Environment

Learning Environment

The Awhina Concept [Awhi – to embrace]

Willowbank School works on the Awhina concept – the embracing of different age levels, the nurturing that we value within our children and staff. Children at Willowbank belong to various groups within the school, they are part of a

class, a year group team and an Awhina group.

Our Awhina groups are named by the children and are called after endangered New Zealand species; Kakapo, Tuatara, Pekapeka, Hoiho, Pukeko, Kotuku, Kiwi, Whio, Kea, Takahe and Kereru.

You may have noticed the odd-one-out! Yes, Pukeko! Before the top block of classrooms was built the Pukeko's used to wander about in the mud, sadly the buildings chased away the Pukekos at Willowbank so the Awhina where they used to play in the mud was named after them. 

George, our school mascot has been with us since we opened in 2001.  George loves to travel and recently attended the 100th anniversary ANZAC service at Gallipoli.

Our 2014 Awhina Captains on their Discover, Develop, Nurture adventure to Wellington and Christchurch.