Making the world a better place    

... is Owairaka's over-arching learning theme for 2016. 

The vision in the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) is for our young people to become confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners.  There is a future focus on sustainability, and on learners that value the environment and care for ecology.

'What can I do to make the world a better place?'   

'What can we do to make the world a better place?'

"Mō tātou te taiao ko te atawhai, mō tātou te taiao ko te oranga"

"It is for us to care for and look after the environment to ensure its well-being, in doing so we ensure our own well-being and that of our future generations." ...from Education for Sustainability - TKI

The five Enviroschools Guiding Principles are integrated in much of the learning and action we undertake at Owairaka.

Empowered Students are enabled to participate in a meaningful way in the life of their early childhood centre or school. Their unique perspectives are valued for the knowledge and insight that they bring, and they are supported to take action for real change.

The principle of Learning for Sustainability recognises the types of teaching and learning that foster student empowerment, decision-making, action and sustainable outcomes.

The principle of Māori Perspectives honours the status of tangata whenua in this land and the value of indigenous knowledge in enriching and guiding learning and action.

Respect for the Diversity of People and Cultures acknowledges the unique gifts, contributions and perspectives of individuals and groups, reinforcing the need for participatory decision-making in Enviroschools.

Sustainable Communities act in ways that nurture people and nature, now and in the future, to maintain the health and viability of our environment, society, culture and economy.

From Enviroschools website

Watch out for Green Week (21-24 March) this Term (Term 1, 2016).