Murals to motivate learning at Te Hapara

MOTIVATING MURALS: Te Hapara School has four new murals that will go up around the school to inspire its students in their learning. Pictured with the murals are from left, Keanu Makiri, Cassidy Paiti, the artist behind the project Amie Coker, Akira Makiri, Nevaeh Hollis and Judah Fraser. Picture by Paul Rickard

MURALS to motivate learning and excellence were blessed and presented to Te Hapara School this week.

Local artist Amie Coker painted the four murals last year with the help of Te Hapara students. They represent the four syndicates of the school: Takitimu, Turanganui, Tuamotu and Titirangi.

Principal Francis Rowland said the murals depict the journey students take as they first enter Te Hapara School up until they leave.

“Takitimu relates to the Takitimu waka. This reflects the first part of the learning journey where the students climb aboard the waka. The waka features in each of the mural boards.

“Turanganui relates to the awa, the river. This represents the waka moving along the Turanganui River in the students’ quest for new learning, as they head towards the motu or island of Tuamotu.

“Tuamotu represents the building of skills necessary to climb to the peak of their learning journey at Te Hapara.

“Titirangi is the maunga, the mountain. This represents the pinnacle of the learning journey at Te Hapara in the endeavour of soaring for excellence.”

SALTIE the Seagull, who is the school mascot, also features in each mural board to encourage the students to soar for excellence.

SALTIE is an acronym for Students Achieving and Learning Together In Excellence.

The murals will be displayed outside each of the syndicates of Te Hapara School.