The Bethlehem Kids represent the many faces of our school. The fact that there are three children ties in with the significance that three has for our school. The school’s physical location (at the top of the Bethlehem triangle), the school’s historical ties to three marae (Wairoa, Hangarau and Huria), the important links between the student, the teacher and parents, even the three syndicates that operate within our school give further importance to the number three.

Each child holds a kete (basket), this ties in with the importance in Maoridom of ‘The three baskets of knowledge’, although in our case we have;
      a basket of knowledge (What I Know)
      a basket of skills (What I Can Do) and 
      a basket of values and attitudes (What I Feel)

Each kete contains things that we want our children to acquire during their time at Bethlehem Primary. It is in fact a learner map that can be understood by everyone, from our children and teachers, to our parents and community. It gives the school focus and direction.

OUR KETE

‘What I Feel’ Kete

caring, confident, co-operative, considerate, courteous, sensible, motivated, honest, open-minded, positive, proud

‘What I Know’ Kete

- Knowledge through Curriculum

Language and Languages / Mathematics / Science / Technology / Social Sciences / Health and Well-Being / The Arts

- About myself / my community / my country / my world and beyond

‘What I Can Do’ Kete

- Thinking and Learning Skills

question / research / organise / think and choose / use knowledge / create / evaluate / think creatively / think critically

- Physical Skills

- Information Literacy Skills

- Communication Skills - Language

- Numeracy Skills

- Personal Management Skills

have a go / set and reach goals / make wise choices / have a go at new things / take part / problem solve / be reflective learners / develop work and study skills / learn to learn

HOW OUR LEARNER MAP WILL BE IMPLEMENTED

We believe our learner map (The Bethlehem Kids) is essential for a learning community as it makes explicit what we stand for and gives directions to our actions.

We will use ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ as a school wide icon / model. The BOT will refer to ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ when planning and implementing management practices. We will encourage children to display ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ attributes. Peer mediation training will be adjusted to include ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ qualities. ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ will become an integral part of school and classroom culture.

Classroom planning will reflect aspects of ‘The Bethlehem Kids’. Enrolment packs, report forms and parent interviews will align with ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ model. ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ will be displayed in each classroom complete with kete and each teacher will implement ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ model in their classroom. Children will set goals that reflect attributes of ‘The Bethlehem Kids’ model and evaluate these.