Kaipara College: A School That Cares
Kaipara College is a school that cares. It cares about its students as whole people, about the relationships that hold them, and about creating the conditions in which every akonga can discover what they are capable of. That care is the everyday practice of our kaiako, our support staff, and our wider community, and it is what makes this school what it is.
At the heart of that care is whanaungatanga. At Kaipara College, students are not anonymous, they are known, they are seen, and they belong. Sequoia Thomson describes it from the inside: “One of the things I love most about Kaipara is our commitment to whanaungatanga, the connection between people. Because our school is smaller, we all know each other, and the effort put into fostering the relationships between students, teachers, and the community is what creates such a welcome, safe environment.” When students feel safe and connected, they are free to take risks, pursue their interests, and grow in ways that matter.
That care shows up in the richness of what is on offer. As Monique Ross puts it, “There’s always something for you at Kaipara College no matter your interest.” This term, Level 2 Earth and Space Science students have travelled to Ruapehu to learn from the land itself, and students have taken on the Australian Mathematics Competition, stretching themselves in ways that build genuine confidence. Our Kapa Haka group is deep in preparation for nationals, carrying the mana of our school and community with them.
Behind every achievement is a student who has been supported and believed in. This week, we received the wonderful news that our show jumping team has won the Pegasus Cup, the national secondary schools show jumping teams event. Brooke Scriviner, Meadow Soons, Riley Howard, and Ellie McDonald represented Kaipara College with tremendous skill and composure, and as part of their win, the team earned the opportunity to train and represent New Zealand in Australia. Year 12 student Zoey Beyleveld has earned her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, a testament to her commitment and character. Good luck to our Waka Ama team, who are competing at the National Championships at the end of the month. Also, Piki Moses has been selected for the Whaikaha Basketball Trust, a high-performance programme for players with intellectual disabilities, with aspirations to compete in Bangkok and Australia. These are not just individual accomplishments, they are the results of a school community that invests in its people.
This month, we welcomed the Educational Review Office to our school. The visit affirmed what we know to be true: that the learning relationships at Kaipara College are strong, and that they provide a powerful foundation for student success. Our WAKA values provide a strong foundation for learning at the school. Like all schools, the review also gave us valuable insights into areas where we can continue to grow and improve. A school that truly cares is one that welcomes that kind of honest reflection, because improving is itself an act of care for the students who come through our doors.
None of this happens without the people who show up every day and give their best. To every kaiako and support person at Kaipara College; your care for our akonga is the engine of everything we celebrate. Thank you. Your mahi is seen, and it matters deeply.
We look forward to continuing to share the story of Kaipara College with our community. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest from our school. Facebook: facebook.com/KaiparaCollegeHelensville Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaiparacollege/
Nga mihi nui,
Jane Coup, Principal, Kaipara College
