​

Amanda Nasilasila

PRINCIPAL

​

Tena Koutou, Bula Vinaka, Hello I’m Amanda Nasilasila, the Principal at Waitetuna School. I lead a high quality team of teachers: Lara, Robyn and Ali. Lorna is our very experienced office manager and Richard our very skilled and efficient care-taker/cleaner. We also have an enthusiastic teacher aide, Jess who manages our library and is involved with our School PTA along with other support staff supporting the learning.

​

I was born and grew up in Te Awamutu and currently live there with my husband. We have two wonderful children, Isikeli and Imanueli, who currently attend Te Awamutu college. I am a life-long learner and am excited about my role here at this wonderful place - The little school with the big heart. I was at Pirongia School as the Deputy Principal, so the Pirongia Maunga is very much my maunga. and as a taeching Principal I currently teach one day a week in the Senior room. 

​

I love the environment of a full primary school (Year 0-8) and the size (three classrooms) and the wonderful sense of belonging this kura brings to the community. We have a thriving school culture that is based on a tuakana-teina system of reciprocal learning where the older tuakana lead and support the younger teina. This tuakana-teina fosters a strong sense of belonging and supports caring, nurturing relationships between students. Our school values are reinforced through all teaching and learning.  Our school culture is developed through positive reinforcement using Caught Being Great certificates and a weekly superhero who wins the Waitetuna Way trophy based on our core values.

​

At Waitetuna School reading, writing and maths are taught daily, at least four times a week. Our core focus (topic) is integrated into our daily learning with a range of experiences provided to meet the learning needs and interests of the students. Physical education, fitness and sport are seen as an essential component of our curriculum and are practised daily with all teachers. Waitetuna School teachers have a particular strength in the Arts including spectacular School Productions, creative Wearable Arts master pieces and stunning art and painting work. Teachers are trained in blended e-learning and our school is well resourced in new Chromebooks, ipads and a large TV screen.  We also have strong bi-cultural initiatives including connections with the local Te Kaharoa marae and whole school overnight marae visits, hangi, whole school Kapa Haka with a bi-annual festival and excellent integrated Te Reo Maori.

​

By using real and authentic learning experiences and a relevant and fun approach, students are fully engaged in learning. At Waitetuna School we aim to develop and promote the personal strengths of teachers and students alike! In this way we have developed strengths in the sports, the arts, science and technology, relationships and communication whilst reflecting strong school wide results in reading, writing and maths.

​

With a high adult to student ratio, diverse learning experiences, team teaching, reciprocal learning and a comprehensive blended e-learning programme our school is well equipped to incorporate and develop the 21 Century learner.

​

You are welcome to visit us. Please ring the school office and make an appointment to see the supportive learning environment we have.