Hamilton East School - Hamilton East

What do we stand for?

In 2015 the Board of Trustees adopted a new Vision and Whakataukī for Hamilton East School to reflect our values, expectations and aspirations, and to inform and guide our future decision-making and conduct. The Vision, Whakataukī, and school logo are interwoven and the cornerstones of what our school stands for.

Vision

Our Vision is ‘Stand tall, reach high’. It was inspired by our beautiful redwood tree that has graced the HES grounds since the early 1900s.

Our Vision means being proud of ourselves, of each other and of our school, and having confidence now and into the future. It speaks of the heights our tamariki can reach with the right care and nurturing, and the importance of having a strong foundation or roots to weather any storms. It reminds us to dream big and aim high.

Whakataukī

A whakataukī (proverb or saying) is an important aspect of Māori culture. Our whakataukī is ‘Tū Tangata! Tū Māia!’. It was informed by the Vision but as with all whakataukī, it is metaphoric and carries many meanings. This whakataukī was recommended by Te Whānau Hononga and endorsed by the Board. Te Whānau Hononga is a group of parents and whānau of Māori students who seek to support and promote the success of Māori students at HES; guide and promote the use of te reo, mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori; and uphold the Treaty of Waitangi.

"Tū” means to stand, establish or hold. "Tangata” means person or individual. "Māia” means to be brave, bold, capable or confident.

Tū Tangata! Is a call to stand tall and demonstrate ‘personhood’. It encompasses attitudes and values, responsibility and compassion, and standing firm in one’s beliefs. It includes knowing our place in the world, including through acknowledging and valuing whakapapa, reo and tikanga.

Tū Māia! Is a call to demonstrate courage and creativity. It encompasses leadership, independence, confidence and pride and recognition of one’s skills. For Māori, it includes valuing and being Māori.

He kupu akiaki tēnei ki a tātou kia whakanuia te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate reo, tikanga and Mātauranga Māori.1

Principles

The guiding principles for HES learners are to be :
Engaged, Respectful, Literate, Curious and Connected (please refer to the toolkit)