SCHOOL DESCRIPTION
TYPE OF SCHOOL
Otatara is a State co-educational contributing school.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL
School Philosophy: Otatara School will endeavour to provide the best possible learning environment where children will achieve success, in a safe, caring and stimulating atmosphere where teachers provide the necessary challenges and programmes of work to help children develop their potential mental, physical, aesthetic, social and emotional growth.
Situation: Otatara School is situated at 146 Dunns Road, Otatara, R D 9, Invercargill.
Composition: The school has currently approximately 260 pupils, 11% of whom are non-European, representative of a wide socioeconomic group.
Staffing: The school is staffed by a non-teaching principal and 11 teachers in 2009.
Characteristics of Staff: Total staff numbers including teachers, ancillary and cleaning staff is 24.
Involvement of Outside Agencies: A wide range of outside agencies is utilised. These include Advisory Service personnel, a District Health Nurse, Speech Therapist, Itinerant Teacher of Maori, Otatara Kindergarten staff and liaison with the High Schools we contribute to.
Buildings and Facilities: Otatara has a total of 12 teaching spaces, plus a library. Adjoining the school site is a large modern community centre.
The school has large grassed and concreted areas including a sheltered paved tennis court and an adventure playground. The school / community covered heated swimming pool is situated in the School grounds.
Community Involvement: The community fulfills a supportive and encouraging role for both in school and outside school activities.
Special Feature of Otatara School: The school grounds are surrounded by a native bush reserve, a golf course and Dunns Road. The school has picturesque grounds with many large trees and shrubs. The Junior School is housed in a 100 year old building redesigned as a 5 class-space-space co-operative teaching unit.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY
The Otatara community from which we draw our pupils 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 with the Oreti River dividing the area. 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.
The community strength is a strong community identity with pride and high expectation of the Otatara area and facilities.
Community Expectations of School
To provide a good learning environment.
To encourage parent participation in school affairs.
To provide facilities for scholastic, physical and cultural activities. Community / School relationship is excellent due to an open school policy where all parents are welcome, dedicated teachers, relevant programmes of work, a satisfactory reporting system to parents and an acknowledgment that the school strives for excellence.
Community Club Organizations and Local Facilities
Two 18 Hole Golf Courses, Sandy Point Scenic Reserve, Teretonga Park (Racing Circuit), Stock Car Club grounds, 10 Rugby grounds, 10 League Rugby grounds, 10 Soccer grounds, Equestrian Centre, Boat Clubs, Bowling Clubs, Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Cubs, Community Council, C.W.I – W.D.F.F, Garden Club, Hall Committee, Netball Club, Indoor Bowling Club, Community Church, Riding for Disabled, Waihopai Pony Club, Plunket committee, Ratepayers Association, Vintage Car Club, Kindergarten Committee, School Board of Trustees.
