Extra special day for Kowhai school

Alice Courtney welcomes friends and whanau to Kowhai Special School's celebration day of Te Wiki o te Reo Maori. Photo / Supplied

Kowhai Special School lived up to its name when it celebrated a very special birthday.

About 250 people joined the 91 students - aged 5 to 21 - and 55 staff, to say happy 40th to the Hastings-based school at a special Maori festival organised for the occasion last week.

Principal Sarah Roil said celebrating their students was an important guiding statement at Kowhai Special School.

"Our Maori festival is a reflection of this as we celebrate a term of learning and immersion in Maori culture. The day provided the perfect opportunity to model our values of respect, participation and partnership."

All students at Kowhai have ORS (Ongoing Resourcing Scheme), which is Ministry of Education funding for students who are likely to remain within Level 1 of the New Zealand curriculum for their entire schooling. This allows Kowhai to have small classes with high staffing levels.

"All our students have an intellectual disability and some have a physical disability. They all have individual goals as their needs vary greatly. We also have our own team of specialists and therapists who support classroom staff to help students access the curriculum."

Ms Roil said there were so many special moments during the day, but a highlight was having their "very supportive whanau involved - not just with preparations, but throughout the day".

"It was an amazing day."