The Kōwhai Way

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective

At Kōwhai, our learners and their whānau are at the heart of our specialist school. We provide an environment for our students that is full of respect, happiness and friendship. We want our students and their whānau to have a sense of whanaungatanga and community in partnership with Kōwhai School.  From this stable foundation we can all work together with kotahitanga or unity to help our tamariki nurture their mana and meet their potential. The principles of partnership, participation and protection guide us as we work together to support the wellbeing of our ākonga and their whānau.

Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu

Adorn the bird with feathers so it may soar

At Kōwhai, we provide an environment for our students that sparks engagement, joy, curiosity and fun.  With a focus on strong relationships, communication, and hauora, our students are ready to take on the challenges they may face with the skills, strength and support that they need. Our staff pride themselves on their auahatanga and creative thinking to entice their students to learn. Learning extends beyond the four walls of the classroom and into the local community where our students are supported with opportunities to develop life skills, independence in everyday settings and pathways for their future. Through these innovative and practical approaches we hope to foster students who are motivated to learn and excited to come to school every day.

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia ō tātou māhi

Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.

At Kōwhai, learning is intently shaped around who ākonga are as unique individuals. We truly believe that students are capable of anything, and it is our responsibility to discover ways to provide opportunities for them to achieve their potential. These achievements are measured on a personalised pathway, and each step forward, no matter how big or small, is celebrated.  Teaching weaves together student interests, abilities, and culture with the curriculum, teaching principles and latest research. With our small class sizes, high staff to student ratios and specialist therapy support, students experience a truly individualised learning programme. 

Whaowhia te kete mātauranga

Fill your basket with knowledge

At Kōwhai, we encourage our school community to grow, seek out knowledge, discover new things, innovate and challenge themselves. Every day we learn from our ākonga, our whānau and each other, as well as from new research and ideas. We learn with openness, we think deeply and together we support each other to apply new learning for the benefit of our students and our kura.