About Us

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School Description

Tokomaru School is a Year 1-8 primary school located approximately 20 kilometres south of Palmerston North, with five classrooms supporting our learners and their whānau. Our school roll reflects a diverse community, comprising 51% New Zealand European, 38% Māori, and 11% from other ethnic groups. In recent years, the school has experienced significant roll growth, leading to the introduction of an enrolment scheme in 2018. While Tokomaru School is situated at the northern end of the Horowhenua District, many of our families travel to Palmerston North for work and access to services.

Our school community is made up of families from both the village and surrounding rural areas. As a rural school, we value the strong involvement of our parents, whānau, and wider community. Tokomaru School does not request a school donation; instead, we welcome and appreciate contributions in practical ways, such as helping out with activities and events. We are grateful for the ongoing involvement of our community, which enhances the learning experiences of our students. We also enjoy strong connections with local community groups and businesses, who generously contribute to our school.

Our school community prides itself on the challenging and varied learning opportunities available to students at Tokomaru School. Students engage in quality learning experiences across the entire curriculum - culturally, in the Arts, and in the sporting arena. We also embrace a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom, including Book Battle, Mathex, National Young Leaders’ Day, Weetbix Tryathlon, St John programmes, the Life Education bus, interschool cross country, Orienteering tournaments, interschool Ki o Rahi, and Agricultural Group Finals, to name a few.

Tokomaru School is well resourced with technology to support learning, including TVs, iPads, and Chromebooks/laptops. Google Classroom is used to support student learning in our senior classes, allowing learning anytime, anywhere and helping families stay connected to their child’s learning journey. We also use Facebook and the Hero app to keep the wider community informed and engaged regularly.

Our Student Leadership Programme gives our senior students opportunities to take on meaningful roles and make a positive impact. Our Student Leadership Team includes two Head Students, two Deputy Heads, and members of the Student Council. These student leaders provide valuable ideas, support, and a strong student voice, and act as excellent role models for younger students. In addition, we have House Leaders for our four Houses - Rata, Kowhai, Tawa, and Karaka - who help guide team-building activities and contribute to decision-making, further promoting student leadership across the school.

Tokomaru School provides a happy and safe environment where children can grow and learn. Our grounds and facilities are extensive and well maintained, including large playing fields, tennis and basketball/netball courts, a swimming pool, two playgrounds and swings, a sandpit, and a running/bike track with a pump track. We also have a range of fitness stations available for students and the community year-round. Recently, we have added a sensory space, which includes outdoor musical instruments, providing students with opportunities to create and engage in hands-on learning.

At Tokomaru School, parents have high expectations for their children and take a keen interest in their learning and achievements. They provide valuable support to staff, both inside and outside the classroom. We also value the wider Tokomaru community and the strong relationships we have built over time, including our close connection with the Tokomaru Early Childhood Centre (TECC), which is located onsite. TECC children regularly join in school activities and use our facilities, helping to strengthen the transition between early childhood and primary learning.

The dedicated Staff, Board of Trustees, Home and School Association, along with fantastic students and wider community, make Tokomaru School a great place to be.  We would love to show you around!