Principal's message
I feel really privileged to be able to lead such a great learning community.
Ladbrooks is a decile 10, co-educational state full primary school (U3 grade) catering for New Entrants to Year 8 students. Our school opened in 1889, and over the years has continued to maintain strong links with families in this community. Traditionally Ladbrooks is a farming district, however the demographics are continually changing. We now also attract many families who are searching for a country lifestyle, due to our close proximity to the city.
Currently we have just over 100 students who live either locally or in surrounding areas such as Lincoln and Halswell. Our roll has grown tremendously over the last five years. Families are choosing Ladbrooks School due to it’s size, innovative teaching and learning programmes, and family atmosphere.
Ladbrooks is a unique community. Our students have the best of both worlds. The rural environment provides a number of exciting learning opportunities; however we also make the most of the resources our city has to offer.
Our school motto is “Ready, Willing and Able to Learn Together”. We use the PukeKo and it’s footprints to symbolise how to put our best foot forward, and demonstrate our steps to success – being ready, willing and able to learn!
We have a proud staff of around 17, including teachers and learning support staff. A feature of our school is our itinerant music programme. Four specialist music teachers teach violin, flute, recorder, drums, guitar and the piano. Our recreational amenities are excellent and include a community swimming pool, recently sealed tennis courts, extensive playing fields, and adventure playgrounds.
At Ladbrooks School there is a focus on excellent learning and teaching programmes. Our innovative teaching staff create learning experiences which relate to the educational, sporting and cultural needs of a ‘21st century learner’! They participate in ongoing professional learning to ensure our children are provided with the best possible education. Classes use an Inquiry learning model to answer BIG questions. An integrated curriculum is taught to ensure we maximise every learning opportunity. ICT and thinking skills are taught explicitly in all classrooms. We support and promote bi-culturalism by integrating Tikanga Maori and Te Reo into our classroom programmes. All our students also participate in Kapa Haka as part of our Arts programme.
We also offer a number of extra programmes and experiences including Chinese Language learning for our Year 7 & 8 students, and a localised nature programme for our ‘Nature Ninjas’. We are also an accredited enviro-school.
Ladbrooks school is governed by a supportive Board of Trustees, and our PALS – Parents at Ladbrooks School, work hard to ensure funds are raised to continually improve our school resources and facilities.
One of our biggest assets is our local community. There are numerous opportunities for parents and families to become involved in our school whether it be helping out with classroom programmes, or celebrating our learning with us!
We hope you enjoy your association with us.
Regards,
Sean - Tumuaki.