Cultural
We are a multicultural school made up of European, Maori, Indian, Pasifika and Asian pupils.
We love the rich diversity this brings to our school. The rich diversity helps children to realise that there are many ways to achieve the things in life that we all value.
Kotahitanga , unity, is far greater than “just getting along”,more than just “tolerating others”, it is the ability to appreciate each other, embrace the rich diversity each person brings, respect and value the right of individuals to do things differently.
We have many ways of embracing our cultures eg Cultural Festival, performing groups (Kapa Haka, Indian Dance & Pasifika groups), whole school Marae visits and frequently share hangis together and have a whole school whakatau at the beginning of each term to welcome new pupils, their whānau and staff members.
We celebrate special days and events such as Powhiri, Matariki and Diwali. We have meetings with respective groups of parents; Whanau Support Group, Indian Parent Group and Pasifika Group. We are a culturally inclusive school that works hard at valuing our diverse cultures and strives to bring the best out in all our pupils.
Arts
At Fairhaven School, we provide a range of learning opportunities in Performance Arts to enrich the school curriculum. All students participate in elements of performance arts within their class programmes including music, dance and drama.
They also will learn and engage in visual arts using different media. We also offer music and singing lessons.
Kapahaka
Kapa haka plays a vital role in the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori and Māori cultural values. It develops self-confidence, enhances positive holistic hauora (well-being) by encouraging a sense of belonging, and provides a “safe haven” in which they can practice te reo me ōna tikanga. Kapahaka also reinforces social collaboration, cohesion and connectedness.
At Fairhaven, all children (Years 1-6) learn waiata and attend kapa haka sessions. This prepares them to participate in whole-school whakatau and singing.
On occasion, some students are selected to perform at different events including; Fairhaven Fireworks Gala, Fairhaven Cultural Festival, end of year prize givings and other local celebrations.
Indian Dance Group
“Dream, Strive, Achieve through Kotahitanga”
Values our children and their diverse cultures.
Our Indian Dance performance team is part of this and is made up of Senior and Middle school children. They are learning all the time, about themselves and others, how we can work together no matter what our culture, feeling valued and important, and how our performances can make a difference to someone’s day!
There is a combination of traditional and contemporary dances, including Bhangra and Bollywood.
Pasifika Dance Group
We have tried to represent the variety of Pasifika groups that make up Fairhaven School who have links to Samoa, Kiribas, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Nuiea and Tokelau.
Our group performs at events eg our Cultural Festival and Gala. It is an opportunity for children of all cultures to experience the Pasifika Cultures through dance.