Date
07 July 2025

Deepen relationships with students and whānau

In the ngahere or forest, our knowledge of each and every plant allows us to act as guardians, providing care and protection. Deepening relationships with ākonga and their whānau builds understanding and trust, and helps teachers to respond to ākonga needs.

Strengthen relationships

Strengthen relationships

Respectful caring relationships are at the heart of the McAuley High School learning community. Maintaining these relationships involves every member of staff.

Connect with culturally sustaining frameworks

Connect with culturally sustaining frameworks

Learn from ākonga and whānau using culturally sustaining frameworks. Build a holistic learner profile to understand how to support ākonga wellbeing and learning.

For example, use dimensions from the Māori health model, Te Whare Tapa Whā 


Taha Whānau - family, people and relationships

  • whānau, friends, iwi and hapū
  • cultural, religious, social and recreational connections
  • professionals working with the family.

Taha Wairua - spiritual wellbeing or life force

  • spiritually strengthening aspects, for example, faith, being in nature, creative activities and meditation  
  • special interests, hopes and priorities for ākonga and whānau.

Taha Tinana - physical wellbeing

  • physical activity and recreation preferences
  • physical abilities and challenges
  • medications and allergies.

Taha Hinengaro - mental and emotional wellbeing

  • strengths and talents
  • dislikes, what can upset them 
  • signs that the student is beginning to feel upset or anxious
  • strategies used to calm students.

Whenua - connection to the land and environment

  • important places
  • iwi and hapū, maunga and awa - mountains and rivers
  • interests in the environment, plants and animals
  • connections to people and ancestors.

Commit to understanding ākonga

Commit to understanding ākonga

Hamish describes the positive impact of being “known” by his teacher.

He also reflects on the impact of being invisible.

Involve family and whānau

Involve family and whānau

“We talk, we meet, we listen”.

Educators talk about engaging with and welcoming Pacific families and whānau using a Tapasā approach.

Get to know your learner over time

Get to know your learner over time

Learner profiles can help school staff build relationships with ākonga and their whānau, understand their perspectives and design learning to meet student needs. There are many creative ways to build knowledge about your learner.

Creative alternatives to learner profiles:

1. All About Me Interviews

  • One-on-one chats with a teacher or peer using simple, structured questions.
  • Use visuals or yes/no prompts.

Record answers through voice, video, or drawing.

  • "What do you like at school?"
  • "What helps you learn?"

 

2. Video Introductions / Self-Presentations

  • Students record short videos introducing themselves.
  • They can show their strengths, interests, and needs.
  • Great for visual and verbal expression — use prompts or interview formats.

 

3. Photo Collages or Vision Boards

  • Students select photos of people, places, things, or activities they like.
  • Use magazines, printed photos, or digital tools (like Canva or Book Creator).
  • Add labels or short captions if appropriate.

 

4. Learning Choice Baskets

  • Use a basket or box filled with objects that represent learning preferences (e.g., headphones, timer, picture of a friend, fidget, iPad).
  • The student selects what helps them learn best.
  • You can record their choices as a profile.

 

5. Interactive Poster or Wall Display

 Create a classroom wall or board where students can add post-its or pictures under categories:

“I feel calm when…”

“I like learning with…”

“I want to get better at…”

Successful home-school partnerships

Successful home-school partnerships

Build a partnership that has a clear focus on students’ learning, where everyone can make positive and active contributions that benefit learning.

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Foster relationships and partnerships”:

Return to the guide “Behaviour and learning”

Guide to Index of the guide: Behaviour and learning

Strategies for action:

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