Matahui School takes learning outside at ‘one-day school’

Matahui School starts the new academic year with its highest student numbers since 2020.

The Covid-19 pandemic had an immense impact on the independent primary school in Aongatete and threatened its closure.

Principal Mary Woods says despite the challenges presented by the global pandemic, the school weathered the storm and has “emerged stronger, introducing new innovative programmes over the past few years”. Mary adds, “the challenges of the past have only strengthened our resolve to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for every child. The increased enrolment and the success of our new programmes are a testament to the spirit of Matahui School.”

These new programmes include a one-day school featuring a “Guardians of the Forest” programme and a neurodiversity programme. Guardians of the Forest is a once-a-week forest school in which children spend the day engaged in nature. The neurodiversity programme is specially designed for children with a learning need such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, twice-exceptional (gifted with learning difficulties), ADHD and gifted children. This includes literacy, math and hands-on work.

“These programmes will allow children who are not students at the school to experience the school’s curriculum”, Mary says.

In response to the growing student body, Matahui School has transitioned to a four-classroom model.