Room 2: Years 1 to 3

Nau mai ki te ruma 2! 

Kia Ora Koutou, 

My name is Huitau Roberts and I have had the privilege of being a Teacher at Linden School for the past 5 years. I am originally from Ōtepoti (Dunedin) and I went to high school and university in this wonderful city, however, I now call Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) my home. 

I am excited to introduce Room 2 in its newest formation with a fantastic bunch of akonga, ranging from Year 1 through to Year 3. As we have a big range of ages in our class we have focussed our class culture and learning around the idea of tuakana teina (a māori concept associated with the reciprocal nature of the sibling or cousin relationship, tuakana - older sibling, teina - younger sibling). Having the older akonga look after and guide the younger akonga in our everyday learning and running of the classroom, helps to foster strong interpersonal relationships between all members of the class, as well as, a strong sense of self within the class. 

Creating strong relationships is what underpins my teaching, as I believe relationships are the safety net needed to try new things which helps anyone to be the best learner they can be. I put the whole akonga at the center of their learning journey in Room 2 and I am looking to develop all aspects of wellbeing and learning when an akonga is in my class. 

Nga mihi, 

Huitau Roberts

huitau.roberts@linden.school.nz