Welcome to Titahi Bay School
Nau mai ki te Kura o Titahi Bay
Resting on the whenua (land) of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, beside the seaside of Raukawa Moana, we honour our place here in Titahi Bay, Porirua. Our kura is surrounded by significant landmarks—Whitireia Maunga, Te Mana o Kupe, Raukawa Moana, Te Awarua o Porirua, and Rangituhi Maunga. These geographical taonga connect us to this place and enrich the learning experiences of our tamariki.
Ngā Uara o te Kura – Our School Values (KURA)
Our values guide every aspect of life at Titahi Bay School:
Kindness (Manaakitanga) – We show care, empathy, and understanding towards others.
Unity (Kotahitanga) – We think and work collectively, recognising the importance of collaboration with our hoa (peers), ākomanga (classes), kura (school), whānau (families), and hapori (community).
Respect (Whakarangatiratanga) – We honour and care for each other, our environment, and our heritage. We seek opportunities to uplift those around us.
Achievement (Kia Tutuki Ai) – We strive for personal excellence and celebrate success in all its forms.
These uara (values) are lived every day, both in and out of the ākomanga (classroom), forming the heartbeat of our kura community. Many refer to us as “Kura Street,” a playful nod to both our location and the deep integration of our KURA values into our school culture.
Te Waitohu – Our Logo
Our logo reflects four key aspects of our local environment, each rich in meaning and deeply connected to our kura.
The Waves – The koru waves represent Raukawa Moana and Te Awarua o Porirua, symbolising our deep connection to the moana and the ever-moving, ever-changing nature of our kura.
The Boat Sheds – A much-loved icon of Titahi Bay, the boat sheds symbolise the unique character of our hapori (community). Each shed stands in its own unique way, just like our tamariki, whānau, and staff. Together, they represent the strength that comes from unity.
Te Mana o Kupe – Mana Island – A significant taonga of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Mana Island is an important part of our local landscape. Its presence in our logo reminds us of the importance of respect—for our environment, our history, and each other. It symbolises our commitment to honouring the past, embracing the present, and protecting the future.
Te Rā – The Sun – Shining brightly in our kura colours of blue and yellow, the sun represents the rise and growth of our tamariki (children), kaimahi (staff), whānau (families), and hapori (community). It reflects our belief that every child can shine, striving to be their best selves. Like the sun rising each day, our tamariki are encouraged to aim high and embrace every learning opportunity.
Our Vision – Pai Rākau Pai Hua
Our vision, Pai Rākau Pai Hua, loosely translates to Good Trees, Good Fruit. This represents our commitment to working in partnership with whānau to nurture our tamariki, supporting their holistic well-being and helping them thrive. When our tamariki, whānau, and kaimahi are strong and flourishing, goodness naturally follows.
We believe in nurturing the whole child through rich and diverse learning experiences. Just as healthy trees bear good fruit, strong and confident tamariki emerge when they are given opportunities to grow – whether in the classroom, exploring the beach, connecting with our hapori, or engaging in sports and the arts.
This vision is beautifully reflected in our school’s team structure – Kākano, Koru, Rākau, and Ngahere – each representing a stage of growth. From a kākano (seed) full of potential to a thriving ngahere (forest), this progression reinforces the importance of growth, support, and success.
School Houses - Ngā Whare o te Kura
Kikorangi
Symbolises our local beach and the powerful presence of Tangaroa, depicted through the wave pattern
Waiporoporo
Reflects the iconic boat sheds, a distinctive feature of the Bay
Kākāriki
Represents the resilient Ti Kouka tree, viewed from above, echoing the strength and endurance of our local Iwi
Kōwhai
Embodies Mana Island, a local taonga
Karaka
Represents Whitireia, our local Maunga
Whero
Stands for education and achievement, illustrated through the Poutama pattern
Who we are
Tītahi Bay School is nestled in the heart of Tītahi Bay, a short distance to our beach and harbour. We have New Entrants to Year 6 children and we are very proud of our achievements. We are a vibrant, big school which embraces the cultural traditions found within our diverse group of students. We currently have 39% Maori, 43% NZ European, 14% Pasifika, and 4% Other in our school.
Our Culture
We celebrate our dual heritage, and today’s multi-cultural school community, respecting and valuing diversity, and have high expectations, inclusiveness and care for ourselves, others and our environment.
Our Traditions
We have a reputation in the performing arts and kapa haka. Our school shows are legendary and always involve the whole school. We celebrate our new 5 year olds coming into our school through Springbulbs and we hold a very special graduation night at the end of Year 6 – where each child receives a taonga.
We also recognise the Year 6’s who have reached the highest level in Numeracy, Literacy, Sports, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, contribution to school and role models. We are a very sporty school and have Saturday netball and hockey and we also compete in a range of sporting events locally and regionally.
All new children and staff are welcomed into our school with a Pōwhiri. The Pōwhiri team is made of students – the karanga and speaker on the paepae are students.
Our School
We are on big grounds with two large grass areas. Our buildings, hall and playgrounds are well maintained. We have shaded areas for children. Our school celebrates enviro education through our edible garden, worm farms and recycling and we encourage students to take pride in their environment.
Our Community
Our community totally supports our school and is very approachable and keen to help us. Our community enjoy coming to all our celebrations, especially when their children are showcasing their talents. We celebrate Academics, The Arts, Sports and our Values programme. We have very supportive parents who work with the school on any new initiative.
Joint Expectations
Parents, teachers and the community hold high expectations for student achievement:
- Students will become self-motivated, independent and confident
- Parents and teachers will do everything they can to overcome the barriers to learning that some children encounter
- Children will achieve the fundamentals of a good education and in doing so will have fun and discover and experience new and exciting things.
Community Consultation
Tītahi Bay School consults regularly with our parents and caregivers over matters which affect the education of the children. The consultation process includes strategic plans, school reviews and community surveys and reporting to parents.
We also survey our students to get their take on their education and to identify areas for improvement.
Expectations
A profile (our vision) of a Year 6 student who has spent at least 3 years at Tītahi Bay School before leaving:
- Be at the expected National Standards level in Reading, Writing and Maths. To be achieving at the expected level and have the necessary skills to be moving onto Year 7/8.
- Proud of his/her achievements, school and community
- Confident (motivated and happy)
- Organised (responsible for self)
- Able to persevere (set goals and work hard)
- Able to get along with others (friendly and fair), show gratitude
- Resilient (able to handle setbacks and conflict)
- Able to think for him/her self and take responsibility
- Able to read, write, communicate and use maths skills – to his/her potential
- Creative, healthy and active
- Excited about learning and future opportunities
Inclusion and Equity
At Tītahi Bay School we celebrate difference and value people as individuals. The strictest confidentiality will be adhered to in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993.
The needs of all our children will be catered for regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, physical, social and academic abilities.
