OUR SCHOOL
school VISION
Our vision is to “develop active and empowered” students who are adaptable and resilient, and equipped to take on the challenges of Intermediate, high school and life beyond.
Our school motto is “Lay well thy foundation” and everything we do as a school fully embodies that aim.
As a school community we have high aspirations for our children, and the pupils of this school work hard in both their academic and extracurricular activities, and achieve highly in all areas.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1879, Napier Central School is a school with a long and proud history, a vibrant present and a bright future. The view from the school’s playgrounds stretches as far as the eye can see over the city and out across Hawke Bay to Mataupo Maui (Cape Kidnappers).
Napier Central School was not always a “school with a view”. It started out as Main School at the foot of Milton Road in Clive Square in 1879 with a role of 179 pupils and 12 teachers. In 1916, Main School was destroyed in a fire and its pupils were dispersed to various inadequate halls in town until a new school, Napier Central, was opened in 1920 on Napier Terrace. On 3rd February 1931 the school’s brick buildings were destroyed in the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake and once again its pupils were dispersed to halls and other schools around Napier until the opening of the present school buildings in July 1931 with a role of 536 pupils.
Many improvements have occurred since 1931 with a new Junior block of classrooms taking the place of prefabs, the hall moving from the lower playground to its present site, the rebuilding of the school swimming pool which was previously in a shady area behind the main building, and the terracing of the main school grounds.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
ERO REPORTS
Please take a look at our latest Education Review Office Reports. We are proud of our school, our programmes of learning and the primary school experiences we offer in the heart of Napier.
OUR FACILITIES
For a school map and overview of our facilities, view our Facilities page.
2024 STRATEGIC PLAN
The Education Act 1989 requires every school to complete a Strategic Plan. The board has the responsibility of preparing and updating the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is an key planning document that sets out the school's objectives and targets for next two years. It is used in setting teaching and learning programmes, and guides the activities of the school.
UNIFORM
The wearing of the school uniform is a condition of enrolment at Napier Central School.
THE SCHOOL DAY
School starts at 8.50am and the bell rings to go home at 3pm.
DONATIONS
Donations are a voluntary payment to our school. We are a high decile school and are grateful for the wonderful support we receive from our parent community is highly valued. Although a high decile school we ensure donations are spent annually on tangible resources to enrich student outcomes. Resources like Junior Native Playground, Tiger Turf Sorts court, Heated swimming pool and so on.HOUSE SYSTEM
Inter House competition is exciting as ever. Each year we battle it out at our major sporting events like Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics. One of the highlights of the year are our annual sports days like Cross Country, Swimming Sports, Athletics where Students houses go head to head. Whero-Red, Kowhai-Yellow, Kakariki - Green, Kahurangi- Blue
ASSEMBLIES
School Assemblies are our time to celebrate the awesome effort and achievement of students from Year 1 to Year 6. We also showcase classroom work and every now and then have special guests.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Lunch Online is an online lunch ordering service and available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Open an account with lunch online and the purchased food will be delivered to the school in time for lunch. See online for full menus.
LUCKY BOOKCLUB
We love reading and our partner Scholastic NZ, send out their favourite Lucky Book lists once a term. Children can order their favourite books either directly from the school or online.
SCHOOL CAMP
Each year students from Year 5 and 6 attend school camp. There are plenty of activities at the school camp to challenge the students and students thoroughly enjoy the experience.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We have a hard working Trustees team who bring a wide range of professional skills and experience to the table to ensure NCS keeps moving in a future focused manner.
PTA
The Parent Teacher Association plays an important role. This parent group organises fundraising events to ensure our children have the best resources and it also organises events where families can meet and enjoy each others company.