Description of the Schools' Community

Our school community includes Temuka and the surrounding rural communities of Arowhenua, Milford, Waitohi, Clandeboye, Winchester, Waipopo, Orton, Rangitata and even Timaru (some students and staff).

Temuka is a service centre for a rural community. There is a core, stable population with well established families. Change and population migration has increased in recent years. Most church denominations are represented and supported. There are many sports clubs and some youth groups. Temuka is well served by its cafes and restaurants. Temuka is a resourceful and supportive community.

Community strengths include its relative small size, its caring nature, sport, the churches, extended families, service clubs, multi-cultural input, good relationships, facilities for the elderly, the Police, closeness to the city, rivers, lakes, sea, skiing, tramping, youth organisations, community and youth worker, fire service, proximity to port, a community council, the camping ground, domain, pool, golf club, sporting clubs, the main road and rail, proximity of the airport, relative closeness to Christchurch and Dunedin.

International students studying at our school inject a substantial income into the community. There are typically 20 - 25 students in homestay situations.

Related institutions include two kindergartens, a preschool, a day care centre, Kohanga Reo, and six contributing schools.

Community expectations are for a broad education suitable to today's climate; to reinforce good social behaviour; a sound discipline base; sporting and cultural contacts with other schools; an atmosphere which is positive - to enjoy school; communication; the value of exchange students; to have people visit the school (public and celebrities); academic excellence; that we not be disadvantaged because we are a rural school.

In community - school relationships we aim for equal partnership, consultation, sharing, to continue a dialogue with parents and the wider community.

The shopping centre has most services. Factories, in particular the New Zealand Milk Products Dairy Factory, provide a wide range of jobs, mostly semi-skilled. Employment opportunities are limited and there is a lot of seasonal employment.

There is a high to average proportion of people on income support and there is a higher proportion of our community in the low to middle income brackets than average.

Many parents are both working (many part-time). A considerable number travel out of Temuka to work (Timaru, Freezing Works, and New Zealand Milk Products).