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St Patricks is a rapidly growing Y0-8 full primary school in Nukuhau, Taupo. We have spacious grounds, dedicated staff, quality teaching and learning programmes and a commitment to 21st Century learning strategies. Our students achieve well and regularly go on to leadership roles at secondary schools.
We are young and vibrant. St Patrick's school opened in 1997 with a first-day roll of 66 pupils. As at October 2009 we have a roll of 238 pupils. Such growth has only been possible with the support of a very proactive parish, parent community and Board of Trustees. New buildings and property developments are an ongoing feature of the "St Patrick's story" as we try to cater for the parental demand.
Our school is a community based on Gospel values and high expectations. Families bringing their children to school want to know they will be cared for and nurtured in an environment as close to that of a family as possible. The Special Catholic Character of our school helps us to achieve this, with hospitality being a key feature.
I was previously principal of St Joseph's Taihape, and prior to that St Patrick's Kaponga. I am committed to catholic education and believe that it offers families an authentic context to support the work of the Catholic church and to promote the teachings of Jesus Christ. I am involved in our local parish and both my children attend St Patrick's school.
If you are interested in finding out more about what a catholic education can offer your family, please be in touch. I would be more than happy to meet with you, to show you around our school and to share exactly why we are "Proud St Patrick's Pupils".
Be Blessed
Danny Nicholls
What Can St Patrick's School offer my child?
The Virtues programme is a strong feature of our school and supports the Catholic Character. We have a weekly Virtue which is promoted at assembly, through the school newsletter, in the classrooms and other areas in the school. Awards are given out related to the Virtues. We are committed to the Virtues programme and the positive values it instils in the school community. The Virtues programme is also used as a basis for our Peace resolution and Behaviour Management Programmes.
Student Leaders are trained at the beginning of each year. Their training is also based around the use of the Virtues. Student Leaders assist with wet day supervision, welcoming of visitors, playground peace resolution and spend time each week with their buddy classes. They also meet weekly with myself and give out awards at assembly each Friday.
As Principal I see communication as an important means of promoting our school's activities and values. A weekly newsletter is published for families and phone calls to homes are encouraged as a means of keeping communication lines open. Internal and external communication systems exist to keep everyone focused on our expectations.
We are also proud of our academic record in our short history. Achievement data is collected regularly and shows that a majority of our students are reading at or above their chronological age. Other data collected in all curriculum areas confirms that high achievement rates are being consistently achieved. However we are not complacent and continually evaluate what is being taught and ways we can improve on learning outcomes. The school aims to be inclusive of all students, promoting programmes for all abilities.
To this end we provide learning opportunities to extend and accelerate learning and to give those struggling a helping hand. We provide the following programmes:
Reading Recovery
Oral language
Alphabet
Language extension
ICT extension
Maths matters participation and tuition
Speech competition participation
Pause, Prompt, Praise
H.P.P.
Australian Maths, English, Science and Computer Competitions
Participation in Literacy and ICT Ministry of Education Contracts
Kapa Haka
The school also uses the Six Thinking Hats in the delivery of the curriculum:
The Six Thinking Hats is based on the work of Edward de Bono and encourages students to think of different levels. It is incorporated into all aspects of the classroom programme.
All families entering the school are required to sign a declaration that they wish their child to be educated in a peaceful, non-violent environment. They undertake to discuss our Behaviour Management Plan with their child and provide home support for it. Our rules are simple, based on learning, communication, safety, movement, treatment and problem solving.
Programmes are delivered to students are based on student and school community needs. We work on a Curriculum Integration approach to teaching and learning and continue to explore the best way to deliver this to students.
The Parish is an important aspect of our school community. Parish members are very supportive of the school, helping out in classrooms, assisting with fundraising and providing both spiritual and physical support.
I am proud to be a part of St Patrick's School - its teachers, support staff, students and families. All combine
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