Description of the School

Opihi College is a state, co-educational Year 7 - 13 secondary school.

 

Opihi College has a current roll of approximately 360 students plus 15 international students and around 20 trainees enrolled in the Service Academy course. The roll has been relatively stable but there is a small steadily decline forecast over the next few years due to smaller numbers of students coming through from the primary schools. Students from the local Temuka area are joined by others from Timaru and Pleasant Point.

Approximately 81% of Opihi College students are of European ancestry, 12% are of Maori descent and 7% are Asian.

Opihi College is currently graded as decile 5. The majority of families come from a working class background. Three buses bring students from Milford, Clandeboye, Winchester, Arowhenua and Waitohi rural areas. The school operates a minibus from Timaru.

Opihi College staff currently consists of 25 full-time and 8 part-time teachers; 8 teacher tutors and teacher aides; 4 technicians; 4 office staff; and 8 cleaning, caretaking and grounds staff. The staff is well qualified, stable and experienced with a balance of ages and gender.

The college is situated in well kept park-like grounds. The buildings include a 2 storey block, Drama Suite, library, science and mathematics block, gymnasium, technology block, Kowhai House - Learning Support Centre, Te Whare Puawai Maori centre, International Students suite, assembly hall, music suite, Arts Centre and administration block.

The Opihi Services Academy catering for college students and Skill New Zealand Trainees operates from the Basil Arthur Sports Complex in Washdyke just north of Timaru.

The college also runs an Alternative Education programme. This programme has an offsite curriculum and skills component based at the Temuka Community Centre on Domain Avenue.

The Temuka District Truancy service is based at the college. The District Truancy Services Officer covers the region encompassing all of our contributing schools.

A Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour is also based at the college. This teacher works with students at Opihi College and our contributing schools.