School Values

Logo
The school logo is a stylised hihi bird with the sun in the background and standing on a maroon branch. The sun links with the Māori name for the area while the branch signifies standing steadfast and the maroon links it with the school colour. In the belly of the bird is the shape of a child jumping up in celebration with their hands and legs in the air.

Tohu
The tohu was gifted to the school by Whatapaka Marae to better represnt the name of the area Te Hihi O Te Ra (The ray of the sun) and symbolises just that, a ray of sun reaching from the sky to the water of the Manukau Harbour. The middle koru swirls signifies three kaitiaki supporting the ray of sun as it reaches down in the same way learning has the guardianship of the school, teachers and whanau.
The tohu adorns our kapa haka kakahu.

Motto
The school's motto of Character ~ Kindness ~ Courtesy is embodied by everyone in the school and is expected to be displayed by all who learn, work and support the school.
SHINE Values
The school has values linked with the school's mission statement, where the school's name comes from (te hihi o te ra), and our school motto.
The values also align with the Kay Competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Learner Profile.
The school awards certificates to students when they consistently display the characteristics of one of Shine characters. These certificates are handed out at our school assemblies.
Once children receive all five certificates (one per characteristic) they receive a Motto wrist band as by displaying these five values, they are living up to our school motto.
