Philosophy behind Te Huinga Wai | Senior Division

The Burnside High School divisional system reflects the school’s motto: "recte sic dirige cursum, in this way direct your course correctly". The divisional system was introduced by Mr Allan Hunter, Principal, in 1972 to provide better care, support and guidance for students.

The name of each wāhanga/division that make up our school represent the puna/springs that were in the immediate area. These puna fed into a number of streams.

Their coming together is represented by Senior Division (Te Huinga Wai).

Students are guided to the Senior Division/Te Huinga Wai, whose colour is the green of the tī kōuka/cabbage trees. Tī kōuka was a meeting place where Māori commonly gathered, to rest on their journeys. Birds and fish gathered here for the same reasons before continuing their migrations. Likewise, Year 13 students gather here, as one, under the shelter of tī kōuka for sustenance and final preparations prior to their individual journeys in the world beyond.

Points of difference for Te Huinga Wai | Senior Division

• • Senior Division is a rite of passage for Burnside High School students after four years in their Junior Divisions - a year which unites the school.

  • This is a transitional year for students moving from their Junior Division to a whole year group where the focus is on preparing to move to a post-school setting appropriate to each individual. The issues and focus of Senior Division are unique and we recognise the importance of leaving the roots of the Junior Divisions behind to join Senior Division before leaving school.

  • There is a transition from wearing the Burnside High School Uniform to no uniform requirement in Senior Division marking the change.

  • There is a different level of respect afforded to Year 13 students and the relationship between them and staff is different.

  • The needs of students are more targeted and so relies on more specialist pastoral staff in the form of the Deans, Form Teachers and Divisional Principal as well as Academic Mentors and the Careers Department.

  • A student’s time in Senior Division culminates with our Prize-giving and Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the successful passage through their five years at high school.

The FOUR Pillars of INTEGRITY in Te Huinga Wai | Senior Division    

We value students who are:

• • are punctual and present, and who have the maturity and initiative to achieve at their best when given the opportunity to work independently

  • show resilience in the face of adversity and confidence when faced with a challenge

  • see the diversity, difference and Individuality in our school community as a strength

  • model and uphold the school values and who choose to lead by example