“Waters flowing to the sea.” That’s the beautiful meaning behind the name Reremoana. Reremoana Primary School stands proudly in Wattle Downs. It is a place of learning and growth for children in Years 1 to 8.
Reremoana Primary School opened its doors on February 8 in 2006. The school was built to serve the growing community. New homes were being built in the area. The school’s design is unique. It resembles a kite. This design links to a local Maori legend. The legend tells of a kite flying competition.
Do you know the story? Two brothers, Tama Pahore and Tama Pahure, competed. Tama Pahore had a pā on Matuku-tururu. That’s Wiri Mountain today. The school uses the kite symbolism in its learning model. Students even make and fly kites. This keeps the legend alive.
Reremoana Primary School is more than just classrooms. It is a community. The school embraces diversity. It welcomes students from many cultures. The school’s mission is clear. It wants students to learn, grow, and succeed. The staff wants them to become good citizens.
The school values its connection to local Maori history. Reremoana was the wife of Chief Wirihana Takanini. Takanini and Wiri are named after him. Reremoana was also the mother of Reremoana Mahia. Mahia Road and Mahia Creek bear her name.
In 2024, the school rebranded its teams. The new names reflect a child’s learning journey. Te Puna is the spring. Te Awa is the river. Te Moana is the sea. A proverb connects these names. “From the spring comes the river. From the river comes the sea. The sea flows as a pathway to the world.” This proverb guides Reremoana School.
The school is divided into four houses. They are named after native New Zealand trees. There is Kauri for blue, Rimu for red, Totara for green, and Kowhai for yellow. The five teams are named after native birds. Kiwi is for Years 0-1. Piwakaka is for Years 1-2. Pukeko is for Years 3-4. Tui is for Years 4-6. Kereru is for Years 6-8.
Julie Cowan is the principal of Reremoana Primary School. She leads a dedicated team of teachers and staff. They create a supportive environment for students. The school focuses on each child’s individual needs. They help them reach their full potential. Reremoana Primary School encourages students to collaborate. It teaches them to connect, question, and reflect. The school aims to develop resilient and creative learners.
Reremoana Primary School has a pepeha. It connects the school to the land and its people. Maatukutureia is the mountain. Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa is the sea. Te Manurewatanga o Tamapaahore is the marae. Te Akitai Waioohua is the iwi. Reremoana is the school.
From small beginnings in 2006, Reremoana Primary School has grown. It now has 20 classroom spaces. The school continues to evolve. It strives to provide the best possible education for its students. It prepares them for their journey out into the world. Reremoana is truly a place where students learn, grow, and succeed.