The House System
Every student is placed in one of six school Houses on his/her arrival at the College. Each house has thirteen tutor classes organised "vertically", with about 25 students from Years 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 in the same group each year. The tutor groups operate in the concept of 'family' units for students and as such are a vital element of our school community. Once placed in a House, a student generally stays in that same House for his/her entire time at the College.
In this way the Head of House and Tutor teacher can develop a sound knowledge about the student. It is the "schools within a school" approach which we believe provides students with a sense of identity and pride.
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Atawhai
Instil your kindness in others
The word “ATAWHAI” means “to show kindness”, “to foster all things positive”, “to be liberal”, “to be kindly disposed”. This word is found in the Maori translation of the national anthem, which literally means to instil within us kindness and compassion. It is used to describe people who look after their visitors and their own people.
Atawhai is a house that tries to live by its motto. We work hard to be a caring and inclusive house. The main way in which this manifests itself is through the encouragement and support that Atawhai students give to each other during various House events. This includes inter-house competitions as well as more regular house gatherings. Students feel free to participate in a variety of activities in a caring and supportive environment.
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Kahurangi
Kahurangi is the name given to a type of pale greenstone and is used to identify women of high rank. The associated proverb "Whaia te iti kahurangi" means "pursue the precious things in life". The second part of the proverb is "Mei he tuohu koe, he maunga teitei" which means "if one should bow, let it be to a lofty mountain", or in other words "never give in".
To this end, the focus of the House is on helping students develop their self esteem and resiliency – two qualities essential for achievement of one's personal best and for success in any enterprise. We are passionate about building an inclusive culture and students are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of school life including House events.
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Manutaki
Ano he Manutaki - Just like a leading bird
A Manutaki is the leading bird in a flock of migrating birds. It means “alert”, “ever guiding the flock towards new destinations”.
Manutaki stands for the qualities of leadership and courage in forging new paths, and taking on new challenges. Our students are encouraged to take prominent roles in the wider life of the College, to strive to be at the front of the flock, and to take pride in belonging to a group which is moving forward. Senior students and leaders show the way and practice an inclusive culture.
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Pounamu
“POUNAMU” is the Maori word for Jade (Greenstone) which is precious and highly treasured by its owners regardless of size. The associated Maori proverb is “Ahakoa he iti he pounamu” which translates to “although it is small, it is precious”.
The Primary aim of the House Leaders and Council is to encourage a strong involvement of all house members in activities both in class and extra-curricular activities, across the school. Academic success and the promotion of personal excellence is acknowledged across the house.
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Rangatahi
Ka pu te ruha Ka hao te Rangatahi “The old net is cast aside the new net goes fishing”.
The word Rangatahi is synonymous with youth. The Rangatahi is the new net, the young people who are the leaders of tomorrow. This proverb is uttered when a leader is ready to stand down and hand his or her mantle over to the next generation.
Rangatahi prides itself on House spirit and we enjoy celebrating the successes of the house and of individuals within the house, academically, culturally and in the sports area. Students in Rangatahi are provided with opportunities to give of their best as well as work together in a team to produce the best possible results.
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Taikura
'Ko te reo te taikura ki te Whakaao mârama’ - Language is the key to Understanding.
Taikura is synonymous with enlightenment in that it is used to indicate that the student has attained the key to understanding, has reached the threshold of knowledge - the penny has dropped!
Taikura is proud of its house spirit and encourages students to become involved in academic sporting and cultural areas. Important to us is consistency and unity across the school and a sense of belonging for all students in the House.
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