Wairakei School

Wairakei School is a co-educational State U4 contributing primary school situated in the North-West of Christchurch. The school officially opened in 1950 and caters for children from New Entrants to Year 6.

Pupils are drawn mainly from the surrounding suburbs of Bryndwr, Burnside, Bishopdale and Papanui. The school has a roll of around 250.

There are thirteen permanent classrooms, a hall, a music room, a library and resource centre, a learning centre and storage sheds set in park-like grounds with four specifically designed adventure playgrounds, also an astro turf cricket pitch, netball, basketball, tennis courts. There is an 'Edible Garden' for each classroom. The grounds are available for community use.

Two of the classrooms are designated Satellite Units of Ferndale School for multi disabled pupils.

The staff comprises of a Principal, Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal, Learning Team leader, ten full time teachers and four part time teachers who are responsible for Reading Recovery release, Extension group work, ORRS Teacher Support and Music programmes in the Junior and Senior School. Three part time teachers are responsible for AP, DP and Learning Team leader release.

Music is a strength at WairakeiSchool. We have specialist music teachers, a choir, an orchestra and opportunities to learn instruments here at the school. Our children are talented performers.

Our parents have high academic and social expectations for their children. They expect and encourage children to make the most of their opportunities and are prepared to involve their children in a wide variety of extra curricular activities.

Parents are involved with assistance in sports programmes, the management of the library and resource areas, as parent helpers in classrooms, at school camps, trips, grounds maintenance and providers of transport.

An active Home & School Association meets monthly and contributes money and skills towards improving the school's environment and resources.