Our vision “Every child, every opportunity – Kia angitu ia tamaiti” is central to all we do at Welcome Bay School.  We believe in developing the whole child by providing rich experiences centred around literacy and numeracy. We believe that children learn best when they are exposed to real learning in real situations, having opportunities to use higher order thinking and problem solving.  This is reflected around our school where children’s learning is evident through art and environmental work.  With the support of our strong community, our children take part in many sports, outdoor education experiences and cultural activities during the year.

We believe that our children are taonga (treasures) to be nurtured. We have five goals for our learners at Welcome Bay School – Stand Proud, Have a Heart, Show Courage, Seek Adventure and Ask Questions.  Native birds represent these five attributes.  We believe that when our learners leave Welcome Bay School with these qualities they will be equipped to face the world and be ready to fly.

Community is important to us at Welcome Bay School.  We have a strong belief that it takes a whole village to raise a child.  Because of this, we welcome and encourage community involvement at school.  Parents and members of the community assist with programmes in our school such as enviroschools, community gardens, Pause Prompt Praise (remedial reading), classroom assistance and out door education to name a few.  Our School Support Group (PTA) is active in fundraising, enabling us to provide “extras” for our children.  Our Whanau Support Group provides guidance and support around Maori education.

Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions a parent makes.  We encourage you to come and visit us, talk with us and see first hand what makes Welcome Bay School the special place it is. Staff, children and community welcome any new learners to our whanau.