Ngā Mātāpono
Our Values
Manaakitanga
To encourage or grow the mana of the students we care for. This includes reciprocal relationships of care between students and teachers.
This is shown through the care and love we demonstrate for each other. We show this through our inclusive attitudes and actions when we make space for everyone in our school and allow them to be themselves without judgement. We also show this when we support others with friendship and put the needs of others first.
All students participate in a programme called Kāinga, where the focus is on building strong relationships of respect and care between the kaiako/teacher and students. These relationships are centred on hauora (physical and mental well-being); healthy social relationships and behaviour; and academic progress and success. Ideally, the same kaiako will remain with the students throughout their time at Aorere College, which will enable a strong relationship of care to develop.
Additionally, students are supported by Deans at each level, who are responsible for the pastoral care of students and who follow attendance, behaviour and achievement closely. Kaiako and Deans will maintain close contact with whānau and are available to talk about student progress.
Whanaungatanga
To form strong relationships of unity within the school community, which are aimed at building cohesion, belonging, and connection.
This value is reflected in the relationships we build amongst ourselves and with the wider community. It is the respect we show others and the interest we show in each other's lives. A central part of school life is the celebration of identity, language, and culture. Aorere College is an inclusive community where recognition and acceptance of all identities are embraced and promoted. Students play an important part in promoting behaviours that strengthen connections and unity.
Tikanga
To reflect the values and practices of the Māori world, particularly mana whenua, within school practices and procedures.
Tikanga helps us to represent the school in a way that enhances our mana. It is the way we behave in certain situations and underpins the basis of all that we do at Aorere College. It is the rituals that underpin our experience of school such as assemblies and pōwhiri. Families and visitors are welcomed to our school in a traditional pōwhiri. Guidance about tikanga is provided by our kaumātua and reflects the practices and beliefs of the Tainui iwi.
Behaviour in school is reinforced through our values and reinforces the key expectations
of students at school.
Hiranga
To strive for excellence.
Students are encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability in all that they do. Goal setting is a part of the Kāinga programme, where students establish what they want to achieve in both academic studies and co-curricular pursuits and reflect on the progress they are making toward their goals.
Kaitiakitanga
To preserve, conserve, and protect the local
area, and work to make the school environment
a sustainable one.
In addition to various Kaitiaki initiatives in our school, each year our Year 9 cohort visits the Waokauri Creek to observe the ecosystem and assess the water quality. Across both their Science and Social Science classes, they collaboratively develop a social action to make a difference to this environment. In the last two years, Year 9 students have hauled more than 30 large bags of rubbish from the park, weeded more than a thousand square meters and planted 500 native plants. This project provides students with a real-world opportunity to apply their scientific skills and take part in collective action for the betterment of the environment and is an excellent example of kaitiakitanga in action.
Rangatiratanga
To demonstrate leadership where working for the benefit of others is central. Students are encouraged to develop leadership skills where they accept responsibility for the well-being and protection of others.
At Aorere we emphasise the Samoan value of tautua, where leadership develops through service to others. We aim to develop leaders with a strong sense of identity, who demonstrate integrity and who are motivated by moral purpose and commitment and who learn to speak out on behalf of others.