Fernridge; a school that nurtures curiosity

Our Vision and Values

Fernridge; A School that nurtures curiosity!

Our Values:

Whanaungatanga- Meaning "Relationships, Kinship, Connectedness." It refers to the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with others. This is about creating a sense of belonging and a connection to place. It is about Fernridge being a place where tamariki feel valued and a place where they want to be.

Whakatauki: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata He tangata He tangata!

Manaakitanga- Meaning "Hospitality, Kindness, Respect." It refers to the act of showing respect, generosity, and care for others. This is about enhancing mana and encompasses humility, aroha, encouragement, and nurturing. It is to put the needs of others above your own.

Whakatauki: Nā to rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi

Hiringa- Meaning "Determination, Perseverance, Courage." It refers to the act of being persistent and having the strength to overcome obstacles. This is relevant to education and is the name given to our whare by Rangitāne o Wairarapa. It comes from the whakatauki “Mā Te Hiringa o ngā tamariki ka tipu tahi tātou. - Through the sheer determination, energy, & perseverance of our children shall we grow as a nation.”

Whakatauki:  Whaia te iti kahurangiki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei

Kaitiakitanga- Meaning "Guardianship, Stewardship, Conservation." It refers to the responsibility of protecting and preserving the environment, cultural heritage, and resources for future generations. This is about caring for the present to create a bright future; it is our legacy. Not only encompassing tangible things like the environment but also intangible things such as wellbeing, language, and knowledge.

Whakatauki:  Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata, whāia te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina

We are a contributing school located 5 minutes out of Masterton.  We are a Learner centred school where we utilise Play Based learning and STEM to provide authentic learning opportunities for our students.  We have 8 Learner Qualities which lead our learning.  These were developed with students from across the Masterton School cluster.  We empower our students to be Self Directed with their learning.

What will I see?

Open environment, lots of little areas set up for groups of learners, lots of hands on areas designed for play and interaction of children. A large componet will be outside making the most of our school environment.

You will see groups working with adults doing learning, playing together and interacting with oral language and problem solving. Teachers will be roving and engaging in conversations with learners. Children will be making choices and managing self and using all the Learner Qualities.

What will I hear?

Children talking to other children and then talking with adults. I will hear problem solving words and conversations. I will hear teachers calling for children to come and do some learning. I hear lots of positive praise and feedback. I hear voices talking about the learning and children talking about how proud they are about the Learner Qualities that they are using.

What will it feel like?

It will feel busy but engaged. It will feel safe and mindful. It will feel positive and warm and focused.

We are members of the Whakaoriori Kāhui Ako.  Here is a link to the website to find out what is going on

Spotlight on Learning:

Here are some of our information posters of what and how things work at Fernridge School