"From a small seed, a mighty trunk may grow." Huiakama school's mission statement is proudly displayed outside the school in a piece of artwork.
Those small seeds are being given every opportunity to grow into great things, thanks to the dedication of their principal and teacher, Gwenda Pease.
While parents have recognised the value of this dedication since Gwenda started in the role in May 2013, it has now been recognised publicly, with Gwenda being named the More FM Taranaki Teacher of the Year for 2014.
Gwenda is the teaching principal at the school, meaning she teaches all 16 students in a mixed level class, as well as being responsible overall as principal of the school.
She is only very occasionally yelly.
"It is more like a family, we have more one-to-one time here, I get to know each and every student really well and we learn in a whanau setting really." Gwenda says the sole teacher role at the school, nestled in the eastern hills of Taranaki some 30 minutes' windy and twisty drive from Stratford, is one she has loved since she started.
I was a student here myself, so coming here as principal and teacher, has been coming full circle, back to my roots, to where I belong. It is home for me.
As the sole teacher at the school, supported by Marilyn Bellamy in a support staff role and Chris Jury, who works as a principal release teacher giving Gwenda valuable time out of the classroom when needed, Gwenda is responsible for the educational needs of students ranging from new entrant through to Y8.
"It is a different type of learning than happens in other schools in a way, but that said, all teachers teach to a range of abilities in any class."
Raelene Johnson, a school parent and board of trustees member, says Gwenda works extremely hard and has lifted the academic achievement of the students considerably.
"She is the most dedicated and caring teacher I have ever encountered. Her energy and desire to achieve the best possible for her students is ever present."
Raelene adds that all the students "absolutely adore Gwenda ... she cares for the kids as if they were her own."
