As we begin the new year, I am excited to introduce some significant changes and initiatives at Kaipara College – Changes that will enrich the experience of our students, foster their leadership, and help them feel a deeper sense of connection to the school and their peers. These initiatives are designed to enhance not only their academic journey but also their personal growth and development.
Vertical Whanau Classes: Encouraging Mentorship and Leadership
One of the most exciting changes this year is the introduction of Vertical Whanau (homeroom) Classes. These classes will consist of students from all year levels, ranging from Year 9 to Year 13. The intention behind this is to foster organic mentoring relationships and provide leadership opportunities for our older students. During whanau time the students will experience our pastoral curriculum: Te Waka Eke Panuku which translated means ‘the canoe that we are all in together to reach success’. Te Waka Eke Panuku emphasises unity, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of guiding students towards success, with the guidance of kaiaarahi (mentor or guide) within a vertically arranged Whanau class. Te Waka Eke Panuku symbolises a collective journey where everyone works together, supporting one another to achieve shared goals and embody common values.
This new structure will create opportunities for meaningful connection and guidance. Older students will be able to mentor younger ones, offering advice, encouragement and support in a way that builds confidence and leadership skills. For our younger students, these classes will provide a nurturing environment where they can learn from their more experienced peers, fostering a sense of belonging from the very start.
The TIRA System: Fostering Belonging and School Spirit
This year, we are also introducing our new TIRA (house) system, which is designed to deepen a sense of belonging and foster strong school spirit. In the TIRA, students will be placed into one of four houses, or TIRAs, each representing a community within the school. The work TIRA comes from the Maori concept of a travelling party – a group that journeys together, and this is exactly what we hope for in our school culture. Our Tira are named after parts of a waka: Taurapa (the stern post), Takere (the hull), Te Raa (the sail) and Tauihu (the prow).
The TIRA system is more than just a competition between houses; it’s about building strong connections and lasting memories. A student’s TIRA will be their family within Kaipara College, a group they will journey with throughout the year. These TIRAs will participate in various events, ranging from sports days to fundraising initiatives, and even fun competitions designed to encourage collaboration, unity and pride.
The TIRA system also aligns closely with our values and school ethos, encouraging students to work together, support each other, and build positive relationships across all year groups. It will provide students with opportunities to engage, lead and contribute to the school community in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Year
The start of a new year is always filled with a sense of promise and potential, but this year is particularly exciting with our new initiatives that complement and support our school values. With the introduction of our new vertical whanau classes and TIRA system, as well as our ongoing commitment to our core values and academic excellence, we have set the stage for our students to have an enriching and fulfilling experience at Kaipara College in 2025.
To our new students and families, we welcome you with open arms to our Kaipara College whanau, To our returning students and families, we look forward to another year of continued growth and success. To our community, we look forward to sharing our journey with you. Together, we will create a school environment where every student feels supported, encouraged and empowered to reach their full potential.
Let us work together to ensure that 2025 is a year of achievement, connection and personal growth for every student in our care. Let’s make this year unforgettable
