Principal's welcome

Welcome to Napier Central School

In 2010 Napier Central School will continue its strong and proud tradition as a leading educator in Hawkes Bay. In being true to our school charter - 'Lay well thy foundation' - 2010 will see continued emphasis on providing a balanced challenging curriculum covering academic, cultural and sporting arenas. Our programmes - academic, sporting and cultural - together with extra-curricular activities and broad community involvement will also ensure a lot of fun is had along the way!

Best practice

As a school, 2010 will see continued commitment to embracing best practice teaching philosophy. Our teachers have completed Massey University's internationally recognized, 'formative assessment ' contract. Students throughout the school are taking increasing responsibility for their own learning and can confidently talk to teachers, parents and peers about their learning intentions, success criteria, feedback, self and peer assessment. This responsive teaching approach combines with our emphasis upon differentiated teaching, the new ( 2007) curriculum and inquiry learning to lay a strong foundation for all our children to realize their individual potential.

Sport and culture

A variety of events, activities and opportunities are enjoyed by students throughout the year. We have a very strong Choir and Orchestra. Guitar and percussion ( drum) lessons are available for students before, during and after the school day. The ICT / Computer Suite is well used and children learn a variety of ways to present and enhance their work. Students raise money for the 20 and 40 hour famine relief, the Guide Dog Foundation and the National Surf Life saving Foundation. Visiting artists and performers are also a regular feature at the school.

On the sporting front, the list of 'normal' sporting opportunities on offer each year include swimming sports, cricket, netball, hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, tabloid sports, softball, mini-ball, optimist yachting, the school Cross Country and Inter-School Cross Country, the Inter-School Athletics Sports and the Year 5 and 6 Camp.

Extension classes

Extension classes run throughout the year to extend students' abilities in areas such research skills, science, maths and technology. Six Year Six students go to the annual 'Young Leaders' Conference each year. In 2010 we will continue organising and hosting an interschool Mathletics competition as well as an inter-school Technology Challenge. Our biennial Production in 2009 was "Alice: The Musical" and was staged at Napier's Municipal Theatre in August featuring 285 students from Year One to Year Six.

Home-school partnership

Years 1 to 6 are your child's most formative years and I firmly believe between Napier Central School's balanced curriculum, modern pedagogical approaches and a strong partnership between the home and school, we are well positioned to provide your children with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for the future.

We look forward to working with all prospective parents and trust that your association with our school, staff and Board of Trustee members, is a positive and worthwhile experience for your children and yourselves.

Call Napier Central School for all enrolment enquiries and for a personal tour of our school.

Ian Hall - PRINCIPAL