Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki

Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki
Tēnā koutou e te whanau. This is my 16th year as tumuaki of our lovely kura. I am one-eyed when it comes to providing the very best education for all of our tamariki, strong connections to whanau and applying attachment theory so every child has a champion adult at our school who believes in them unconditionally. I just can’t see past it. Our kaiako and kaiawhina go the extra 50 miles to give our children the best chances to succeed. My family is number one. After 20 years of camping holidays in Kaiteriteri, Graham and I are recidivist “glampers “ and ready for new adventures in our latest caravan. It’s brilliant when our family joins us too.

Friday, May 25, 2012


WSS Disco Fever on PhotoPeach



Zone Netball Teams on PhotoPeach



Fish in Schools Project on PhotoPeach


Home School Partnership Numeracy Teaching











Janice held another great Friday morning  Home School Partnership meeting for parents. This one was about how we teach math at West Spreydon School. The Numeracy Project has meant radical changes in the ways in which children learn about numbers and problem solving. As always Janice taught us well. The mini cupcakes oiled the wheels of learning too. It is lovely to see parents give up their time to find ways in which to help their children.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Tataiako and Ka Hikitia review


When we review we know how to do it to best fit the occasion. Bill our caretaker went diving for the kai moana and Shirley and Angie made mussel patties, raw mussels and paua patties. They were served with Riwana bread too. Oh boy, oh boy. Our hui started with a karakia mo kai and a himine. We looked at the underlying principles of both documents and what they would look like and sound like in action in our school. We revived the school patere which is a "raise the hairs on the back of your neck experience." There were teachers, support staff and trainee teachers present. Our passion is to make a difference for everyone and to be reminded about the need to be authentic and inclusive was very important. We reviewed how we already have things in place to honour te reo and tikanga. Tataiako talks about Wananga, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, tangata whenuatanga and ako. We have examined what that means for us as a school community. Ka Hikitia means to step up or to lift up. For us that means to honour te reo, tikanga and our whanau. It also means to have high expectations around achievement for our Maori students and all of our students. The quality of the professional learning that we do together has a profound impact on the ways in which we plan and teach in our school. We are proud of the quality of the staff we have here at West Spreydon School.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Room 2 Class President, Vice-President and Secretary

Shirley Haynes is keen to ensure that students have a voice about how they see their class and school operating for success. All students were given the opportunity to apply for the positions of President, Vice President and Secretary of the class. Shirley wrote the job descriptions and the children had to write and present a speech to the class. Molly was voted as Class President, Ashanti as class Vice - President and Jesse as Class Secretary. Congratulations.
South West Schools Music Festival on PhotoPeach
West Spreydon School House Leaders on PhotoPeach
ABCD1May2012 on PhotoPeach
ABCD May2012 on PhotoPeach