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A word from the Principal

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A word from the Principal

At Fernlea School, our vision—“Learning, Achieving, Succeeding, Together”—guides everything we do. We strive to create a caring environment where learners are supported to reach their full potential, whether that is in the classroom, on the stage, or on the sports field.

We believe that for students to achieve, they must first feel safe, happy, and valued. Our four core values are the vehicle for our curriculum and help our students navigate their learning journey:

Manaaki (Heart): Fostering empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging for every child.
Tae (Can Do Attitude): Encouraging resilience and a drive for personal excellence.
Tūhonohono (Connecting): Teaching the importance of collaboration and positive contribution.
Whakaaro (Thinking): Empowering self-reliant, critical thinkers and problem-solvers.

Student wellbeing is a cornerstone of our school culture. We are proud to be a Mitey school, implementing an evidence-based approach to mental health education specifically designed for New Zealand tamariki. By embedding Mitey into our daily learning, we provide our students with the tools and language they need to understand their own mental health and support the wellbeing of others.

We work to embed Te Ao Māori in what we do, acknowledging our unique identity in Aotearoa. This is reflected in our daily routines, from starting our mornings with karakia to coming together for Kapa Haka and school-wide assemblies.

Our curriculum is focused and grounded in real-life contexts. We are currently integrating the new English and Mathematics curricula while ensuring our students have access to up-to-date technologies like iPads and Chromebooks.

Beyond the classroom, we take full advantage of our spacious and attractive environment. We encourage a "Can Do" attitude in the playground, where you will see our students climbing trees, riding scooters, and staying active.

If you would like to join the Fernlea School community, please contact Tracy in our office for an enrolment pack. I would be happy to personally show you around our wonderful school.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Tony Field

Principal

Fernlea School

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VISION

Learning, Achieving, Succeeding, Together

Fernlea School Values

Fernlea School’s values have been developed through community, staff and student consultation. They are values that underpin what we believe are important to everyone at Fernlea School. Our values are the vehicle that help us deliver the curriculum. They are not separate or stand alone and therefore cannot be taught in isolation.

Tae - Can do attitude

We provide an environment that inspires learners to achieve their full potential.

Learners with a can do attitude are seen as motivated and enthusiastic, aware that perseverance will help them achieve personal excellence in all learning situations. Learners with a can do attitude are seen as innovators, aware that difficulties and failures are all part of the learning process. Learners with a can do attitude have confidence in themselves and self-belief in what they can achieve – personal excellence.

Manaaki - Heart

We provide an environment where differences are valued and mutual respect is built through positive relationships.

Learners with heart are able to work and show empathy with a range of people, regardless of backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and abilities. By showing heart learners value themselves, others and their environment.

Tũhonohono - Connecting

We provide an environment where we build collaboration and teamwork.

Connecting is about communicating effectively, being able to express themselves confidently, coherently and purposefully and make links in their learning.

This enables them to contribute positively to their world, now and in the future.

Whakaaro -Thinking

We provide opportunities for learners to think for themselves and to practise the skills of effective thinking.

Thinkers are encouraged to ask questions and to use a variety of tools to explore and solve problems they may encounter. Thinking in different ways allows learners to achieve their potential, both in the present and the future.

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Ākonga Profile

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The Ākonga Profile is one of the ways that we bring our values alive. They also support our tamariki in setting goals, developing next steps and evaluating their progress. You will notice that the descriptions for Puāwai are the qualities we strive to have our Year 6 students demonstrating before they leave us to continue their learning journey.

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Promoting Positive Behaviour

	Promoting Positive Relationships 2026 Here is brief overview of the “Restorative System” and how it works. We use a restorative approach, where the focus is on accountability for the behaviours and learning from mistakes. This means, that if a student makes a mistake, they have to talk about what has happened, discuss who was affected or impacted and how they are going to put it right. It also involves talking about the mistake with the people who have been impacted. Examples of the questions asked if someone makes a mistake: What were you thinking when you……? How does the other person feel about your actions? What are you going to do to put this right? What are you going to do to make sure this does not happen again? Focus for the student is on ‘putting it right’. We also believe in the students taking responsibility for their actions and being able to talk to their parents and caregivers about what has happened. If a student appears on the behaviour data too frequently, for example twice in a week, we develop a plan with the student on how to ensure the mistakes don’t happen again. If there are more incidents within a week it tells us that the student needs more help and we may ask parents to come in and help with the plan. Students may also be removed from the playground or class if they have been placed on step 3 times over a short period of time, and this is a chance for the student to reset and get themselves ready for learning and playing again. It is definitely a team approach and we believe working with the students and their whānau is the best way of supporting students in making positive decisions. We are also aware that there are times when we also make mistakes when resolving problems at school and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or you are unhappy about anything. A copy of our promoting positive procedures can be found on our web site https://www.fernlea.school.nz/about-us/our-doc-station

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Fernlea School Curriculum Principles

The Fernlea School Curriculum core principles guide and support us to meet the needs of our students.

