Community

At Tawhai School we work hard to ensure we build and maintain effective community relationships. Through building ‘partnerships with parents, whānau, and communities we can achieve better outcomes for our students. Tawhai School regularly consults with our community to construct and share a common vision and develop goals.

We are continually looking for ways to promote our school as the hub of the community and encourage parent participation in all forms.

PTSG

The Parent-Teacher Support Group, known as the PTSG, is an enthusiastic, energetic group of parents who support Tawhai School throughout the year. Their main role is to support the school through fundraising and social events. Joining the committee is a great way to meet new friends, particularly for those who are new in school or the area and who have an interest in the being involved in fundraising initiatives. It is a fantastic way to support your child’s school and become involved in their education. Meetings are held monthly in the school staffroom. To become involved, simply contact the school office or email ptsg@tawhai.school.nz.

For more information, visit the PTSG page.

Whānau Parent Group

Tawhai School has a whānau group which meet once a term to discuss educational issues for Māori. The purpose of the group is to support the school in meeting the needs of our Māori students. The whānau group works collaboratively with the Principal to promote Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori and to raise student achievement in reading, writing and maths. If you are interested in finding out more about the whānau group or want to become a member please email principal@tawhai.school.nz.

Aiga Parent Group

Tawhai School is establishing an ‘aiga’ group which will meet once a term to discus educational issues for our Pacifica students. The purpose of the group will be to support the school in meeting the needs of our Pacifica students and to look at ways for the school to engage with our Pacifica families. If you are interested in finding out more about the aiga group or want to become a member please email principal@tawhai.school.nz.

School Chaplin

We are very fortunate to have Kathy David working one day a week as the School Chaplain. A chaplain has a pastoral concern for the whole school community- the children, staff and parents. A chaplain is available to listen and be a friend to people of the school community. Children or adults who are dealing with difficult issues or who just need to talk with someone are able to meet with the School Chaplain. During this time the children may talk while playing games, drawing, or making things.

A School Chaplain is trained to respect and show sensitivity towards each student or adult regardless of religious belief, ethnicity, or race. There is no religious input.

Staff and parents are able to refer children to the School Chaplain using a referral form which is available through the office or the School Chaplain. Children may also request to see the Chaplain.

Matters discussed will be kept confidential unless they are of a serious nature and need to be referred on for professional help. If you do not wish your child to meet with the School Chaplain please email the class teacher or myself (principal@tawhai.school.nz).

Parent Helpers

Tawhai School encourages community involvement in school activities. We are always looking for parent volunteers to support the school in providing the best possible conditions and experiences for the children. Examples of parents being involved in the everyday life of our school include:

• Parent Tutor Reading Programme
  Parent volunteers listen to children read. Training is provided. If interested contact the school office or email Karen Johnston
• kjohnston@tawhai.school
• Enviro-schools Programme
  Parent volunteers support environmental initiatives through gardening and supporting community projects. If interested in learning more about the Enviro-schools programme visit the website www.enviroschools.org.nz.
• Road Patrol
  Parent volunteers supervise student road patrollers. Parents can choose to help either before school (8:25am-8:55am) or after school school (2:55pm-3:10pm). Parent road patrollers ensure our school crossing is a safer place for the students, whanau and the wider community. If you are interested in finding out more about this initiative please contact the school office or email janette@tawhai.school.nz.