Frequently asked questions
You will no doubt have lots of questions and rightly so. Choosing a school for your child can be a big decision. We are sure you want your child to be happy and flourish.
We have answered some of the most commonly asked questions below. We also encourage you to come for a school visit and have a look around our wonderful school.
your questions answered
Will my child miss out on opportunities by being at a small school?
On the contrary we believe your child will have more opportunities. Every school has pluses and negatives, but we believe the advantages of being at a small school far outweigh the disadvantages.
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better teacher-child ratios -
children interact across all ages which develops empathy, leadership and trust -
there is not a 'junior' and a 'senior' playground -
all staff have a strong understanding of each child and how they learn -
staff capabilitiy is excellent as everybody does everything
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all children join on school outings and trips -
all children take part in challenging activities such as public speaking during school assemblies -
all our older children develop exceptional leadership skills
What extra-curricular activities are there?
We offer a wide range of extra opportunities and activities for children.
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School sport teams playing hockey, netball, soccer, touch and futsal. -
Early morning yoga class run once a week by Kids Yoga Dunedin.
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Annual Wearable Arts competition -
Otago Polyfest performances -
Ukele Jam -
Music lessons available (during school time) in guitar, piano or keyboard and violin -
After-school Art Class run by two local artists
Does my child need to be able to write their own name and read before starting?
No - all children learn at their own pace and are taught in the classroom accordingly. Teachers are trained to manage the widely varying skill levels they will have in any classroom.
Is there an afterschool programme?
Our after-school programme is in Frog Hollow, adjacent to the school library in our historic building.
Do you have early drop-offs?
School opens at 8am and you are welcome to drop your child off at school at any time between 8am and 9am.
How much time do children spend on computers?
Devices are provided for children to use at school and children are responsible for the device they use. It can be taken off them if used inappropriately.
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maximum 10 minutes/day -
used for reading or maths -
used to publish writing (every few weeks)
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maximum 30 minutes/day -
use google classroom -
coding sessions (on and off the computer) -
presentation tool to make google slides and docs -
learn to use different tools
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one hour/day (sometimes more) -
have a computer use and guidelines contract -
used for maths skills, including coding -
used for research -
presentation tool -
many literacy and numeracy learning and tasks are still book-based
Is healthy eating encouraged at school?
We are a water only school. In fact we were one of the first schools in Dunedin to become a water only school.