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Otatara is a U5 decile 10 contributing state co-educational school with a roll of approximately 300 pupils, representative of a wide socioeconomic group, 12% of whom are non-European. Otatara has a total of 12 teaching spaces, plus a library. The school is organized into two teams, the senior with 5 classes and the junior with 7 classes.
The management team is made up of Principal, Deputy Principal (4 units) and Assistant Principal (2 units). Our learning community also consists of an office administrator, 3 teacher-aides, a librarian/ICT person, part time caretaker and part time grounds person.
The school has large grassed and concreted areas including a sheltered paved tennis court and an adventure playground. The school has picturesque grounds with many large trees and shrubs, surrounded by a native bush reserve, a golf course and Dunns Road. On site there is a school/community covered heated swimming pool. Adjoining the school site is a large modern community centre and kindergarten.
The Otatara community is a unique low-density semi-rural residential area situated in a bush and beach area five-ten kilometres west of Invercargill between the New River Estuary and Oreti Beach. Otatara has a population of 3,000 residents. The school facilities are made available to the community out of school hours and are used by various clubs, organizations and families.
At Otatara we endeavour to provide the best possible learning environment where children can achieve success, in a safe, caring and stimulating atmosphere. Teachers provide differentiated programmes to support children to work towards their potential. Numeracy and literacy are priority areas with the remaining learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum being developed through team rotations and an inquiry based approach.
Comments from our recent ERO report
Students know what they are learning about…they are able to talk about how they learn and the various strategies they use. They confidently make decisions about their learning in meaningful contexts.
Teachers and students are capable users of a range of technologies… Students’ learning and knowledge is enhanced through the purposeful use of such technologies.
Parents have many opportunities to be involved in their child’s education. Teachers report promptly to parents about both learning successes and concerns.
MISSION STATEMENT
Otatara School, in partnership with its community, provides educational opportunities in a caring environment, which motivate and challenge children.
Confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners striving for excellence.
