Our Vision for Our Future:

Living Our Vision – Part Two in a Series:

Ā Tātou Tamariki – Our Children at the Centre

Our Children, Our Land, For Our Future

At Western Heights, we begin with our children. First, foremost and always. This is not a nice sentiment or a glib statement. In just two English words, we sum up the most significant and important aspect of WHO and WHY we are.

These first three words - in Māori - of our vision, Ā tātou tamariki, were carefully chosen. They convey the understanding that our children don’t belong just to our school or just to their parents, but to all of us. We each and all have an important role in nurturing, guiding, and helping them grow.

So what does it mean, practically, to put our children at the centre in everything we do?

Seeing the Whole Child

We know that every child who walks through our gate brings their own story, strengths, culture, and spark. of creativity and curiosity. We say every child has their own story, and every child is their own story. Understanding and responding to that is a huge part of what we call Relationship-Based Practice. 

It's worth noting that a big push in education in New Zealand over the past couple of years has been 'Culturally Responsive Practice' - CRP. 

We have had this focus in place for 11 years at Western Heights. But we take it to a much deeper level. Our application of the acronym CRP stands for Child-Responsive Practice. We don't see each child as a representative of their 'culture', but rather, as a representative of themself as a unique, special, and treasured individual.

That’s why we commit to developing the whole child, not just their academic abilities, but their emotional wellbeing, social relationships, sense of self, and belief in their own value.

This is the foundation for everything we do and believe in. Research shows children who feel safe, seen, and supported learn better. They take more risks. They grow more resilient. And they carry those habits into their life and learning beyond our school gates.

Voice, Choice, and Agency

To truly put children at the centre, we must hear their voices and give them a say - this is called being agentic. When children are trusted to make choices, solve problems, and share their thoughts, they become active participants rather than passive recipients of learning. They understand that their thoughts matter.

With that trust will come mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of learning, and they often result from making choices. We teach children that mistakes are a good thing - not to be feared but to be accepted, even welcomed sometimes, because mistakes can be a powerful learning tool if we are not afraid of them.

At Western Heights, we nurture student agency in various ways, including inquiry-based learning, real-world projects, leadership opportunities, and classroom cultures that foster questioning and creativity.

Celebrating Identity and Culture

Our children come from diverse backgrounds, and that is a strength. We work hard to ensure every child sees themselves reflected in our stories, language, environment, and relationships. Honouring te ao Māori and weaving in the languages, stories, and customs of our whānau helps build pride in who we are.

When a child’s culture is celebrated, their sense of mana grows. And with that comes the confidence to step forward, take part, and shine.

Learning Through Kindness and Connection

We’ve spoken often about the importance of kindness at Western Heights. It’s more than a value; it’s a learning strategy. Children grow best in classrooms where relationships are strong, mistakes are welcomed, and differences are respected. These values aren’t just caught; they’re taught. And they become the foundation for future citizenship.

Preparing Future-Ready Learners

Putting children at the centre is not about spoiling children; it’s about equipping them to navigate challenges. Equipping them to work with others, to think critically and to act ethically. The children in our care today will be the decision-makers of tomorrow. It is our honour and privilege to teach them now how to lead with love, empathy, courage, and curiosity.

As a part of our vision states, Our Children, for Our Future.