Highfield School: Supporting Primary and Intermediate Excellence in Timaru

Highfield School in Timaru supports your child's primary and intermediate education from Years 1 to 8, focusing on excellence, creativity, and wellbeing. Here, students thrive in a co-educational environment that embraces inclusivity, with specialized support available for diverse learners, including those with special needs. The school boasts modern, collaborative classrooms and rich facilities like a solar-heated pool and spacious grounds. Community engagement plays a key role in enhancing educational experiences, ensuring every child feels valued. If you're curious about how Highfield School can benefit your child, there's so much more to discover.

Major Highlights

  • Highfield School serves 304 students with a focus on creativity, wellbeing, and identity in a co-educational environment for Years 1-8.
  • The school emphasizes inclusive practices, providing specialized support for neurodiverse learners and students with varying abilities through individualized education programs.
  • Modern composite classrooms and flexible learning spaces promote collaboration and cater to diverse learning styles, enhancing student engagement and creativity.
  • Active community involvement through whānau engagement and events strengthens partnerships, fostering cultural responsiveness and support for student health and wellbeing.
  • Te Whare Maru offers unique specialized facilities for students with special needs, ensuring personalized learning and effective transition planning for future education.

School Overview

Highfield School's vibrant community in Timaru serves as a full primary school for students in Years 1-8, catering to ages 5 to 13. It offers a co-educational environment, with composite classrooms organized into two teams that promote collaboration and peer learning.

You'll find that the school places a strong emphasis on inclusive practices, ensuring that every student, including those with special needs, receives tailored support through facilities like Te Whare Maru.

The school's educational approach centers around creativity, wellbeing, and identity, which is reflected in its curriculum development and teaching strategies.

You'll notice that the strategic priorities of Ako, Auahatanga, Hauora, and Tuakiri guide the learning experience, encouraging students to thrive academically and socially.

Highfield School fosters a culture of respect, motivation, and resilience, helping students build their identities while removing barriers to learning.

With modern facilities, spacious grounds, and access to technology classes, you can be assured that Highfield School is well-equipped to provide a stimulating learning environment.

The collaborative leadership team is committed to equity and inclusion, ensuring all students can reach their full potential.

Student Demographics

The student demographics at Highfield School reflect a vibrant and diverse community, contributing to a rich learning environment. About 21% of students identify as Māori, while the school proudly hosts a culturally diverse student roll, including Pacific learners and a variety of ethnicities. This ethnic diversity enhances classroom discussions and promotes inclusivity.

Highfield School also recognizes the importance of addressing achievement gaps. The school provides specialized support for students with varying abilities and needs, including ORS-funded individuals and neurodiverse learners. With a specialist classroom and the Te Whare Maru teaching space, students receive tailored education that helps bridge these gaps.

Currently, the school has 304 students, with an enrollment zone in place since 2018 to manage roll numbers effectively. Over time, fluctuations in enrollment have been noted, but the school remains committed to accommodating growth.

Achievement outcomes have varied, with girls generally outperforming boys in reading, writing, and mathematics. However, there's been a small increase in mathematics achievement over time, including improvements for Māori students.

This dedication to fostering a supportive and diverse environment truly benefits all learners at Highfield School.

Innovative Learning Environments

At Highfield School, innovative learning environments foster a dynamic and engaging educational experience. You'll find that the school emphasizes flexible design and adaptive spaces, allowing for composite classrooms that cater to diverse learning styles.

This student-centric approach means you can have a say in how your learning environment is shaped to best meet your needs.

The modern facilities, including spacious grounds and an outdoor pool, enhance your learning experience further. The integration with nature, featuring stunning views of mountains and the ocean, creates an inspiring backdrop for education.

Specialized facilities, like Te Whare Maru, provide additional support for students with unique needs, ensuring everyone feels included.

Collaboration is at the heart of Highfield's ethos. With composite classrooms designed to promote teamwork, you'll often engage in activities that encourage peer interaction and shared learning.

The focus on developing 21st-century competencies means you'll be well-prepared for future challenges.

Community Involvement

At Highfield School, you'll find plenty of opportunities to get involved with whānau engagement initiatives and community partnerships.

By participating in events and activities, you can strengthen connections and support your child's education.

Together, we can create a vibrant community that benefits everyone.

Whanau Engagement Initiatives

Building strong connections with whānau is essential for fostering a supportive school environment at Highfield School in Timaru. You'll find that regular meetings with whānau Māori allow for meaningful discussions about school plans, targets, and student achievements. This open communication strengthens whānau involvement and helps share important school-wide achievement information with the community.

At Highfield School, culturally responsive practices are at the forefront. You'll see authentic opportunities for students to engage in tikanga Māori, fostering cultural pride and a deeper understanding of mātauranga Māori. The school is committed to developing a localised curriculum that reflects diverse learners' needs, ensuring every student feels valued.

The sense of togetherness and aroha within the community is palpable. Collaborative efforts with whānau help shape school priorities and strategic direction, making it a truly inclusive environment.

Plus, with modern facilities and spacious grounds, you can easily participate in school activities that enhance community links. By focusing on whānau engagement, Highfield School is dedicated to nurturing student health and wellbeing, ensuring that every child thrives socially and academically.

Your involvement is vital to this journey, creating a richer school experience for everyone.

Community Partnerships and Events

Strong connections with whānau naturally extend into the wider community, reflecting Highfield School's commitment to collaboration. As part of the North Timaru Kāhui Ako, you engage with nine schools and eleven early childhood centres, fostering a culture of shared learning and collaborative inquiry.

