A Message from Mr Salisbury
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Education Review Office (ERO) back to our school for the first time since 2018. I was incredibly proud of our school. They were greeted by our students with an amazing pōwhiri. Throughout their visit, the ERO team was very impressed with what they saw - the learning, the culture and the sense of pride in our school. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication and culture that makes our school so special. A big thank you to our students, staff and wider community for making it such an awesome visit.
As part of our recent ERO review, our school was asked to undertake a self review using the School Improvement Framework (SIF). This framework, developed by the Education Review Office, supports schools to evaluate their own performance across key domains that contribute to learner success and well-being. It is based on nine interrelated domains: Learner Success and Wellbeing, Leadership, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Professional Capability and Collective Capacity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, Stewardship and Governance, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Evaluation for Improvement. Each domain provides indicators that help schools reflect on their current practices, celebrate strengths and identify areas for ongoing development.
This is what we found:
Harrisville School is a high performing, future focused learning environment where student wellbeing, academic success and cultural identity are strongly prioritised. We demonstrate excellence across all School Improvement Framework domains, with a clear commitment to continuous improvement, equity and inclusion.
It is evident that the school’s vision and values are well embedded and understood across the community. The PB4L values Manaakitanga, Manawaroa, Haepapatanga, and Whanaungatanga. The 4Rs are actively lived by staff and students, contributing to a positive and inclusive culture. Classrooms are modern, calm, purposeful spaces where relationships are respectful and student voice is valued.
Leadership at Harrisville School is distributed, strategic and data-informed. The principal and leadership team foster a collaborative culture focused on improving outcomes for all learners. School priorities are clearly aligned with national expectations, including the refreshed curriculum (Te Mātaiaho), Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP). Decision making is guided by strong evidence, and leadership capacity is grown across the staff through targeted roles and professional development.
Teaching is intentional, differentiated, culturally responsive and informed by best practice. The curriculum at Harrisville is thoughtfully designed, culturally responsive and deeply connected to the local context. Structured Literacy, PR1ME Maths, Numicon and Writer’s Toolbox provide robust foundations for literacy and numeracy achievement, complemented by rich experiences in play-based discovery, inquiry learning, sports, the arts and education outside the classroom. Student voice helps shape learning, and the curriculum reflects local histories, environmental awareness and real world applications. Planning is responsive to student needs and strengths, with clear learning intentions, strong scaffolding and consistent assessment systems in place. Students engage actively in their learning and are supported to reflect on their progress and set goals.
Te ao Māori is authentically woven into the life of the school. Daily use of te reo Māori, regular karakia, tikanga practices and Kapa Haka are evident across all year levels. The Māori strategic plan (Te Ara Mātauranga o Harrisville) ensures alignment and consistency in cultural responsiveness. Teachers are supported through ongoing professional learning in te reo, tikanga and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Digital technologies are well integrated into teaching and learning. Students use platforms such as Google Classroom and Hapara for communication, collaboration and sharing learning. Teachers use digital tools to provide timely feedback and adapt teaching, while also teaching responsible and ethical digital citizenship.
The school has robust systems in place to monitor and support student wellbeing and inclusion. Initiatives such as peer mediation, Kia Ora Ake, Seasons for Growth, on-site counselling, and structured transitions ensure students feel safe, supported and connected. Students with additional learning needs receive timely and effective support through collaboration between SENCO, classroom teachers, learning assistants, Whanau and external agencies. Students requiring extension are also identified and provided with enriching opportunities through GaTE, leadership programmes and external events and providers.
Whānau engagement is a strength. Communication with families is frequent, transparent and purposeful, using a mix of digital tools and face to face opportunities. Parents are partners in their child’s learning journey and are involved in conferences, goal setting and curriculum celebrations. Transition processes both into school and on to secondary are comprehensive and student centred.
The Board of Trustees plays an active and informed role in governance. The Board uses data to identify priorities, track progress, and allocate resources strategically to support key school-wide initiatives. They demonstrate a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, culturally responsive practice and staff professional growth. SchoolDocs is used to ensure policies are up to date and reviewed systematically.
Evaluation for improvement is embedded in the culture of the school. Teachers and leaders regularly engage in data analysis, collaborative inquiry and impact evaluation. Students requiring support are identified, and progress is measured and used to inform classroom practice, strategic planning and professional development. A distributive leadership structure enables teachers to lead school wide improvement initiatives, contributing to a culture of shared responsibility and continuous growth.
Harrisville School is a high functioning, learner focused kura where students are known, valued and empowered to succeed. We found a strong alignment between vision, strategy and everyday practice, and a school culture built on reflection, inclusion and high expectations. Harrisville School is exceptionally well placed to continue delivering high quality, equitable education for all learners.
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