Opoutere School is a full primary co-educational school located at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula on state Highway 25 at Tawa Tawa adjacent to the headwaters of the Wharekawa Estuary. 12 kilometres to the south lies the coastal resort town of Whangamata, the school's nearest service centre. The coastal village of Opoutere, on the shores of the Wharekawa estuary is 3.5 kilometres from the school and is home to a small resident population that increases substantially with holiday makers.

The roll is between 80 - 100 children. 25 -30 per cent of the pupils are Maori or part Maori. Four experienced teachers staff the school, with the assistance of several part time teachers and teacher aides.

The school was built in 1953 and comprises four classrooms. A new hall was added in 2002 and a library, resource rooms and professional development room were added in 2007. Large playing fields, two adventure playgrounds, swimming pool complex and a tennis court add to the amenities.  All classrooms have several networked computers, digital camera and an interactive digital whiteboard. All classes have desktop computers and wireless laptops for students to use.

The philosophy practiced in the school is based on creating learning conditions that allow individuals to reach their fullest potential in a happy and successful way. Community involvement in the school is excellent with parent support in both teaching and sporting programmes. Parent involvement is encouraged.

What Opoutere School has to Offer

Opoutere School is a small school with a family atmosphere. The school received an excellent ERO report in May 2007 and this is available online at the Ministry of Education website or a copy can be obtained from the school.

Our grounds, which are in a rural setting, offer plenty of space for children to play and lunchtime sport is offered daily to all children.

We have an experienced caring staff who believe in firm, fair discipline. The playground is always well supervised with parent helpers in addition to the teaching staff ensuring that the playground is a safe environment for children.

We value diversity at Opoutere School. The Maori perspective is emphasised with all children receiving tuition in Taha Maori and Kapa Haka groups available as an option.

We believe in catering for all ability levels and have an excellent programme catering for children with special needs and those with special abilities.

We value academic achievement but also emphasise cultural activities through our Arts week, options and choir. We believe social skills are very important and emphasise these in our vision and our classroom programmes.

Core Values

At Opoutere School we believe:

1) That responsibility, independence, initiative, common sense, and perseverance are essential life skills needed by our students to function successfully in society.

2) That to function successfully in society we need a basic knowledge of the world we live in.

3) That we need to build strong relationships with others and a respect for our environment.

4) That literacy and numeracy are essential life skills.

5) That being able to clearly communicate with others is vital.

6) That self-worth and self esteem are essential to developing the mental, social and physical well-being of each individual, enabling them to fulfil their potential.

7) That students need to be able to identify problems, define and present problems, expose possible strategies, act upon the strategies.

8) That students require passion, enthusiasm and a zest for life to provide the motivation to reach their potential.

9) That it’s important to develop students’ creativity.