Purpose-built Facilities

He Whare Manaaki Tangata has capacity for 35 students in Poipoia and 30 children in Arohanui (for parents of new borns). This architecturally designed and purpose-built facility houses a school and a kindergarten, two areas functioning independently yet integrally together. Parents deliver their child into the hands of fully trained kindergarten staff then walk down the corridor to school.

The joint philosophy of “Whakapiringatanga – a safe secure learning environment for all’ of both Poipoia and Arohanui is at the center of decision making, professional practices and interactions.

We have a commitment to working together for the benefit of the parent and child. Professional communication is timetabled regularly and natural positive interaction is conducted daily between staff groups. A shared workroom and staffroom also encourages this.

Poipoia has two vans to assist with transporting students and their child/ren to and from school. Breakfast and morning tea kai is available for the students to make themselves every day. And we are also recipients of the Free Lunches in Schools Program. Blake House is our medical facility (which is on the Waiopehu College site) providing nurses, a doctor, a physio and a counsellor; all students have access to this facility.

Educational Opportunities

The point of difference for students who attend Poipoia is the access to and support from the mainstream teachers and classes. Our timetable is aligned with the college, to give students access to a wide range of subjects. Subject specialists from the mainstream lead the learning in a variety of classes in Poipoia and the students also have the ability to attend mainstream classes should they desire. Currently, due to established relationships and the staff’s future focused approach to providing alternative education, the majority of Poipoia students attend at least one mainstream class.

In addition, students have access to all that Te Kura offers, as well as Instant Standards, Open Polytech and Weltech, which our staff teach and manage. We have total support from the Principal, Mr Mark Robinson, and this is indicative of his philosophy and the inclusive culture that pervades Waiopehu College.

Staff Roles

Children Motivate!

Research would indicate that many teenage parents consider the birth of their child a turning point that motivates them to continue with their education. The realisation that they are responsible for another person now, not just themselves, and positive outcomes in education and employment are important. Already our student voice points in this direction.

What Our Students Say

• “I never thought I could get this many credits in two months.”
• “I’m surprised at the impact He Whare Manaaki Tangata has had on me and my daughter, I love that I come to school and she is learning next door beside me.”
• “I have met people I can relate to who also have a baby and know what it’s like.”