Principal's welcome

Welcome to Napier Central School

In 2010 Napier Central School has continued its strong and proud tradition as a leading educator in Hawkes Bay. We strongly believe in giving our students the 'Best possible start' in education and life. 'Best possible start' is a modern reworking of our 1919 motto - 'Lay well thy foundation'. 2010 has seen 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 definitely ensure the 'Best possible start' as well as a lot of fun along the way!

Best practice

As a school, 2010 will see continued commitment to embracing best practice teaching philosophy. In recent years, our teachers have completed Massey University's internationally recognized, 'numeracy' and 'formative assessment ' contract.We have also participated in school -wide professional development in Joy Allcock's Spelling Strategies as well as Differentiated Teaching techniques. In recent years, students throughout the school have been 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 the new curriculum and inquiry learning to lay a strong foundation of knowledge and skills 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 particpate in the annual Maori Language and Maths weeks. We have very strong Choir, Orchestra and Kapahaka groups. Our choir sang with Suzanne Prentice in the 'Kids for Kids' concert in late May.Four student teams were competitive in the 'Lit Quiz' inter-school competition in May. One of our four teams won the inter-school BP Technology Challenge in June. Four teams entered an inter-school Chess competition in August. 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 science, art, animation, video skills, maths and technology. Eleven Year Six students went to the annual 'Young Leaders' Conference this year in Rotorua. 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. We are already in the planning stages for the 2011 production.

Home-school partnership

Years 1 to 6 are your child's most formative years and I firmly believe Napier Central School's balanced curriculum, modern pedagogical approaches and a strong partnership between the home and school,give students a solid foundation of knowledge and skills and the 'Best possible start' to their schooling years.

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