Principal's Message

Welcome to Kaihere School. Our school was established more than 100 years, through the good will and hard work of the local community. Good people, working hard is firmly in our DNA and continues to be the expectations for staff and students alike.

So what do we mean by ‘good’? When we say of a person that they are a good human being, we mean that they are respectful, responsible, considerate of others, gracious and honest. They use their time and talents to contribute to the lives of others, and in this, find meaning and purpose in life.

Why ‘working hard’? Nothing great is easily won and effort is needed to achieve anything worthwhile in life. A ‘high expectations, no blame, no excuses’ attitude to learning and life is called for, along with support by family and school. Putting in the hard work requires diligence, perseverance, determination and resilience.

We need our students to work hard in their learning. If they leave primary school without a sound foundation in reading, writing and mathematics, then future pathways and life outcomes are likely to narrow down. A back to basics approach is urgently needed if we are to ensure that our young people have what they need to be learning ready, life ready, work ready and world ready. If we don’t get the basics right, the alternative for too many is poorer health, uncertain employment, financial insecurity, and ultimately less fulfilling and satisfying lives.

It is not just about working hard in learning. We also need to be working hard at being and becoming a good person, a trustworthy friend, a reliable employee – in short, a decent human being who shows respect, cares for others and uses one’s talents for self growth and in the service of others.

As a society, it is as important as ever to raise a generation who are good people, working hard.

Ngaire Harris,

M. Ed Lead (Hons); Dip, Tchg; B. Arts.