Wider Opportunities
We intentionally pursue opportunities for our students to build the self-confidence and the determination (“grit”) to approach life and learning positively. Getting our children outdoors is a key strategy. Our goal is to see every student participate in our wider opportunity experiences.
Camps
Our school camps are an important part of life as a Huapai student. These camps are held every second year during your child’s time at school.
In year 4 our students spend time at Carey Park branching out of their comfort zone in a variety of outdoor activities and challenges over three days.
In year 6 our students head to Motutapu Island. This camp starts with the initial challenge of tramping up and around Rangitoto and over to camp.
In year 8 we offer the opportunity to finish your child’s time at Huapai with a camp held at Tongariro National Park. As part of a week-long adventure, students undertake the world renown Tongariro Crossing.
As a senior in our school we offer a week long sports camp held in Matamata. This is an opportunity for students to sample an extensive range of sports.
Payment
Parents are encouraged to make payments for your child(ren) through your HERO account. You can locate any due costs under the Finance section.
Sport
PE and sports on a regular basis. We strongly believe in challenging children to strive for their own excellence in physical activity as these achievements act as anchor points for future learning. We start with the basic building blocks of physical movement and move through to adventure and risk. The PE year is full on with no sports off limits. As well as the typical summer and winter codes each year, the children also experience gymnastics, lifejackets in school, mud running, squash, ninja warrior course, pickleball, climbing trees, elastics, skipping, water slides, bike ramps and generally being kids! Each term we hold a class based sporting competition throughout the school and the winning team plays the Staff for our very own Huapai All Stars Cup!
Mud, bare feet, climbing trees, sweat and laughter are all part for the course here.
Each year we hold swimming sports, athletics day, a mud run, triathlon, cross country and student sports events as a school.
For our elite sports students in years 5-8, they can apply to be part of the sports academy. The idea is to extend the athlete sideways, through the study of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology and nutrition. Students are taught the values of leaders, how to be positively noticed and excel in a team and skills to arm them for high school sporting success. There is an expectation to lead and to give back through coaching and service.
Performing Arts
Our vision for Huapai District Schools’ performing arts and music department is one that includes all children giving it a go, working together to create a beautiful sound, developing confidence as individuals, and learning new musical skills. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to shine and to grow personally during their musical journey.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in school bands, choirs, marimba group and we have a senior and junior musical every alternating year. Our school band performs at our local library and during end of term assemblies. The school senior choir performs Christmas carols each year for our local rest home, which has proven hugely successful for both the rest home residents and our students. Our school musicals are set at a high standard and students who take part in these shows really reach a new level of self-confidence and positive teamwork during the process.
We have an itinerant music department where students can learn piano, guitar, drums and ukulele. We are hoping to continue developing this department to include more instrument options in the future. Senior students have the opportunity to join the senior performing arts academy to further develop their skills.
