PC4L - Positive Culture 4 Learning

Positive Culture for Learning (PC4L)
Creating a Safe, Supportive and Inclusive School for All

At Putāruru Primary School, we are committed to growing a school culture where every tamaiti feels valued, supported, and ready to learn. Our Positive Culture for Learning (PC4L) approach is built around restorative practice, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed teaching, and a strong focus on well-being.

PC4L helps us create a calm, consistent, and positive environment where behaviour is taught just like any other learning. Our approach is grounded in Te Ao Māori and reflects our commitment to fostering a community of care and connection.

Our Core Values – Ngā Uara
These values shape how we treat each other and what we believe in as a school whānau:

Manaakitanga – Kindness
Pono – Honesty
Manawaroa – Resilience
Whakaute – Respect
These values are taught explicitly across the school, reinforced positively, and woven into everyday routines and expectations.

What PC4L Looks Like in Action
School-wide expectations are taught, practiced and reinforced—covering everything from how we walk around the school to how we treat others online.

- Daily karakia, waiata and classroom regulation spaces support hauora and belonging.
- Restorative conversations are used to repair harm and rebuild relationships.
- Bullying prevention is a top priority, with clear definitions, actions and no tolerance for ongoing harmful behaviour.
- Celebrating Positive Behaviour

We use a 3-tiered system to recognise and celebrate tamariki who consistently live our values:

- Free and Frequent (e.g. tokens, “Caught Being Kind” certificates)
- Moderate and Intermittent (e.g. class rewards, assembly certificates)
- Significant and Infrequent (e.g. end-of-year trophies and special events)

 

Understanding the Difference: Bullying vs Mean Behaviour

We know how important it is to keep our tamariki safe and happy at school. From time to time, concerns are raised about behaviour, and one word that often comes up is bullying. It’s a powerful word—and one we take seriously. But it’s also important to understand the difference between bullying and behaviour that might be unkind or mean, especially as our younger tamariki are still learning what it means to be a good friend.

Bullying is when someone repeatedly hurts another person on purpose, and there’s often a power imbalance involved. Mean behaviour, on the other hand, might happen once, or be the result of frustration, poor choices, or developing social skills.

At Putāruru Primary, we always consider a child’s age and stage of development when supporting them. Learning to share, care, and express emotions in healthy ways takes time and guidance. That’s part of the learning journey we’re on together.

Please know we’re here to listen, support, and work with you if you have any concerns. Together, we can help our tamariki thrive, grow, and build respectful relationships.  Check out this video which explains the difference.

 

Kia Māia, Kia Pono, Kia Manawanui (Be Brave/ Be Confident, Be Honest / Be True, Be Resilient / Be Patient and Steadfast)  For Our Tamariki
At Putāruru Primary, we encourage our tamariki to be confident problem solvers, not only in the classroom but also in the playground and wider community. Kia Maia, Kia Pono, Kia Manawanui reminds our ākonga to face challenges with courage, act with honesty, and show resilience.

This simple framework empowers tamariki to manage tricky situations by:

• Ignoring behaviours that don’t feel right.
• Saying Stop firmly when needed.
• Reminding others of our Ngā Uara with kindness.
• Choosing to Walk Away when it's best.
• Knowing when to Report and ask for help from a teacher.

By living Kia Maia, Kia Pono, Kia Manawanui, our tamariki grow into respectful, strong, and thoughtful individuals who know how to navigate their world with integrity and care.

Looking Ahead
In 2025, we are excited to implement the Mitey programme, a school-wide mental health education initiative grounded in the Mana Model, supporting the social and emotional well-being of our tamariki.