Kea St Specialist School enjoying positive era

Principal Sherie Collins said the latest all-staff survey, taken in August, showed an "overwhelmingly positive response to the new leadership team".

Kea St Specialist School's leadership team has spoken out for the first time since the Ministry of Education stepped in, saying the school has lots of good things going for it.

Principal Sherie Collins said the latest all-staff survey, taken in August, showed an "overwhelmingly positive response to the new leadership team".

"Our leadership team looks completely different now and as a result our staff have said they feel more positive and confident when approaching team members," she said. "We were very blunt with our survey questions because we genuinely wanted to know if the staff felt there had been improvements and we were pleased to see the largely positive responses."

The Ministry of Education first intervened in the running of Kea St Specialist School in September last year, appointing a limited statutory manager.

In April it was unanimously decided to dissolve the board of trustees with all powers and responsibilities previously exercised by the school's board sitting with ministry-appointed commissioner Jack Hourigan.

Ms Collins said while Mr Hourigan remained in charge of the school's operations, there were a lot of exciting initiatives being brought in by the leadership team. "We are very proud of our school and want people to see the dynamic, exciting opportunities being afforded to our students." She said the school had "parents flocking to us to get their children enrolled".

According to the school's ERO reports, the roll has almost doubled since 2008, jumping from 35 students to 68 enrolled in February.

Ms Collins said they had 76 students enrolled for next term. "We have the privilege of appointing excellent staff with strong visions and aspirations for the students.

"For the first time in Kea St Specialist School history we have a kapa haka group, which is so exciting for us because it allows our students to have the same opportunities as students in mainstream schools."

Other initiatives include a community garden, which was set up this year, the whole-school production and ball.

Kea St Specialist School provides education for students aged 5 to 21 with intellectual and physical disabilities, from the greater Rotorua and Taupo area.

In Rotorua, satellite classes operate at Western Heights School, Kaitao Middle School, Owhata Primary and two satellite classes at Malfroy School. In Taupo there is a class located at Mountview Primary School.