About Ross School

2011

Ross School is a U1 contributing rural school catering for Yr 1-6 students in a single multi levelled class. It has a teaching Principal (0.6 teaching and 0.4 management), a 0.4 Release teacher, a teacher aide, librarian, school secretary, cleaner, bus drivers, caretaker and a Reading Recovery teacher.

A strength in Ross School is its size and the caring, fun loving, family atmosphere that is fostered amongst the students. Seniors leaving the school show pride in themselves and are confident to try new skills while being a caring member of a team. Also our teaching staff are able to get to know the students well and are able to give individual time to increase understanding and achievement.

Ross School currently has a roll of 15 pupils. The school operates a daily bus service to transport students.

Ross School is situated on State Highway 6, 30 km south of Hokitika. It is a small township at the entrance to South Westland.

Parents are employed in a variety of occupations, such as farming, gold mining, tourism, government departments and health. Many parents commute to Hokitika for work.

Ross School contributes to Westland High School in Hokitika and South Westland Area School in Harihari.

Ross School is a member of the North Westland School Cluster and is also actively involved with neighbouring schools to the south.

The school is the heart of the community and has a skilled, supportive Board of Trustees and parent base that are willing to go the extra mile and regularly do. The school is very family focused and this is reflected in the high level of parental involvement which can be seen in the many and varied activities.

The school boasts a full calendar of events, a few being Pet Days, concerts, cross country running, Duffy assemblies and school assemblies.

Ross School has high expectations of its students, staff, and school community. At the core of the school are the Ross School Values; honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility.

A well-resourced library is available for the students and community. The school takes part in the Duffy Books in Homes programme. The school has a computer suite of 12 computers (6 eMac and 6 pc), as well as classroom computers and 7 netbooks. These are all linked to a laser printer, colour printer, photocopier and have internet access. All teachers have laptops.

Attractive grounds surround the school and comprise of a sports field, adventure playground, a netball court and large sandpit. A large, covered community swimming pool is situated adjacent to the school and used by students and the community.

Ross School is supported by the RTLB service, the RTLit, GSE, Christchurch College of Education Advisers, CES and School Support Ltd. Children have access to an on-site Dental Service annually.

Student achievement data shows that there is a wide range of student abilities. Teaching programmes are catered to the individual students. We have programmes in place for Special Needs and Gifted and Talented students. Our children participate in a wide range of sport, art and music activities, both within the school and in the wider community.

Ross School endeavours to develop confident, honest students who are able to access all areas of learning, have pride and integrity in themselves and the community.