Rotokawa School pupils thrive in new boys-only class

Rotokawa School pupils Moana-Rose Uerata (left), Jordie Elliott, Stella Hughes and Chief Collier with principal Briar Stewart (second from right). Photo / Stephen Parker

This week's School of the Week is Rotokawa School.

Rotokawa School has seen generations of families walk through its doors.

On the outskirts of Rotorua, just past the airport, it could almost be considered rural, said principal Briar Stewart.

"We have families come through. We've got children here whose grandparents went to the school. It's got a lot of family connections," Stewart said.

"It's a semi-rural, small school that has the kids at the centre of what we do. A place where we're trying to offer kids a range of opportunities to experience success, and a place where we acknowledge strengths may not be in reading, writing and maths."

Chief Collier, 10, is one of 14 siblings. His older siblings have all attended the school and he says it's nice to have them there.

A new initiative in the school of about 180 this year is an all-boys class.

Jordie Elliott, 10, said it was quieter than the co-ed classes and he enjoyed doing different activities.

"We do fitness every morning in the boys' class. We get to read books that boys enjoy more," Jordie said.

Stewart said the school had seen a noticeable difference in the boys in the class.

"They're very settled and really well-mannered," she said.

"Their teacher is teaching a way of growing good young men.

"Our goal is to get boys to stay engaged with school because the biggest thing education can give them is being sound young citizens."

Stewart, who has been principal at the school for eight years, said the boys in the class were calm and settled.

"When we researched it we found the boys lost nothing by going into the class but the benefits are these young men that are focused on their learning."

Stewart's favourite part about the school is the community support. She said the pupils also gave everything a go because the school population was small.

Another exciting development is the school's shade canopy. The official opening of the canopy will be held in March.

The school does not have a hall, so the new canopy provides space for whole school assemblies as well as an area for wet weather play.

About the school
Principal: Briar Stewart
Location: 6 Rotokawa Rd
Type: State, co-educational primary school
Roll: 185 (In July 2017)
Gender composition: Female - 46 per cent, Male - 54 per cent (In July 2017)
Ethnic composition: Maori - 65 per cent, Pakeha - 28 per cent, Other - 7 per cent.
Motto: To improve your future; Enjoy learning, enjoy school, consider others.