“Learning together to achieve excellence.” That’s the motto of Rata Street School. Opened in 1950, Rata Street School started with a single cell model. It now stands as a large state primary school. It caters to Year 1 to Year 6 pupils.
Rata Street School is co-educational. The pupils’ age range is 5 to 11 years old. The school reflects a multicultural community. NZ Maori make up 41%. NZ European/Pākehā represent 23%. Pacific Islanders account for 26%. Asian students comprise 4%. Other ethnicities make up the remaining 6%.
In the mid-1990s, a three-classroom block was added. Another three classrooms followed in 2008 and 2009. Refurbishments have touched many areas. These include the staff and student toilets and the linkway. The hall also received updates. The administration block and staffroom were also improved. A classroom block got a makeover as well. The refurbishment program continues with classrooms.
The facilities include a central resource area. There’s also a teacher’s workroom and a library. An art room inspires creativity. The school hall hosts events. Three adventure playgrounds offer fun. An outdoor hard court serves for netball and sports. A PE storeroom keeps equipment. You’ll also find a caretaker’s room and a boiler room. The administration block manages the school. Teacher’s aide rooms provide support. A medical room attends to health needs. A staff room offers a space for teachers.
Rata Street School wants every student to reach their full potential. They focus on learning together. They emphasize learning from each other. This is seen as vital for becoming the best versions of themselves.
The school strongly focuses on student achievement. Literacy and numeracy are core areas. Cultural, arts, and sports programs complement these. The school celebrates cultural diversity. A Cultural Club enriches the program. Students experience Māori, Samoan, and Pacific cultures. They engage through songs and dance.
Delivery of student support programs is a strength. Students needing extra help receive it. Those with special talents get extension opportunities. Support programs include English as a Second Language (ESOL). MindPlus caters to gifted students. Teachers and teacher-aides provide support across the school.
High expectations are an ethos throughout Rata Street School. This applies to both achievement and behavior. Annual achievement targets are set. The results are reported to the Board of Trustees. Achievement data shows steady improvement in literacy and numeracy. Professional development initiatives aim to improve student achievement.
Literacy and numeracy are key school development themes. The school focuses on effective teaching practice. Specific attention goes to priority learners’ needs. The overall aim is to raise achievement levels for all students. For priority learners, this means accelerating achievement. They do this through effective targeted teaching practices. Rata Street School constantly seeks to improve. They ask students and parents how they learn best.
Hamish Regan is the principal. The school’s phone number is 04-5670096. The website is http://www.ratastreet.school.nz. Rata Street School is part of the Naenae Community of Learning. So, as you pass through these gates, remember the commitment. Rata Street School is dedicated to “Learning together to achieve excellence”.