Kaitaia Abundant Life School is different from other schools in that it is required, through the integration agreement between the proprietors (who own the buildings) and the Ministry of Education, to uphold its Christian Special Character.

The Christian Special Character of the school on a day to day basis can be observed through:

• Every Monday morning begins with a full school assembly which focuses on praise and worship (led by a student band), devotional teaching and whanaungatanga.
• Devotions classes from 8.40-9.00am Tuesday-Friday. These are based around a term theme; examples of which include love, courage, excellence, respect, whanaungatanga, knowing God etc.
• All teachers are Christians and teach their subjects in a manner which reflects the glory of God.

The definition of the Special Character as defined in the Integration Deed Agreement (1996): 

19

19.1 Kaitaia Abundant Life School is established by the Kaitaia Abundant Life Centre Trust for parents choosing a God-centred, Biblical world-view, Christian education for their children.

19.2 The Special Character of the School is determined by the Christian beliefs, values and lifestyle of the Christian church as determined from time to time by the Trustees of the Kaitaia Abundant Life Centre Trust.

 

19.3 Because God is:

• the Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible, sustaining and ruling over creation, including man ... and is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.
• God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit are relevant to every area of study and Endeavour in the school.

 The school reflects this by:

(a) using the Bible as the basis for exploring God's world, and as a standard against which to compare and interpret all curriculum material.

(b) teaching Christian values and behaviour through the process of acknowledgement of sin, repentance, and acceptance of Jesus' gift of grace.

(c) using prayer as a key tool in learning, inviting the Holy Spirit into every learning situation.

(d) encouraging each child to give their best because God creates and equips each person for their unique role in His service, and acknowledging achievement in accordance with the child's effort.

(e) inextricably integrating knowledge of the world and Christian beliefs, through an integrated approach of an appropriate Christian curriculum and developed programmes plans.

(f) acting as a continuum and extension of the teaching provided in Christian homes.

(g) providing an environment where children, parents and teachers can experience Godly relationships, showing the character of Christ in love, discipline, respect, honour and trust, and witness an exemplary demonstration of Biblical truths in the lives of others.

(h) providing staff who are suitable role models of the qualities it seeks to engender in the students.