By working with mana whenua, board members, and Ministry of Education advisors, you build relationships that enhance educational practices and student outcomes.

Community engagement plays a vital role in creating inclusive environments for all children. Events like the Highfield School Fair, scheduled for February 25, 2024, provide joyful opportunities for families to come together, strengthening community bonds while aligning with the school's strategic goals.

Participation in local initiatives further underscores your commitment to collaborative practices, ensuring that every child benefits from a rich educational experience.

Special Needs Support

At Highfield School, you'll find individualized learning programs designed to support students with special needs in an inclusive classroom environment.

The focus is on creating a space where every student feels valued and can thrive.

Individualized Learning Programs

Highfield School in Timaru excels in providing individualized learning programs tailored specifically for students with special needs through its dedicated facility, Te Whare Maru. The school stands out as the only specialized facility in South Canterbury funded by the Ongoing Resource Scheme (ORS), ensuring each child's unique needs are met.

You'll find that these programs include curriculum adaptations designed to enhance learning in areas such as mobility, language, and social communication.

To effectively support students, the school conducts personalized assessments to evaluate the nature and extent of each child's needs. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are developed, focusing on specific instructional goals and objectives. This ensures students receive the right support, including extra teacher time and therapies, from experienced staff and teacher aides who work closely with them.

Transition plans are also part of the IEPs, preparing students for life beyond school.

Inclusive Classroom Environment

Creating an inclusive classroom environment is key to supporting students with special needs at Highfield School. You'll find that our commitment to inclusive practices fosters a culture where every student belongs. By implementing effective classroom strategies, you can enhance learning experiences and ensure all students thrive.

Feature Description Benefits
Accessible Facilities Wheelchair ramps, wide hallways, low tables Promotes independence and mobility
Quiet Spaces Designated areas for relaxation or sensory breaks Reduces anxiety and supports focus
Multimodal Instruction Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches Caters to various learning styles
Collaborative Planning Involvement of special education staff Ensures tailored support for individual needs
Community Engagement Partnerships with parents and agencies Strengthens support networks for students

At Highfield School, we value creativity, wellbeing, and identity. Our strategic priorities focus on culturally responsive practices, ensuring that inclusive strategies are not just a goal, but a daily reality. By embracing these elements, you can help create a classroom where every student feels motivated, respected, and valued.

Facilities and Resources

The facilities and resources at Highfield School in Timaru provide a supportive and engaging environment for all students. With a focus on facility enhancements and strategic resource allocation, the school ensures every child can thrive.

Here are some highlights:

  • Modern composite classrooms for years 1 to 8, fostering collaboration and creativity.
  • Specialised facility for Te Whare Maru, catering to students with special needs and promoting inclusivity.
  • Solar-heated swimming pool that supports water skill survival lessons and various aquatic events.
  • Spacious grounds designed for cross country, athletics, and a variety of sports teams, including netball and hockey.
  • Strong community links that create a rich sense of whanau, enhancing the learning experience.

These resources not only support academic excellence but also encourage participation in extracurricular activities.

The school's commitment to inclusive education means that all students, regardless of their needs, can benefit from a well-rounded and enriching environment.

At Highfield School, you'll find that every aspect of the facilities and resources is designed to nurture young minds and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Contact and Enrolment Information

For families interested in enrolling their children at Highfield School, the contact and enrolment information is straightforward and easily accessible.

Highfield School serves as a full primary school for students in Years 1-8, and it's important to adhere to the written description of the enrolment zone. While there aren't specific enrolment procedures laid out, you can contact the school office for detailed information and the necessary enrolment forms.

You can reach Highfield School at their physical address: 30 Rimu Street, Timaru, 7910. For any queries, call 03-6861419 or send a fax to 03-6862843. If you prefer email, you can contact them at office@highfield.school.nz.

Their office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 3 pm, making it easy for you to get in touch.

Additionally, for any absences, you can call the absence line at 03-686-2763. For general inquiries, feel free to use the email provided.

To learn more about the school, visit their website at http://www.highfield.school.nz.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Extracurricular Activities Are Offered at Highfield School?

You'll find diverse extracurricular activities, including sports programs like netball and swimming, arts clubs, music lessons, leadership opportunities, gardening projects, and community service initiatives that foster collaboration and personal growth among students.

How Does Highfield School Handle Bullying and Conflict Resolution?

You might think handling bullying is daunting, but it's not. Schools implement bullying prevention strategies and conflict mediation techniques, fostering a supportive environment where students learn to resolve issues collaboratively and feel safe.

Are There Opportunities for Parent Involvement in School Activities?

Yes, there're plenty of opportunities for your involvement in school activities. You can participate in parent workshops or join volunteer programs, helping support your child's education while fostering a strong community connection.

What Is the School's Approach to Student Assessment and Progress Tracking?

You'll find that the school uses formative assessments and progress reports to track student achievement. This approach helps identify strengths and areas needing support, ensuring instruction is tailored effectively to meet each student's needs.

How Does Highfield School Celebrate Cultural Diversity Among Students?

You'll find that schools celebrate cultural diversity through various cultural events and diversity programs, fostering an inclusive environment. These initiatives encourage students to share their backgrounds, creating a vibrant community where everyone feels valued and respected.

Conclusion

At Highfield School, you're not just enrolling your child; you're planting a seed in rich soil, nurturing their growth alongside vibrant blooms of curiosity and creativity. Each classroom is a garden, where innovative learning environments foster exploration and community support acts like sunlight, guiding every student's journey. As you consider this nurturing space for your child, remember: here, they'll flourish, bloom, and ultimately soar into bright futures, equipped to tackle the world with confidence and grace.