Tiny CHB community school gets big tick from ERO report

MORGAN TAIT | Tuesday, March 8, 2011 10:19

The small CHB school community, Oueroa, is glowing after receiving an outstanding Education Review Office (ERO) report recently.

The 15-pupil, two-teacher and three-chicken school with students from Years 1 to 8 was visited by ERO in January and received its report in late February.

Oueroa School principal Sharon Middleton said the report was not only pleasing, but a product of teachers' and students' hard work.

"We were very happy. We are just a tiny wee country school from CHB on the road to Blackhead Beach, but we've worked hard and the kids have worked hard."

The report praised the school's attention to professional development, newsletters keeping parents and families well informed, and the Board of Trustees and principal supporting children's learning to get positive results.

"Those in Years 1 to 3 are at or above national expectations, however in years 4 to 8, despite improvement over time most are still below national expectations," the report said. "Maori students achieve at levels similar to their peers or well above expectations."

Regular contact with other schools in the region was also given merit, as children regularly take part in regional activities and events. Mrs Middleton said the school often travelled to events such as outdoor education, sports days, music and drama activities.

"We have our own little mini van that we run, so anything that's going we can join in ... We certainly don't miss out on anything."