also represents the land on which Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga is built, a land gifted by Ngāti Maru for the purpose of educating our people.
This initiative highlights the school’s commitment to integrating tikanga and these visual tools are expected to serve as a powerful reminder for the entire school to continue embracing its core values.
– Supplied by Thames High School
