Generally, the whole school assembles in the hall every 3 weeks on a Monday at 9:00 am for school singing and notices.
Each syndicate also meets once a fortnight to share activities relating to their team.
School Curriculum
David Street School implements a comprehensive programme based on the New Zealand National Curriculum with a special focus on numeracy and literacy. Teachers are committed to achieving quality learning outcomes in a safe and happy environment.
We believe that all children can learn and their needs are at the centre of our work. All staff participate in regular professional development sessions to ensure that our programmes remain at the cutting edge of education.
Information Communication Technology
We place high importance on ICT and e-learning.
E-learning is integrated through all our programmes, enabling us to develop the knowledge and skills required for meeting our vision of the 21st-century lifelong learner.
Special Programmes
David Street School has several excellent special needs and special abilities programmes operating to support and extend children's learning.
Special needs programmes include Reading Recovery, Supporting At Risk Readers, English as a Second Language (ESOL), Reciprocal Reading and Rainbow Reading.
There are two teachers and two teacher aides operating these programmes which achieve excellent results for about ninety pupils per year.
Special abilities programmes are designed to enrich and extend students with special talents and abilities. Programmes include technology challenge, science fair, leadership training, daily mathematics extension programmes, literacy extension, Otago problem solving, speech, poetry recital and storytelling competitions, Drama and dance, choir, musical instrument tuition, kapa haka, enviro schools, multitude of sports extension activities, inquiry based learning, and visual arts programme.
A large number of teachers and volunteers, both within and beyond the school, dedicate their time to enriching opportunities for our students.
Cultural Activities
Involvement in cultural activities enhances the development of the whole person. David Street School continuously seeks opportunities to expose our pupils to a rich variety of activities, including school production, instrument tuition in strings, woodwind, brass, piano, recorder and guitar, kapa haka, visiting players and musicians, special abilities and interest groups and whole school arts festivals.
There is a charge to parents when outside tutors are involved.
Stationery
Children are supplied with a list of stationery requirements at the beginning of the school year. Stationery may be purchased through the school office or local stationery outlets.
An additional list including costs payable to the school to cover some materials and activities supplied by us will be issued separately to your child’s stationery requirements. These are to be paid to the school office.
Homework
The amount and type of homework set varies with the age of the child. Individual classroom expectations are listed in the children's homework book. Whatever homework is set, please provide encouragement and praise, ensuring homework is returned to school on the set date.
Library
All children are encouraged to read both at school and at home. There is ready access to the school library and a host of quality books available.
All children are required to have a ‘Book Bag’ (a separate waterproof bag) to take books home so that they are protected from wet togs, squashed fruit, drinks and sandwiches.
Playground
Our playground areas are open to all children to share during breaks. There are two adventure playgrounds, one designed for junior children and one for seniors and middle school students, a large covered court area and a Turf area beside the covered courts.
A range of sporting equipment is made available for children to use during breaks.
The areas behind the main block, around the pool, and car parks are out of bounds. At least three teachers are rostered on duty during all breaks to ensure that a happy and safe playground prevails.