Kowhai: Room 10 with Naseem Shariff and Kendra Edwards

Kowhai, a truly inclusive environment

What does Kowhai offer you?

Our ORS funded students are based in Room 10, Kowhai, where student focused specialist programmes are run. Your child has the opportunity to attend a mainstream class regularly   each day, as well as attend syndicate and whole school events. Your child will have their own programme, informed by their Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is created with the specialist teacher, parents, teacher aides and Ministry Advisor.

Kowhai is a purpose built multi space, currently made up of 2 classrooms, sensory room, break out spaces for individual activities, full kitchen facilities, toilets and shower, a secure playground and a playroom for all day use as well as full access to whole school resources and grounds. 

We provide a Year 7 and 8 programme who continue to benefit from our environment and where an Intermediate School would not be the best fit for them at this point in their development.  

We are a Ministry funded school so we are able to draw on the resources and specialists they provide. We offer regular consultation with a Ministry Special Education Advisor. We can also seek advice from a Ministry Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, and Speech/Language Therapist. Our teachers offer support and advocacy for parents/caregivers.

As a Kowhai student your child will have a rich and varied programme targeted at their specific needs:

• numeracy and literacy

• self care programmes

• communication

• cooking

• music and art

• developmental and sensory play

• discovery time

• use of digital technology

• physical education 

• swimming at Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre with a specialist instructor

• lessons with our buddy class

• school library

• walks to Chelsea Park, incorporating road safety, and gross motor skills

• visiting local amenities and the Miramar Library 

• participation in whole school and syndicate events e.g. assemblies, Kapa Haka, Cross Country, fundraising, trips out

Kowhai offers your child 

• a high staff/student ratio 

• experienced, supportive and dedicated staff

• a safe and caring learning environment

• an individual education programme (IEP)

• fun and engaging activities and life experiences

• inclusion in school and local community life

Our fantastic Teacher Aides include:

Philippa Weeks
Debbie Coburn
Rajee Peesapati
Stephen Kirk
Reena Filo-Smith
Rosie Leota

We have an open door policy - you are welcome to visit Kowhai at any time. 

Phone: Special Education Centre   (04) 939 0687 School Office:(04) 939 0684

Teacher & Special Education Manager: Naseem Shariff - shariff@miramarcentral.school.nz

Acting Principal: Lara Nemet  - principalmcs@miramarcentral.school.nz

We look forward to hearing from you.