OUR STORY
Kia ora koutou and welcome to our school website
I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce myself and share a little about the values and vision that guide our school community.
Waipukurau School Fast Facts
300 students from year 1 to 8
Superb location in the heart of Waipukurau
Best thing about the school - Our staff are committed professionals and our students are kind, respectful and full of energy! We have lots of learning, activities, sports and outdoor education - being a larger school, we have a full menu of opportunities.
Visits - welcome anytime
Attendance - above the national average
Academic achievement - above the national average
School Vision - Be the best version of you!
My name is Matt Jackett, and I have the privilege of being the principal (beginning Term 4, 2024) of this wonderful school. I live in Central Hawkes Bay with my wife and two kids, on a lifestyle block with a menagerie of animals. I enjoy being active, supporting children with their learning, and being a leader in the community. Over the years I have traveled the world many times and have a thirst for adventures, sport and outdoor education. I have been a principal since 2017 across three schools, and I enjoy leadership, politics and thrive on challenges.
Being a principal is the best job in the world because you get to help create the leaders of the future and working with children is great because they’re quick learners, energetic, and funny!
I am truly passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, risk taking and inspiring environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Our school is not just a place for academic growth — it is a community where students are encouraged to explore, develop their talents, and learn the skills they need to become confident, compassionate, and capable individuals. Waipukurau School values the necessary cooperation needed from all students, teachers, parents, and the Ministry of Education, which are our key stakeholders, in order to achieve our school vision.
I believe that education is not just about textbooks and tests; it is about fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. In partnership with our amazing and dedicated staff, we strive to offer a well-rounded and holistic curriculum that nurtures not only the mind but also the heart and spirit of each child. We celebrate diversity and encourage students to respect one another’s differences, while fostering a culture of kindness, honesty, and perseverance (our school values).
Naumai Haere Mai
At Waipukurau School, we prioritise student-centred education, emphasising the individual learner's growth and development in all aspects of academic, athletic, cultural, and artistic endeavours. Our ethos revolves around fostering a culture where each individual strives to embody their best self.
Our vision is encapsulated in the simple yet profound mantra: 'Be the Best Version of You.' We are dedicated to nurturing confident, capable individuals who embody their fullest potential both now and in the future. Our commitment extends to providing unwavering support and challenges to each child, fostering a lifelong love for learning. Within our nurturing environment, we collectively uphold our core values, shaping our students into compassionate, honest, and resilient individuals.
At the heart of our school are our passionate and reflective educators, who create safe, enriching learning environments with optimal teacher-student ratios. We place a premium on fostering meaningful relationships and prioritising the holistic well-being of every member of our community, celebrating each child's achievements along their educational journey.
We offer dynamic, innovative learning experiences that cater to the holistic development of each child, instilling a growth mindset and cultivating essential learning dispositions for success in an ever-evolving world. Our school values serve as the bedrock of our community, guiding our interactions, learning endeavours, and collective growth.
Our dedicated staff, boasting a wealth of experience and expertise, are committed to supporting and extending children's learning through diverse, research-based programs. Their multifaceted strengths across various domains ensure that learning is engaging, with ample opportunities for participation in sports, outdoor activities, arts, leadership roles, and cultural pursuits.
At Waipukurau School, students actively participate in shaping their learning experiences alongside our teaching team. From Year 0 to 8, students collaborate, play, and learn together, with student leaders playing a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant, inclusive school culture.
Our school community thrives on the invaluable partnership with parents and whānau, who play a crucial role in fostering personal success. We encourage family involvement in school life, offering diverse opportunities for engagement and participation.
With a student body starting at around 290 and growing to approximately 340 students annually, we take pride in our large yet close-knit school community. Waipukurau School remains a beacon of excellence, renowned for its unwavering commitment to personal growth, with a profound dedication to nurturing the hearts and minds of our children and families.
We invite you to witness the vibrant spirit of Waipukurau School in action!