About Us

Kawerau South School is a contributing primary school situated in the township of Kawerau, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty of New Zealand. The school opened in June 1963 and has a current roll of approximately 320 students.

Our student population identifies as 87% Māori, 10% Pakeha New Zealand European, 2% Asian and 1% Pacific.

The school campus is set in very large grounds, with extensive open spaces for children to play.

Kawerau South School is organised into two teaching syndicates; Junior (Years 1-3) and Senior (Years 4-6) Syndicates with currently 6 classes in each.

Within our 2 syndicates is a collaborative whānau group (Opunoke) made up of three kaiako, with classes ranging from Year 0-6. Opunoke is a Te Āo Māori focussed group where 31-50% te reo Māori will be spoken.

We also have a special needs unit, Takiwatanga which caters for ORS Funded students as well as some learners who find it challenging to experience success in the mainstream environment.

Each syndicate has a leader who is responsible for the welfare of students and teachers and oversees the day-to-day management of their teams.

We also have a Deputy Principal who is responsible for our Localised curriculum development and delivery across all teams and maintaining connections with local iwi through our Kaumatua. Our Assistant Principal is SENCO, leading our Takiwātanga unit as well as fulfilling the role of Literacy Lead Teacher.

The school has a number of other teaching specialists, including .6 Makerspace teacher and .4 specialist teacher of Reading (SPELD trained).

Strong family connections and traditions form an important part of school life. Many current students have whānau who attended South School, and they now in turn continue to offer strong support for the school.