WHS Charter

Our Schools Aims.

Values

Strategic Goals (from Strategic Plan)

• Our school aims to deliver balanced learning outcomes based on the

      underlying principles, as set out in the National Education  Guidelines

• To implement programmes based on the National Educational Goals and the National Curriculum Statements.

Our Schools Objectives.

Curriculum and Content.

Each year the Board of Trustees ,through the Principal and staff will develop, revise or confirm  its strategic  plan using the NZ curriculum and local emphasis.

The plan will set out specific targets for the curriculum delivery.

Local Emphasis: That the schools local curriculum is based on the ‘Western Heights Way' which is centred on our values and local environmental strengths and links to all learning. The WHW underpins everything we do and the way we do it to  ensure the ministry's vision is achieved:: ‘That young people   will be confident, connected actively involved life long learners.'

• Honesty and integrity.
• Innovation, enquiry, and curiosity.
• Equity, which means fairness and social justice.
• Kindness, caring and consideration for others and the environment.
• Respect and tolerance for ourselves and others.
• Commitment and responsibility.

Our Special Character

Western Heights is a school:

• Where committed staff and focused students work together to create an environment where achievement and success is valued.
• Where working together with family, whanau and the community, a strong foundation is built for all children, enabling them to achieve their academic, cultural and sporting potential.
• Where we have a well-resourced school, providing every technological advantage to support learning.

Where the Board acknowledges its obligations to the Treaty of Waitangi.

NAG 1.1.2

The 2010 cohort from year 2 identified from the GLOSS must make a positive shift from counting from one imaging to moving from advanced counting to early additive.

15% need to make the shift to meet the National Standard.

1.2.1

That the boys reading at and just below the National Standard in reading in year 5 and 6 , 75 %  will move to the next level.

This means this group will be at or above the National Standard at the end of the year.

This group includes a small group of Maori and PI pupils.

New Zealand's Cultural Diversity......

The Unique Position of Maori culture.............

Pedagogy and environment will reflect NZ cultural diversity through celebrating and including Maori and cultural make up of classes. The Te Reo me Tikanga Maori programme at Western Heights Primary should provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students. Staff meetings will be held to facilitate this.

Maori translations will be displayed around the school environment.  Maori perspectives on studies will be encouraged.

Usage of Maori commands and names will be promoted and the classrooms will reflect dual heritage.

We will continue with our Te Reo me tikanga Maori curriculum delivery through planning and delivery in syndicates.

What reasonable steps will the school take to incorporate Tikanga Maori (Maori culture and protocol) into the school's curriculum?

What will the school do to provide instruction in Te Reo Maori

(Maori Language) for full time students whose parents ask for it?

The continued use of the Te Reo Kori resource in syndicate planning along with new curriculum.

Through the guidance and professional development of staff especially by the lead teacher attending NZC and Kahikatia seminars.

Through the continuation of our School Culture group.

Through continuing to use the powhiri to welcome visitors to our school.

Through having a staff member who receives a permanent management unit to lead and guide the school on cultural matters.

Western Heights Primary will take all reasonable steps to ensure that instruction in Te Reo is provided if parent requests it.

We will use the advice and guidance of our Maori community resource people. eg. WaipareiraTrust and the Hoani Waititi Marae; parents and their whanau

What steps will be taken to discover the views and concerns of the school's Maori community?

How Western Heights will monitor Maori and Pacific Island students.

Through continuation of parent/teacher communication where concerns are noted for action.

Through taking responsibility for maintaining a process of consultation with parents of Maori students to help identify important learning needs of our Maori students and by reporting progress and outcomes.

Tracking will be done the same as for the assessment of all students with parents being informed of the outcomes using ‘plain language'.

Analysis will be done re ethnicity and recording of any notable differences for Maori will be noted and addressed. Targets will be set if required. BOT reported to.

Concerns for attendance, progress and behaviour will be noted and addressed.

Gifted and talented students will be identified to meet the needs in consultation with parents.