House System within school helps students gain a sense of belonging

 The House System provides a structure within the College that promotes belonging and continuity among College families and staff allowing students to be known more closely and thus cared for more effectively. Loyalty and commitment to a particular group are fostered over time. The House Model offers many strengths and benefits including a culture of students understanding and caring for each other across the whole College. Building a sense of belonging and community within a House Group, fostering positive relationships. 

 Building the leadership capacity of all senior students as they take increasing responsibility as leaders within their house and mentoring of middle school students during the Learning Matters Program. Provide leadership roles for students including House Captains, House Leaders. House Group Leaders getting to know the students in their tutor group over their six years at the college and assisting to personalise their learning and aspirations through formalised target and goal setting. 

Encouraging participation in the co-curricular activities provided within the College between houses developing in student's habits such as neatness, faithfulness to homework, wearing of uniform and punctuality. The same principle applies to identification and addressing student problems early, rather than allowing them to develop.

The House system was first established at Tamaki College in 1958.  The Houses were named Gold, Blue, Red and Green, with a Male and Female House Captain and a Male and Female Deputy House Captain for each house. The Houses/Whanau were reintroduced/renamed in 1988 as Kowhai, Puriri, Rata and Totara. During the 1990s there were student Whanau leaders (i.e. House Captains) and staff. Whanau leaders (i.e. Whanau Deans). House Captains were reintroduced in our Golden Jubilee year, to open up student leadership opportunities. he system in how our students are grouped has gone from year level groups to house groups. Our students will be grouped into house groups. The house groups are Kowhai, Puriri,  Rata, Totara.