1. Who can come to He Huarahi Tamariki?
He Huarahi Tamariki is a secondary school for teenagers who are pregnant or have a child. We recognise that timeframes for study are often extended in this situation and some students may be in their early twenties before they graduate. We are happy to talk with prospective students about what their options for study are if they are unsure whether secondary school is the right fit for them.
2. Can Dads come to school?
Yes. The primary caregiver is welcome to enrol regardless of gender. If care is shared equally, either parent can enrol. If both parents wish to enrol, this can be discussed with the Teacher in Charge
3. How and when can I enrol?
Ring the school to make an appointment to meet the Teacher in Charge.
You can enrol while you are pregnant or after you have had your baby.
4. Can I bring anyone with me when I come to see the school?
Yes, we encourage you to bring a family member or support person, midwife or friend when you visit school.
5. What do I need to bring with me to enrol at HHT?
Yo
u need a copy of your birth certificate and, if you are pregnant, you need proof of pregnancy. This could be a letter from your midwife or Doctor or a copy of your scan. If you have had baby, then bring their birth certificate too. Kids Count will let you know what paperwork they require to enrol your child.
6. How many students are there?
We have a maximum roll of 50 students.
7. What are the fees?
Students are not asked to cover the cost of their education directly. He Huarahi Tamariki receives funding from the Ministry of Education and secures funding on behalf of students from MSD, WINZ and community organisations to cover additional costs.
8. Do you have a uniform?
No.
9. Do I need to bring food to school?
No. Weetbix and toast are available if you need breakfast and a prepared morning tea is provided every day. A hot meal or a sandwich is provided at lunch time. You can bring your own food if you want to but we ask you to adhere to our Food Policy and not to bring in junk food, sugary drinks or chewing gum.
10. What can I achieve at HHT?
You can achieve NCEA Level 1, 2 & 3 and University Entrance at He Huarahi Tamariki. In addition, through Tertiary partnerships, we provide access to STAR programmes and Trades Academy.
We offer a range of subjects and work with a variety of education partners to provide access to other subjects as required. Other opportunities include, but are not limited to: First Aid certificates, Parenting courses, Driver education, Barista training, Sexual and Reproductive Health workshops, Security training and Communications courses.
11. How do I get to school?
The school operates a morning and afternoon 'van run' covering Porirua and the northern suburbs of Wellington. The van will pick you and your baby/children up and drop you home. Financial assistance is available for students coming by bus and train, or towards petrol if you driver your own vehicle.
12. What time does school start and finish?
The school day runs from 9:15 am to 2:45 pm.
Kids Count is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
13. What services are there at He Huarahi Tamariki?
The school has a full-time counsellor and a social support person. In addition, we have a close relationship with The 502 Rangatahi Ora (Porirua Youth Health Clinic) who support us with access to medical care here on site or at the clinic. We also have strong links with other agencies in the community.
14. What facilities are there at He Huarahi Tamariki?
He Huarahi Tamariki has a large open plan classroom, which includes the library, and is where the majority of teaching takes place. There is a separate smaller teaching area, a large dining room, kitchen, a medical room and meeting rooms. There is an outdoor deck and vegetable garden. He Huarahi Tamariki provides everything you need for your schoolwork including stationery, workbooks and the use of chromebooks or computers.
15. What happens in a typical day?
Students arrive around 9am and settle their children into Kids Count - The Griffin School. The school day starts at 9:15 with Whānau time in Whānau groups. Class starts after that and there are five periods and a whole school briefing. All students are on individual programmes. Classes are held in different areas of the classroom by subject teachers. Morning tea and lunch are provided. All students participate in ‘duties’ which help to run the school.
16. Can I play sport at He Huarahi Tamariki?
We offer netball, Boxing, ZUMBA, general fitness activities and occasionally yoga, and self-defence.
17. Can I use my phone at school?
We ask that cell phones are on silent and away during class time. Students will be able to access them at break times to respond to messages and phone calls.
18. Can I smoke or vape at school?
No. He Huarahi Tamariki and Kids Count are smoke and vape free environments.
19. Do I have to come every day?
Yes.
20. How long can I have for maternity leave?
This varies in each case but generally students take a term off. Some students choose to come back earlier.
21. Who takes care of my child when I am in class?
K
ids Count - The Griffin School caters for children of our students and is located in the He Huarahi Tamariki Complex.
22. What do I have to bring each day for my child?
Kids Count will provide further information about what your child will need, but generally you will need to bring nappies and a change of clothes, and any formula or medication for your baby. Food is provided for your child.
23. Can I visit my child during the day?
Kids Count is on site, and they will bring your child through if they need you. You can breast feed or bottle feed on demand. You will have time to settle your child in when you arrive at school. Kids Count is open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday.
24. Does my child have to attend Kids Count - The Griffin School?
No. You are welcome to make other arrangements for your childcare.
25. Do I have to pay for childcare?
Yes, but most students are eligible for government assistance that will cover these fees.