Whanganui East School

Start-Up Tikanga at Whanganui East School

Every morning at Whanganui East School, classes begin the day with Start-Up Tikanga. This routine helps students learn about Whanganuitanga, fostering a sense of connection and belonging within each classroom community.

The six roles in Start-Up Tikanga are:

Ruruku Timatanga (opening welcome)
Waiata (song)
Mihi (greeting)
Waiata
Pepeha (personal introduction linking to land, family, and Iwi)
Waiata

Students and teachers also participate in other tikanga throughout the school day, including Closing Ruruku (Ruruku Whakamutunga), Kai Karakia (blessing before kai), and school Pōwhiri (formal welcomes).

These practices strengthen the Whanganui East School identity and deepen our connection with local Iwi, helping all students to understand and value their place in the community.

Ko Wai Au – Discovering and Sharing Who We Are

At Whanganui East School, all students create a Ko Wai Au to share information about themselves. This helps students reflect on four important aspects of their lives:

Taha Wairua – their values and beliefs, and how they manage their emotions
Taha Hinengaro – what supports their learning and what their future goals might be
Taha Tinana – how they care for their physical wellbeing, including sports and activities they enjoy
Taha Whānau – their family, including ways they contribute at home

Students continue to add to their Ko Wai Au sheet throughout their time at Whanganui East School. At the end of Year 6, this valuable record is sent with them to their Intermediate school, providing continuity and insight into each child’s growth and identity.

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