1. The Fernlea School curriculum is driven by the learner’s needs. Our students will experience:

teachers who know who they are and what they need so that they can be successful in their learning
personalised learning based on their needs and their next steps
learning that is responsive to community needs, global factors and future directions

2. The Fernlea School curriculum is driven by student agency. Our students will experience:

learning that promotes and encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning
reciprocal learning relationships (with teachers, peers and others).

3. The Fernlea School curriculum has high expectations. Our students will experience:

learning that extends, challenges and motivates them.

4. The Fernlea School curriculum has a clear planning structure and cycle. Our students will experience:

a curriculum that builds skills and knowledge over their time at Fernlea
learning that is well planned, taught, assessed and reviewed
A curriculum that is continually reviewed and purposefully designed

5. The Fernlea School curriculum utilizes digital technology. Our students will

experience:

digital technologies that are integrated in teaching and learning
learning that builds their digital skills and fluencies

6. The Fernlea School curriculum reflects Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our students will experience:

learning that has te reo and tikanga embedded
a school environment that affirms and strengthens Māori as tangata whenua

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Our Kawa

HOW WE DO THINGS

At Fernlea School we believe it is important for all students to experience learning that incorporates te reo and tikanga Māori. This exposure prepares our ākonga to confidently engage with te ao Māori outside our school gates, it reaffirms the place of ākonga Māori and their whānau as tangata whenua of Aotearoa, and creates a gateway for non-Māori ākonga to share their unique cultural and social backgrounds, languages and traditions.

Whanaungatanga

We start our week with an assembly as way of connecting as a school and every two weeks we meet for an afternoon assembly to celebrate successes.

We allocate ‘buddy classes’ across the school each year, to give ākonga the opportunity to engage with tamariki from a different year level and promote tuakana / teina interactions.

Karakia and Waiata

Karakia are learned and used to begin and end each day, as well as before kai times.

We learn a range of waiata as classes, syndicates and whole school that can be used for different purposes and in different situations.

Tikanga

We have developed tikanga to be followed across our school that reflect the practices and routines we have in place as a kura. Such as, not sitting or putting hats on surfaces where we would also put kai, respecting each other’s mana by not touching others’ heads, and not interrupting karakia by walking around the classroom.

New Zealand Sign Language

We learn kupu, phrases, karakia and waiata in NZSL to acknowledge the importance of its use in Aotearoa.

Kura Ahurea

We work alongside Kura Ahurea, an education programme delivered by tangata whenua group Wellington Tenths Trust, to build the

capabilities of our teachers in using te reo and tikanga Māori in our classrooms and around Fernlea School.

Kapa Haka

All students take part in a Kapa Haka programme with Whaea Louana on Fridays. This programme allows students to engage with

te ao Māori through waiata, haka and dance.

Each year we look for opportunities for our students to perform for our community.

We take part in Polyfest every two years and perform at Wainuiomata Community Hall as part of Matariki celebrations.

The Year 5 and 6 students also perform at Te Papa in November.

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Our Kawa

HOW WE DO THINGS

I summon from above

I summon from below

I summon from within

I summon from the surrounding environment

Vitality and wellbeing for all

Strength in unity

Welcome the gifts of food

from the sacred forests

from the cultivated gardens

from the sea

from the fresh waters

The food of Tāne,

of Rongo,

of Tangaroa,

of Maru

I acknowledge Ranginui who is above me,

Papatūānuku who lies beneath me

Let this be my commitment to all!

Draw together! Affirm!

Draw on, draw on

Draw on the supreme sacredness

To clear, to free

Our heart, body

And soul

Our pathway prepared

Lo, there is peace

Suspended high above manifest!

Draw together

Affirm!

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Mihi Whakatau

What to expect

At the beginning of each term we host a mihi whakatau as an official welcome for all new students, staff and whānau. The purpose of this is to remove the tapu (restrictions) of the manuhiri (visitors) to make them one with the tangata whenua (hosts).

The main difference between a pōwhiri and a mihi whakatau is that while a pōwhiri may be conducted on a Marae, a mihi whakatau can be done in other locations and may not feature a karanga (the call of the woman).

