Atawhai Manawa – Specialist Learning Hub

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Meet Our Staff Here

Atawhai Manawa is a Specialist Learning Hub for learners with complex needs. This class is operated by Arahunga School and is located within Ramanui School setting.

Who Can Learn at the Arahunga Specialist Class at Ramanui School?

 

ORS-funded students within the South Taranaki region who require a more specialised curriculum than their local schools can provide may be considered for enrolment.

Most ORS learners in the Hāwera area will continue to learn alongside their peers in their local schools, accessing specialist teacher support either within their school or through Arahunga Outreach. A small number of learners, however, require highly specialist programmes and may be considered for enrolment in the Arahunga class.

Students in our hub benefit from a small class environment with a very high staff-to-student ratio. Classes typically have 3–6 learners supported by skilled, experienced teachers and a dedicated support staff team.

What Specialist Programmes Are Available?

We provide a highly individualised curriculum grounded in the Key Competencies and communication. Our small, well-supported environment allows learners to access specialised programmes tailored to their needs, which may include:

• Literacy using the Coreboard
• Literacy using PODD
• Early Mathematics Learning
• Localised, theme-based curriculum linked to Key Competencies
• Sensory Integration – sensory stories and play-based learning
• Perceptual Motor Programme (PMP)
• Aquatics
• Music Therapy
• Sensory Drama and Arts

Our team is passionate, committed and focused on engaging learners to help them reach their full potential. Students are at the heart of all our work, and we value strong partnerships with whānau to ensure every learner is nurtured, respected and supported.

How to Enrol in the Arahunga Class

 

• Families interested in considering the Arahunga Learning Hub as an educational option should contact the Arahunga Principal to discuss their learner’s needs.
• Visits to the learning hub are strongly encouraged to ensure this is the best fit.
• All potential enrolments require a Ministry of Education Section 37 approval. Once this is in place, the enrolment process for Arahunga can be completed.

Contact:
Principal – Shirley Wisnewski
Phone: 027 766 4465
Email: principal@welearn.school.nz

What Does Inclusion Look Like at Ramanui School?

The partnership between Ramanui School and Arahunga School ensures that all students are able to learn alongside one another and participate in all school activities.

Ramanui is a small, whānau-oriented school with a strong tuakana-teina approach. Students and staff look after one another, and learners from the Arahunga class are included in every aspect of school life.

Each student in the Arahunga class has an individualised plan that identifies opportunities for inclusion alongside their peers. Authentic connections happen naturally throughout the day—in class, in the playground and during whole-school events. Ramanui students are typically very caring and often support learners who may need a little extra assistance.

Community activities:  Our class at Ramanui School have opportunities to engage in learning in the community with regular scheduled activities that include: swimming, RDA and visits to the local library.  

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