Our Brand and Our Learning Culture

Over the past year our school has been reviewing and developing how we do learning around here and how that uniqueness is represented in a vision, or a brand. Earlier in the year this process has involved Staff, Friends of the School, Whanau Hui, and the Board. We are now working with Craig Burton, from School Branding Matters, to bring these words and images to life. We want this work represented in a strong image and story that gives life, and represents, what we do. Below are some of the words and image ideas that Craig gleaned from a day at our school and the discussion that involved. Please feel free to comment on any headings and specific words that you feel really resonate with you and your children!

Words That Describe Our Difference
A School with Spark!   Give it a go!   Living on the Edge   Spontaneous   Risk Takers   Questioning   Non Traditional   Progressive in Thinking   Living (not just referring to) our Beliefs   Thinking Outside of the Box   Forward Thinking 

Words That Describe Our Learning Approach
Exploring   Curiosity    Dreaming   Wondering   Discovery   Journeying   Channeling   Imagination   Creativity   Fluidity   Playful

Words That Describe Our Nature
Resilient   Inclusive   Collaborative   Proud (of ourselves and our environment)   Strong   Mindful   Skillful   Respectful   Engaged   Content (Happy with ourselves)   Globally Intelligent   Environmentally Aware & Engaged    Individually Unique   Leaders   Overcomers   Whole   Driven   Intuitive   Multi-Talented   Connected   Centred   Self Directed   Student Led   Active   Enjoying

Words That Describe Our Personality
Warm   Welcoming   Friendly   Passionate   Down to Earth   Happy   Fun   Nurturing   Secure   Focused   Sharing   Caring   Supportive   Energetic   Family Focused   Enthusiastic   Accepting

Logo Ideas
Local Mountain
Lake, Water (or Maori Symbols representing these)
Pathway showing discovery and journey
Hihi – Ray of sun
Pahihi – Passage
Animated
Native Birds, Ferns, Trees, Animals
Greens, Blues (Lake and Mountain)
Not Red
Water Not Mountains (Blue)
White Sparkles representing children (curiosities and innovations)
Whirlpool
Koru representing water (values)
Sparkling Water
Reflect children and their curiosity
Tia – Perseverance (own path), Guardian, Mascot
Lake as a Heart and Gateway for Learning
Stream of Discovery
Connection with the land (He Manu Whenua) – Gateway
Birds
Lake in the heart of Te ika Maui
Cloak of Tia
 
The overriding opinion for the logo seems to be around some type of water related logo, the stream and lake.