Opoutere School offers a balanced curriculum to educate the whole child, intellectually, socially, culturally and emotionally. 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. Please feel free to phone and make an appointment. I am happy to show you around and answer any queries you might have.

Vaughan van Rensburg - Principal (07) 8659077

Latest News

Opoutere School's roll recently hit the 100 mark for the first time in the school's 100 year history. The school's new buildings were completed just in time to cope with the influx of pupils. A new classroom and resources rooms have been added along with upgraded administration areas and library.

The full ERO report

can be viewed

here.

The school recently had a very successful visit from the Education review Office. The ERO team had this to say:

"Hard working and committed teachers have developed positive learning environments that encourage high levels of student engagement. Teacher/student relationships are mutually respectful and students interact positively with one another. Student learning is being enhanced through the effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and a range of other learning resources. High expectations for success and behaviour are evident and are being achieved by learning focused students working in groups or as individuals."

In 2006 Opoutere School was a finalist in the Computerworld Excellence Awards with its Digital Opportunities project which uses interactive whiteboards, wireless laptops and an online personal learning environment (KnowledgeNet) to facilitate inquiry learning.

Opoutere School is pleased to be part of the Kopu Digital Opportunities Project in partnership with the Ministry of Education. This exciting project has seen every classroom equipped with an interactive digital whiteboard, digital cameras and wireless laptops. Students and teachers use these technologies to facilitate inquiry-based learning. You can check out the details on the Digi Ops site.

Phone: 07 8659077 Fax: 07 8659055

E-mail: vaughan@opoutere.school.nz

Address: State Highway 25 RD1 Whangamata

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WWW www.opoutere.school.nz

Last updated August 2007

Comments re site to jan-marie@opoutere.school.nz

© 2007

What we offer Core Values Aims Newsletter

Who are we?

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 75 - 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/library was added in 2002. Large playing fields, two adventure playgrounds and a tennis court add to the amenities. A new swimming pool complex was recently completed. All classrooms have several networked computers, digital camera and an interactive digital whiteboard. Classes also have wireless laptops available for students to use.

The philosophy practised 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.

The school is currently rated Decile 5. Children come to the school from Opoutere, Onemana and Whangamata, most arriving and departing by bus.

What Opoutere School has to Offer

Opoutere School is a small school with a family atmosphere. The school received an excellent ERO report in March 2004 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.

General Aims

§ To foster student achievement by providing teaching and learning programmes which incorporate the New Zealand Curriculum (essential learning areas, essential skills and attitudes and values) as expressed in National Curriculum Statements.

§ To provide a friendly, secure environment to cater for the needs of individual students, including those who may have special needs.

§ To create an environment that provides opportunities for students to develop as individuals physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially.

§ To create an atmosphere that promotes the development of self-respect, respect for others and good social interaction, where students can develop confidence and pride in themselves and their school.

§ To develop an understanding of our immediate environment which will extend naturally to the wider community.

§ To create an environment that allows parents to feel welcome and encourages them to share in school activities.

§ To appreciate that the local environment has an important educational and recreational role in school activities and in the lives of the pupils, outside of the school.

§ To develop policies and practices which reflect New Zealand's cultural diversity and the unique position of the Maori culture.

§ To take all reasonable steps to ensure that instruction in Tikanga Maori (Maori culture), and Te Reo Maori (Maori language), is provided for all full-time students.

§ To develop the students’ essential skills, including information and communication technology skills, based on the likelihood that many of our pupils will live in rural communities where opportunities are limited.

▪ To develop and encourage the use of students' problem solving and lateral thinking skills.