Our School
Waitaki Valley School is a full primary (Year 0-8), located in the rural service town of Kurow, North Otago. This purpose built modern learning environment was constructed in 2010 after the amalgamation of Cattle Creek, Hakataramea, Kurow Area and Otematata schools in 2004. This has created a unique community of families from geographically isolated areas, together forming the “hub” of the Upper Waitaki Valley. Our school has a roll of approximately 110 students. The Kurow township is situated in the Upper Waitaki Valley on the south bank of the Waitaki River. The surrounding landscape is a spectacular part of New Zealand offering a range of experiences including alpine sport, water activities and outdoor pursuits.
The main school building consists of five modern classrooms linked to a central shared space; “The Street”. This state of the art building means we can utilise the spaces for child centred learning. The school environment is separated into two “hubs”, both junior (Teina) and senior (Tuakana) hubs supporting relationships for our students in all of their endeavours. The school campus also boasts a gymnasium, technology facilities, a covered and heated swimming pool, a community library and the Waitaki Valley Preschool.
Waitaki Valley School is well resourced, with efficient, experienced teachers , learning assistants and support staff. We are well supported by enthusiastic parents, an active and committed Friends Of the School and Board of Trustees.
Waitaki Valley School provides an exciting and diverse range of opportunities for our students including camps, technology programmes (Year 7 & 8), cultural activities, ski programmes (Year 7 & 8), miniball, basketball and touch rugby). Several other club based sports which are strongly supported and available in our area include netball, rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey and squash. Two school vans are invaluable in transporting our children to the many and varied cultural and sporting events they attend.
Our school works closely with other schools, both primary and secondary and this collaboration allows our students and teachers to have learning, sporting and leadership experiences whilst interacting with other schools. Being part of the Upper Waitaki Rural Schools' Network means our students are competing in swimming, athletics, cross country and a winter skills day with other Upper Waitaki students. Our Year 8 pupils participate in several leadership days to support them in their transition to high school. The school also works closely with the local preschool with a weekly transition to school programme to ensure new entrants are supported in their first school experience.
At WVS we actively promote family/whānau and community involvement, there is an environment of trust, respect and cooperation, where the children are friendly, caring, energetic and excited to learn.
