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 “Whanau wellbeing and care’ of both Poipoia and Arohanui is at the centre of decision making and professional practices.

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 a van to assist with transporting students to school from Foxton, Otaki, Levin, Shannon and Tokomaru. Morning tea is provided daily and we have a shared lunch on Tuesday and Thursday that the students prepare and serve. 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.

In addition, Michelle our registered nurse visits weekly offering free and confidential medical advice and support to all students and their children. Poipoia also provides a Social Worker for the students of Poipoia to access.

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. In 2018, four out of the six students that had entered NCEA Level Three achieved this goal. Quite an accomplishment when the demands on their time and wellbeing from their child, whanau and jobs are taken into consideration.

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

• Ann Stout is the Head of Department.
• Misty Sciascia is the Assistant Head of Department, manages communications with the public and is the Wellbeing programme designer. Misty is also the Maori Dean of Waiopehu College.
• Pam Skerman teaches Computing.
• Alan Flaws and Sara Enoka teach Mathematics. Sara is also the Head of Department for Computing and the Pasifika Dean of Waiopehu College.
• Lois Marshal facilitates the Careers programme.
• Chris Janes teaches Science.
• Deb Northern teaches English.
• Fleur Netten is the Administrator
• Jackson McIvor is the Cleaner.

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.”