WE CARE

My nephew Michael and his wife Heather have a son and daughter, their son currently attending Onehunga Primary School in Auckland. The school has a simple overarching value. We Care. 
He loves school because he loves his teacher and she loves him. Sa is her first name and she leads the Piwakawaka (Native Fantail) Year 6 Learning community, leading by example. Their son said, “She likes me.” - he knows he has a secure relationship with his teacher. Sa can be firm when she needs to be and challenges him when his behaviour needs attention. The first time she was introduced to their son, she said to him, “Ive been waiting for you.” This beautiful, inclusive statement was followed by a hug for the parents too. 
A few months later in the school year, Sa shared with his parents, “Your son makes me feel like a Queen. Queen Beyoncé.” 
Occasionally, Michael and Sa wave to each other when he rides past the school and she is on road crossing duty. Michael describes her as a friendly, warm, approachable person, who blends the fun learning side of teaching with the necessary, getting down to business, side of learning. Sa taught Michael and Heather’s daughter too and they were hoping their son was going to be in Sa’s class this year. Hope was not disappointed. Their son is having a superb year at school. Thank you Mrs Sa Lialia’i.

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