Location

Opunake is situated on the famous Surf Highway 45, in Taranaki. Opunake Primary School is situated in the township of Opunake, adjacent to the Opunake High School and the community swimming pool. Opunake township services a large surrounding rural community. The town is minutes from Opunake Beach. Each year the town hosts a number of beach and holiday events for both locals and tourists. The school is a pivotal part of the Opunake community. Opunake Primary School merged in 2004 with Oaonui Primary School. Some students from the Pihama and Te Kiri communities chose to attend Opunake Primary School. This has strengthened the schools links with the rural community and added another dimension to the culture of the school. Students have been positive towards the changes and many new friendships have been made as a result of the merger.

Library and Technology Centre: Children are issued books weekly from the schools library, which has extensive fiction and non fiction sections and reference for researching. The library process is fully computerised and uses a modern bar code and scanner system.

The library is open during school hours and fully utilized by students each lunch hour.

Our school offers a wide range of Information Communication Technology skills to our children, these skills enhance teaching and learning. The technology centre boasts fifteen computers linked to a central server which networks the entire system, including staff administration. Students are able to retrieve information worldwide quickly and effectively, assisted by a trained full-time Librarian and Computer Technician. 

Special Abilities/Special Needs: Our school is very successful in delivering appropriate programmes for all students at both ends of the educational spectrum. High achievers are provided with opportunities for extension through the schools approach to curriculum integration and thinking skills. Senior students are extended through research, based on question mapping.

Similarly, students who are having learning difficulties, or who have behavioural problems are well catered for though Individual Educational Programmes (I.E.P), Individual Development Plans (I.D.P), and/or a Behavioural Modification Plans (B.M.P). The school employs teacher aides to support at risk students.

Sporting Events: Due to the generosity of many of our parents, our school is able to offer a range of sporting codes. These range from basketball, touch rugby, athletics to martial arts. All are available to the students outside the normal school hours.

After School Music: These classes are generally available, if tutors can be found. These classes are free and available to all Year 4—8 students.

Appointments: Can be made to see staff to discuss any queries and concerns you may have regarding your child(rens) progress at school. Appointments should be made at the school office. We prefer that parents meet with teachers after school.

The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving”

Linkage Liaison: Close liaison is maintained with Opunake High School as part of a programme designed to orientate our Year Eight Students into High School.

Technicraft/ Arts Centre: Form One (Year 7) and Form Two (Year 8) children receive a comprehensive Technicraft/Arts and Design development programme. This provides a very sound base from which further advance study can be developed. The students go to the High school for this.

Parent Help Programme:  We operate a parent help programme in the Junior and Middle areas of the school. Parent help involves assisting children individually and/or in groups, including the preparation of some equipment. This is invaluable help to teachers and also enables you to keep in touch with what your child is doing at school. A request for helpers goes home early in each term.

Calf and Pet Day:  This is held annually, usually in October.

School Levy: This is payable at the beginning of the year. $25.00 for the first child in the family and $5.00 per additional child. The levy pays for material not covered by government grants eg. Some art materials, newsprint, photocopying etc.

Special Services:
Area speech and language therapist
Public Health Nurse service our school
           - 5 year old checks

           - MMR/TB/Polio Immunisation

           - Hearing/Vision

RTLB (Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour

School Uniform: A school uniform is available but is not compulsory. The uniform is red, black and white. Sweatshirts, jackets and polo shirts can be ordered through the school. Although the uniform is voluntary, we encourage parents and whanau to consider purchasing this attractive uniform.