Information for Parents and prospective Parents

Please read some of the recent comments in our ERO report. A link to this is on the Latest news page. Community Page 22 June 2010 To the Parents and Community of Rakaia School These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report on Rakaia School. Rakaia School is a rural primary school in the Mid Canterbury township of Rakaia that provides for students from Years 1 to 8. The school roll is significantly larger and more diverse than at the time of the last ERO review in 2007. This growth can be attributed to the development of light industry associated with the rural sector. The spacious grounds are well maintained. Recent developments include a new classroom and new playground equipment. School-wide achievement reports show that students overall have made steady progress in aspects of numeracy and literacy since the 2007 ERO review. Some groups of students, including those who do not have English as a first language, receive additional support to raise their performance levels. The principal and teachers have responded positively to the variation by focusing on providing additional learning support programmes and improving teaching practice. The principal and staff place a high priority on effective teaching and the quality of the relationships with and amongst students. This emphasis is promoted in the school's vision and values which underpin the school's curriculum. Other positive features of learning and teaching include: * the learning and leadership opportunities provided for students within and beyond the classroom; * the focus on learning in classrooms with students knowing what they are learning and why; and * the use of assessment information by teachers to identify students' learning needs and to plan suitable programmes. The principal provides strong professional leadership for the staff and students. Positive relationships with parents and the community are strengths of the school. Students told ERO that they felt safe and valued at school. The school's vision and values reflect the aspirations of the board staff and community. ERO and the board agreed the school's areas for development to improve outcomes for students are: * increase the opportunities for students to be more self-directed and self-managing in their learning; * extend the use of student achievement data; * strengthen the school's self-review processes; and * consult with parents of Māori children to gain an understanding of their aspirations for their children. Future Action The board of trustees has demonstrated that it is governing the school in the interest of the students and the Crown. The board, together with the principal and school leaders, continues to focus on improving student learning - engagement, progress and achievement. ERO is likely to carry out the next review within three years.

Rakaia School is supported by our School Support Group who manage fund raising, hospitality and academic support in the School. We are also supported by a special group of sponsors who support the school in many ways.

On this part of the site we hope to have copies of the information you require.

Please let us know if you need anything here so we can meet your needs. You should be able to run your mouse across some of the links and access the files you need.

This includes the Information and Introduction Booklet. and School Charter

Please check out our bus routes ( run your mouse over the colour of the bus route) to see if you can catch the yellow or blue bus