• Explicit teaching using the I do, we do, you do approach to support the science of learning.
  • Incorporating IT into all aspects of the school day, including BYOD opportunities.
  • Developing a growth mindset and living Halswell School values: Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, Manawanuitanga, and Kotahitanga.
  • Inquiry learning to build skills in questioning, exploring, investigating, and presenting.
  • Flexible grouping based on the needs of students.
  • Leadership opportunities to build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork.
  • Acknowledging New Zealand’s bicultural heritage by integrating tikanga and Te Reo Māori, and providing regular whānau afternoons.
  • A wide range of competitive opportunities: sports competitions (Zone and Canterbury level), Literacy Quiz, Spelling Quiz, Current Events Quiz, EPro8 Challenge, Otago Maths Problem Challenge, and ICAS Competitions (Digital Technology, Science, Writing, Spelling, English, Mathematics).
  • Musical opportunities, including Senior Choir, Vocal Group, Jazz Band, and School Production.
  • Outdoor learning experiences, including a 3-day camp for Years 5 and 6 (every two years).

The Ōtāwhito Learning Centre consists of seven T-Groups. T30, T31 and T32 classes are in the Kōwhai Studio, T33 and T34 classes are in the Koreke Studio and T35 and 36 classes are in the Tōtara Studio.

Melissa Botha
Team Leader
T30 Kaiako
Cindy Stanford
T31 Kaiako
Bryony Astall
T32 Kaiako
Lucy Laming
Release Kaiako for Kōwhai
Ryan Hakkaart
T33 Kaiako
Ally van Rossem
T34 Kaiako
Anna DeFrancis
Release Kaiako for Koreke
Cameron Eaves
T35 Kaiako
Anna McNeill
T36 Kaiako
Lily Borren
Release Kaiako
for Tōtara