In 2008 our main focus is in Numeracy. All teachers are involved in a three year professional development programme in numeracy and our major target for the year is to develop our children’s skills in numeracy knowledge and the strategies they use when working with number.

Other school goals for the year relate to the continuation of the school as an Enviro School. We currently have the Silver Enviro school award and we will be working hard to obtain Green/Gold status over the next few years. Sustainability has become one of our catch words in all we do. In 2008 we will continue to reduce, reuse and recycle materials, but will also be looking at the school in a wider sense and designing systems that will support our environment.

The introduction of a revised national school curriculum will form a large part of teachers professional development this year. We will be able to design a Carterton School curriculum that reflects our community. This is an exciting development that will involve every member of the school community.

Our focus on developing the Information and Communication Technology skills of our children will continue in 2008, with exciting developments in video and music capabilities. Programmes in Te Reo, Kapa Haka, Spanish and French will continue. Special extension opportunities will be provided for gifted and talented students in a range of areas.

A huge strength of our school is the extensive outdoor education programme the children are offered, ranging from local visits to day tramps and 5 day challenging camps.

Continuing in 2008 will be the school Academy programme which over 110 children took part in last year, the Guitar Jamming group, Perceptual Motor Programme for juniors and the After School Care Facility.

Carterton School will continue to organise Wairarapa wide events in Speech Competitions, Chess Competitions and Science Fairs and there will be full involvement in a wide range of inter-school events to nurture the skills and talents of our high achievers. The school has a commitment to academic and  personal success and development for all children and support is provided across a range of subjects and abilities.

This year the Board of Trustees will be revising our School Charter. The Charter is the document which underpins all we do at school. This is an opportunity for everyone to be involved in discussing what the focus should be for our school here in Carterton.  We look forward to your input in this process.

We have a genuine Open Door policy – you can go straight to the classrooms or activity – there is no need to check in at the office. So come on down anytime and join in the exciting experience that makes up your child’s education at Carterton School. We have lots of fun and we would love you to be part of it in this great learning environment.

Alison Woollard
Principal