Our mihi whakatau procedure

Karanga: Our student leaders will do this
All guests will be guided to their seats
A karakia/blessing is then recited
Followed by a mihi/speech by the hosts. This will include a speech by some students and myself.
When host speeches are completed manuhiri/visitors will be invited to speak.
A representative of the manuhiri will be required to speak on behalf of the group. This can be in English.
All speeches are followed by a waiata tautoko/song of support. For the manuhiri/new students we will sing Te Aroha.
Tangata whenua will then complete the process and invite manuhiri to move across to harirū/shake hands and hongi/press noses with tangata whenua/hosts.
The mihi whakatau will be followed by partaking in kai/food in our staffroom.

Speaking at a whakatau

If you are comfortable speaking te reo Māori or any language, you might want to consider being a kaikōrero (speaker on behalf of the students and families). If you do wish to speak, please let us know on the day or speak with Amalia Lipidis or with Tony Field.

Waiata Tautoko – Te Aroha

Te Aroha

Te Whakapono

Me te Rangimārie

Tātou, tātou ē

Our Kawa

HOW WE DO THINGS

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Our Team

There are a huge amount of people that work hard to improve outcomes for the students at Fernlea.

Board of Trustees

The board of trustees are made up of parent representatives, the principal and a staff representative. Their role is to govern the school to ensure that Fernlea School is achieving our Vision of - Learning, Achieving, Succeeding Together.

The board meets twice a term and they are public meetings - so you are welcome to attend.

Our Current board members are:

Michelle Knight - current Presiding Member

Jacob Topp - Parent Representative Tony Field - Principal

Leeanda Keomany - Parent Representative Sandy Haynes - Staff Representative

Aditya Anand - Parent Representative Tracy Bognuda - Minutes Secretary

Sven Johnson - Parent Representative

You can contact the board at bot@fernlea.school.nz

The Fernlea Fundraisers

This is a group of parents who work to improve outcomes for our students by raising money to contribute towards purchasing equipment for the students. They are always looking out for new members to join the team and normally meet once a term.

Chey Hemmingway President Kayla Ryan Alex Nolan

Ashlee Noice Vice President Ashleigh Sorensen Jaymie Brown

Abby Debbage Treasurer Staci Johnson Te Paea Muru-Haenga

Sarah Andersen Secretary Tony Field

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Fernlea School Prospectus 2026

How we transition ākonga into our new entrants room

This is an outline of what happens before new entrants start here at Fernlea School.

Most tamariki have three visits to school before they officially start. Our office manager will email out information approximately 6 weeks before your child is due to start with us. You should also receive a phone call from us.

Visits

The first visit is between 9.00am to 11.00am. We encourage you to stay with your child on this visit, but this is not compulsory. This enables you to see the programme, learn the routines and talk to them at home about school. We do ask that no younger siblings stay for this visit as it can be disruptive to the class.

The general programme on the first visit starts at 9am with a roll call and a check in, which supports your child’s transition into the school day. During mat time, the days of the week, weather and any important happenings are discussed. This is then followed by the learning programme. Morning tea begins at 10.30am, so please provide your child with something to eat. The children will go out to play first and then come in at 10.50 to eat together.

The second visit will be from 9.00am to 12.00pm. This visit you leave them at 9.00am. This enables them to cope without you and settle into school life. You will need to provide morning tea again for your child. At 12.00pm lunch begins, the children play first so you will pick them up just before they go out to play. This visit they will experience our full morning programme.

The third visit will be from 9.00am to 1.40pm. This visit you leave them at 9.00am again, providing them with morning tea.

You are the one who knows your child best, so please feel free to discuss with the New Entrant teacher, Amalia Lipidis, any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact Tracy Bognuda before your child’s first visit if you have any questions. Just ring the school on 5646066.

Buddy Visits

Transition visits involve Year 5 or 6 students visiting new entrants in their kindergartens or early child centres before they start school. This allows a smooth transition into a child’s primary schooling. This has been happening at Fernlea School for some years now and is extremely successful. These buddies then support the new entrants during their first weeks at school.

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How we communicate and how you can communicate with us.

Communication/ School Information

There are a number of ways to find out information about what is happening at Fernlea.

The school newsletter, which is emailed out every Monday, as well as being posted on our Facebook Page and website.
Our school website- www.fernlea.school.nz - There is a lot of information about how we do things.
Our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Official-Fernlea-School-5647871202256 - We post all our newsletters and updates here.
Parent/caregiver emails - This is a way of getting information out to everyone. If you don’t receive emails from us, please check that we have your correct email address.
Cell phone numbers - We use these as a way of sending urgent reminders to parents and caregivers.
Phoning the office - You can phone us on 564 6066. It may not be possible to speak to teachers straight away, but they can phone you back.
Emailing Teachers - These email addresses can be found on our website
Emailing Tracy in the office - office@fernlea.school.nz
Emailing Tony - principal@fernlea.school.nz
Emailing the Board of Trustees bot@fernlea.school.nz
Emailing the Fernlea Fundraisers - fundraisers@fernlea.school.nz
Seesaw: All teachers use Seesaw as a way of sharing learning with parents and whānau. Each year your child’s class teacher will send out a code for you to sign up. Teacher will share weekly updates on what is happening in their classes and there will also be weekly updates sharing highlights from your child’s learning during the week.

