Kia ora koutou
Welcome to the 2021 School Year

I hope you enjoyed a relaxing and restful summer break and that you are recharged and ready for the amazing learning planned for our community for this year. I also warmly welcome all our new learners and families who have joined us this year. I look forward to working with you and your children and the positive energy and dedication to education that each of you will bring to our school.

Michelle Obama said, “I want our children to know they matter, that they belong; so they don’t be afraid.” I want our learners at Manurewa West Primary School, to be strong in their cultural identity, to feel a sense of belonging and to take risks with their learning. I want our learners to be the best they can be.

I am excited about another productive school year. The skilled and devoted staff are planned and prepared for our learners. Manaakitanga is underpinned by high expectations. Yes, indeed we are old-fashioned about expectations for behaviours and manners which has always served us well in growing respect for everyone around us, which is the “Man West Way”. Our strong sense of whanaungatanga(community) is felt through the strength and warmth of our close knit and supportive staff, students and parent/whanau community.

This year as part of our focus on local curriculum and growing strong citizenship, our learners will have a role to play in service to our community with the end goal of providing a context and greater purpose to students’ lives. The aim is to ensure that learners have the opportunities to develop their leadership skills and become more aware, humble and empathetic people by giving back to their community. 

If anything Covid-19 has taught us how important it is to build resilience. It is crucial that our learners build resilience in their time at Manurewa West Primary School. We want to see our students flourish and bounce back despite challenges and setbacks that may come their way.

Each year we embrace positive changes. As you would have noticed, numerous construction and landscaping projects have been completed creating beautiful learning and play spaces for our learners.Our 2021 projects include the installation of an all weather cover over the netball courts and brand new playgrounds for Riroriro Whanau(Juniors) and Piwakawaka Whanau(Middle School). The Imagination Station (Maker Space) which is an extension of STEAM will also open this year, giving students the opportunity to stretch their imagination, creativity and curiosity in a well equipped environment to explore possibilities. These welcome changes will be underpinned by a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, and a well integrated local curriculum. I am so appreciative and proud of the new and planned additions to our wonderful school.

Your commitment in ensuring that Manurewa West Primary School remains a sought after and successful school is appreciated. I look forward to saying “hello” to students and families as often as possible. Let’s work together, to make this school year an exciting one for all learners. It is an absolute privilege to be Principal of Manurewa West Primary School.

Nga manaakitanga 

Kogie Naidoo