KOPUTAROA SCHOOL

Established 1891

‘From Each Their Best’

koputaroa school
charter

2011 - 2013
‘Inspiring minds on the journey of learning.’
VISION
“Inspiring minds on the journey
of learning.”

PHILOSOPHY
To inspire creative learners in a supportive
environment.

OUR VALUES...
Empathy Mana Integrity Respect
Diversity Inclusion Ambition

THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

Koputaroa School (est. 1891) is a beautiful rural school located approximately 7 km north
of Levin (New Zealand) between SH 1 and SH 57. We are a full primary, decile 6 school
with a roll that fluctuates between 160 – 180.

Koputaroa is the name of the local settlement and in Maori it means Breast of the
Albatross. This name refers to the heavy fog that fills the valley, and from the hill near the
Marae, looks like the breast of an albatross. Koputaroa was originally called Kereru and
the school’s emblem is of a Kereru.

Koputaroa once boasted a dairy, railway station, hall and dairy factory. Remaining now are
the school, hall (now situated alongside the school) and double railway tracks – Koputaroa
is still frequently used as a bypass for the trains along this busy main trunk line.

For a rural school we have a large dedicated and committed staff: Principal, 7 teachers
(including an AP and DP), full time Office Manager, two Teacher Aides, two release
teachers, part-time caretaker, cleaner and two bus drivers.

Children at our school enjoy a large field, playground, trampolines and a number of
established trees that the children are allowed to climb. Three of our trees are protected
and recorded in the Notable Trees Trust.

At our school we place a huge emphasis on quality learning and teaching and
firmly believe in the principles of formative practice – children being actively involved in the
learning and teaching process. Our staff are very committed to providing our children with
the best possible learning experiences and children enjoy a collaborative, supportive,
engaging and motivational learning environment.
AT KOPUTAROA SCHOOL WE
STRIVE FOR ALL STUDENTS TO...

be confident, independent learners

be self-motivated and self-managing

be inquisitive, creative learners who take risks and can problem

solve

be effective communicators

be resourceful

respect themselves and others

MAORI ACHIEVEMENT STATEMENT

At Koputaroa School we acknowledge New Zealand’s cultural diversity and in doing so
acknowledge the unique position of Māori as tangata whenua. Koputaroa School will
provide opportunities that support its students’ in te reo and tikanga Māori. (Education
Standards Act 2001)
At Koputaroa School we have high expectations for all our students in their educational
progression and achievement. We will continue to ensure that Māori can effectively
achieve educational success as Māori. (Ka Hikitia)

Goals:
✓ To provide opportunities for all students to respect and understand te reo and tikanga
Maori.
✓ To engage and involve whanau through hui and community events.
✓To develop the establishment of a whanau roopu.
✓ To consult with whanau as part of self-review.
STRATEGIC GOALS: 2011 - 2013
Goal 1: To focus on high quality learning and teaching
and to encourage and support the growth of
Tikanga Maori.
Characterised by:
emphasis on literacy and numeracy, the principles of formative assessment,
curriculum development, inquiry learning, awareness of Maori culture and
language and others‘ cultures and languages, growing infusion of e-learning,
programmes and opportunities for children with learning needs and special
abilities, professional learning and development
Actions may include:
Literacy Delivery Plan, Numeracy Delivery Plan, Koputaroa School Effective
Pedagogy, Koputaroa School Localised Curriculum, Conceptual Curriculum,
class blogs, Web 2.0 interaction, Formative Assessment facilitation, GATE
programme, teaching and learning of languages, Cluster initiatives, Kapa
Haka, Professional Learning (Development) opportunities, Development of a
Health Delivery Plan, Further understanding and unpacking of how National
Standards can support student learning and achievement.

Goal 2: To maintain and develop a physical

environment that is both attractive and
functional.
Characterised by:
welcoming attractive environment, building renovations, functional learning
environments, care for the environment
Actions may include:
development of the playground/turf area, vegetable gardens, Admin and
Rooms 1-3 upgrade, Room 7 interior repaint, Room 8 interior upgrade, 21st
Century library space, new blinds for the library, install storage system
Resource Room

Goal 3: To sustain, grow and further encourage

whanau and community partnerships within
our rural environment (whanaungatanga).
Characterised by:
community consultation, interactions between home and school, whanau hui,
informative newsletters, website, class blogs, assemblies
Actions may include:
learning conferences, whanau hui, hangi, adult readers, website, Ag Day
focus, community engagement with review, class blogs,
Goal 4: To provide an environment that promotes and
values health and safety.
Characterised by:
supportive collaborative environment, maintenance review, policy review
Actions may include:
development of eTap for assessment/guidance, programmes that focus on
health and wellbeing, implementation/development of the 5YA and 10 YPP,
deck resurfacing, health and safety policy review, Distribution Board
upgrades (Block A and E), Student Safety,

Goal 5: To engage in regular self review to monitor and

evaluate areas.
Characterised by:
policy review, achievement reports, appraisal system, community
consultation, student consultation and review,
Actions may include:
budget review, Nag 1 Review (Curriculum), NAG 2 Review (Strategic Plan
and Reporting), NAG 3 Review (Personnel), NAG 4 Review (Finance and
Property), NAG 5 Review (Health and Safety), NAG 6 Review (Legislation),
staff appraisal system review, GATE programme review, student
achievement review (through achievement reports and snapshot reports),
professional development for Board of Trustees.