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COROMANDEL LIFE
SPRING/HOLIDAY 2016
Hikuai school might be small but prides itself
on a real family culture, creating a nurturing
atmosphere along with a strong focus on
academic achievement and personal growth –
inspired teachers create inspired children.
Serving the educational needs of children
from the greater Hikuai, Tairua and Pauanui
areas since 1897, the students receive a set
of guiding principles which reflect the heart
of Hikuai School values. Principal Jared Stein
explains, “When a parent or visitor walks
into Hikuai School we want them to see
these values embedded in the actions and
interactions of students and staff alike”.
It’s in the classroom that the value of Ako
Tahi, ‘Learning Together’, really shows.
While the main focus is still core subjects,
the school has introduced ‘passion-based’
learning, a teaching philosophy where pupils
are encouraged to seek out and investigate
topics that interest them, with teachers guiding
their journey of exploration. Principal Jared
sees the benefit of this type of learning. “With
the emphasis placed directly upon student
creativity, adaptability, perseverance, courage
and self-awareness the students become
better readers, writers, thinkers, collaborators
and most importantly passion-driven learners.”
The culmination of this is in the senior school
where the student-led ‘genius time’ allows the
pupils free rein to create something or research
a topic they are passionate about.
From Term 1 2017 the school will be extending
their free bus service to include Hikuai School
pupils living in Tairua, to complement the free
bus service for students living in Pauanui.
For further information about Hikuai School
please contact Principal Jared Stein or visit the
school website
www.hikuai.school.nzSchool leaders speak on the importance of
remembering those who fought for us. Participating
in Pauanui Anzac Day Services is just one example
of the school giving back to its community.
Students demonstrate community spirit with their
involvement in many local projects – planting
kauri trees along the Pauanui-Tairua Trail as part
of the WW1 Memorial Forest Project; lending a
hand to the Hikuwai Ti Kouka Grove restoration
programme, and assisting Pauanui Beachcare with
dune planting and beach clean-ups.
Hikuai School has a strong partnership with the
community, giving rise to initiatives such as the
TASTE (Talented Adults Sharing Their Experiences)
programme. Not only does this offer students
greater educational pathways through sampling
different activities, it’s also a way of ensuring
valuable skills are passed onto future generations.
Principle Jared Stein is enthusiastic about the
programme. “It’s a great opportunity for members
of the wider community to become active in the
learning of Hikuai School students.”
The traditional Pet Day happens mid-October,
where the results of the school Art Week are also
exhibited. Other events include School Passion Day,
where the whole school and the families spend a
Saturday working together to improve and maintain
the school outdoor environment and facilities. The
main school annual fundraiser, the Great Outdoors
Expo, takes place on Wednesday 4 January 2017
in Kennedy Park, Pauanui (see page 41).
Hikuai School
In addition to providing a majestic backdrop, the Pinnacles are interwoven
into Hikuai School’s culture. The Vision statement, “Striving towards our
pinnacle”, symbolises aspiration, success and achievement.
The Little School with a Big Heart
Photo courtesy of Paul Walker