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Contacting The Team

Office Manager	Tracy Bognuda office@fernlea.school.nz
Office Assistant	Christine Pover christine.pover@fernlea.school.nz
Library	Marian Brassington library@fernlea.school.nz
Learning Assistants	Heather Forbes, Marian Brassington, Christine Pover, Penny Agius, Shannon Braggins, Lynley Haste, TePaea Muru-Haenga, Jude Spier, Rebecca Walker, Callum Pollard, Jaymie Brown
Caretaker	Steve Wilkie
Principal	Tony Field tony.field@fernlea.school.nz
Deputy Principal SENCO	Caroline Walton caroline.walton@fernlea.school.nz
Senior Syndicate Leader	Natasha McFelin natasha.mcfelin@fernlea.school.nz
Junior Syndicate Leader	Jane Knight jane.knight@fernlea.school.nz
Kapa Haka	Louana Fruean Louana.Fruean@wmkindergartens.org.nz
Part-Time Teachers	Pru Naama, Tricia Egan, Sarah Ross, Kasey Bircham

Amalia Lipidis amalia.lipidis@fernlea.school.nz	Room 1	New entrants
Chris Clark chris.clark@fernlea.school.nz	Room 2	Year 1
Renee Madsen renee.madsen@fernlea.school.nz	Room 3	Year 2
Jane Knight jane.knight@fernlea.school.nz	Room 4	Year 2/4
Robyn Wilson robyn.wilson@fernlea.school.nz	Room 5	Year 4
Abby Debbage abby.debbage@fernlea.school.nz	Room 6	Year 3
Sandy Haynes sandy.haynes@fernlea.school.nz	Room 9	Year 4
Subnesh Chand subnesh.chand@fernlea.school.nz	Room 10	Year 4/5
Felcy John felcy.john@fernlea.school.nz	Room 11	Year 5/6
Natasha McFelin natasha.mcfelin@fernlea.school.nz	Room 12	Year 6

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Fernlea School Prospectus 2026

How things work at Fernlea School

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VISION

Learning, Achieving, Succeeding, Together

Fernlea School Strategic Plan 2024 -2026

INITIATIVE 1.1

Ākonga profile

Continue to embed the Ākonga profile

INITIATIVE 1.2

Curriculum

Implementation of the new English Curriculum

INITIATIVE 2.1

People

Building and maintaining the culture well-being

INITIATIVE 3.2

Parents and Whānau

Building and maintaining parent and whānau engagement with Fernlea

We will continue to have a safe workplace culture for kaimahi and school culture for our ākonga.

Surveys, feedback and interactions show that whānau are engaged with the school community.

2025 achievement measure - Refer Regulations 7(g)

STRATEGIC GOAL 1

Our ākonga will be engaged and active participants in their learning

NELP Objective 1 & 2 / Regulations 7(1)(b)

STRATEGIC GOAL 2

We will invest

in our people

NELP Objective 1 and 3 / Regulations 7(1)(b)

STRATEGIC GOAL 3

We will have strong,

positive relationships

NELP Objective 1 and 4 / Regulations 7(1)(b)

INITIATIVE 3.3

Community

Fernlea School ākonga will contribute to the Wainuiomata Community

The ākonga of Fernlea School will have contributed to Wainuiomata Community. This will be documented.

INITIATIVE 1.3

Curriculum

Implementation of the new Mathematics Curriculum

STRATEGIC GOAL 4

We will have a te ao Māori lens on what we do

NELP Objective 1 and 3 / Regulations 7(1)(b)

INITIATIVE 4.1

Understanding

We have an understanding of what Te Ao Māori means for us at Fernlea

We will maintain

85 - 95% of Yr 5 & 6 65 - 75% of Yr 3 & 4 reflect on learning using the using the Ākonga profile.

Yr 1 & 2 know about Ākonga Profile.

We will using the new English curriculum to plan, teach and assess our ākonga.

We will using the new Mathematics curriculum to plan, teach and assess our ākonga.

The board and staff, students and whānau will have an understanding of what Te Ao Māori means for us at Fernlea.