A Message from the Principal

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Welcome to Aranga School . The Aranga community is rightfully proud of this school. Set in a beautiful environment, the school is picturesque and well resourced due to the efforts of a loyal band of community members, pupils and staff, both past and present. In our unrelenting progression to the future we are preparing our students for that future by providing all the latest technological tools that are currently available, Satellite Broadband internet connections, a fully networked school with a high powered server, individual login's for each student, Interactive whiteboards and a ratio of students to computers of just over 2 to 1. With a designated computer suite and computers in the classroom, Aranga students have quality access to the tools that they will require in the 21st century.

Our students are up with the best in the country due to their well developed and rounded view of the world. The outdoors is their playground and they have many experiences that are not available to every student in NZ. With our own swimming pool and wide open spaces, adventure playgrounds and various other pieces of equipment we encourage our students to keep active. As a Health Promoting School we pride ourselves on being active, eating healthy options and looking after each other on an emotional level. We are strongly against bullying at school and violence in the home. We take good care of our environment and we are constantly looking at ways to reduce waste and lower our carbon footprint. We look to develop well rounded students that can learn by themselves, for themselves and for their community. This is our school vision:

Students who are creative, respectful,
confident individuals,
empowered to explore and apply learning,
to achieve their potential

Academically we are also very strong with some of our students in the top 10% of students in the country in certain areas. We work continuously to improve all students across the board but look to provide extra support to those who are not currently reaching expected levels through a wide variety of programs designed to meet the needs of the individual. Our staff are friendly and approachable and work hard to improve the outcomes for all our students.

Our parents are supportive and actively involved in the school life. They volunteer to help at school and with transport and fundraising. They are the best at helping out on camps and we never have problems getting enough parents to go on camps. Just what every school needs. Some even put themselves forward to be on the Board of Trustees and our board members are fantastic, very supportive and always willing.

We realize that we have a responsibility to be one of the central cogs in our wider community. With a community hall on site and a great playing area we provide summertime after-school sports for children and adults, a place for community meetings and access to our computers for adult classes when required. We have also set up a playgroup on site to help provide preschool learning experiences for our area.

Aranga has been developed by integrating Katui, Donnelly's Crossing and Tutamoe schools that have had to close over the years due to falling numbers. We service those communities and include the children from the Waipoua forest settlement, Trounsen Park and Kaihu.

Aranga School is a warm and inviting school with a wonderful atmosphere. Why don't you visit soon and find out for yourself.

Regards,

Myles