Horohoro School inclusive for all, principal says

Horohoro School pupils Asher Stephens, 7, (left), Chloe Hepi-Ritete, 9, Reitia Hapi, 12 and Josh Brown, 10. Photo/Ben Fraser

At Horohoro School every child participates in kapa haka and every pupil has the chance to go on camp.

With just 55 pupils at the school, principal Eden Chapman said it was impossible to choose a handful to miss out on anything.

"A kapa haka group is usually around 40 people so how do you pick 15 kids to miss out?

"Even if they have been at school for two weeks, they are on stage performing and doing their best."

Chapman said it was important for the children to be involved in kapa haka.

"Our performance isn't all about being serious. For us it's about having fun and inclusion."

Chapman said many of the pupils did not live rurally but chose to travel to the rural school.

"We're a fantastic and unique school. We cater for children who live in the city but come out to a rural school," he said.

"We have a really strong focus on values and resilience."

He said some of the children had parents or grandparents who were past pupils at the school.

He said he worked hard to address inequality in kids.

The Year 5 to 8 students at the school recently attending a ski camp paid for largely by grants.

"It was heavily subsidised so nobody missed out. Everyone gets the same opportunities to experience things.

"Something I work hard on is addressing inequality in kids."

Chapman said there were a number of reasons why students travelled to attend the rural school

"Many have got connection to the hapu out here, many of their parents and grandparents came to this school, many have changed schools and been at one that didn't work out for them.

"We've got really strong reputation for doing things well so people want to come here."

About the school
Location: Apirana Rd.
Type: State, co-educational Years 1 to 8)
Roll: 52 (in July 2017)
Gender composition: Boys 62 per cent, Girls 38 per cent (at July 2017)
Ethnic composition: Maori 94 per cent, Pakeha 6 per cent (at July 2017)
Motto: Kia kaha, kia manawanui