From the Principal

Kia ora, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei,

My name is Tarayn Zeier and I grew up in the small town of Opotiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, because of this, community has always been important to me. I have been at Dawson School since 2010 in various roles and was privileged to have become the Principal at the end of 2023. I am a strong believer in empowering students and teachers to strive for the best. Dawson School is a place where we believe in fostering a love of learning, encourage exploration, and nurture the talents and potential of each student. We are a a well-resourced and innovative school. We are committed to providing a high-quality education that goes beyond academic excellence, preparing our students to become well-rounded individuals who are confident, compassionate, and ready to make a positive impact on the world.

I enjoy working with the quality staff that care deeply for our students. I value the support of our Board of Trustees and am passionate about working together with staff, students and parents to achieve our collective vision. To the parents and wider community I encourage you to actively engage in our school community. We value your partnership and participation, and we believe that by working together, we can create a truly exceptional learning environment for all.

Vision

Dawson is a U4 multicultural contributing school catering for Year 1 to Year 6.

We focus on the importance of student achievement through annually agreed evidence based student targets. Our aim is to create a learning environment where programmes are child centred and interactive, encouraging students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge to become life long learners. We encourage students to their full potential by learning in a supportive, positive and safe school environment that ensures academic, cultural and sporting achievement.

Goals:

● To provide quality teaching and learning programmes to ensure that all students are able to access the NZ curriculum as evidenced by achievement

● To use assessment and reporting procedures using evidence based practice to support the learner, parents and whānau

● To provide learners with diverse needs a high quality programme enabling them to achieve against the key competencies and learning areas

● To provide for students so they are confident, connected, active, lifelong learners

● To provide an education where Maori and Pasifika students are engaged in their learning and achieve educational success through their identity, language and culture

● To uphold the school values

Together Wayfinders Achieve Mighty Adventures

Tika Whakawhanaunga Aroha Manaakitanga Ahurutanga