About Us

Tai Tapu Primary is one of the oldest schools in Canterbury dating back to 1876. We are proud of a long tradition of country education, which combines the benefits of a rural position with all the opportunities of current educational practice. The school has twenty full and part time teachers and eight  auxiliary staff, all dedicated to providing the best education possible for each individual and aiming for the school motto - 'Excellence Through Effort'.

Our annual Pet's Show  in November is a great example of continuing the best of our longstanding traditions and is a wonderful community day. Children bring many other creative examples of baking, sewing, craft and flower arrangements as well as their pets to enter.

Our children have many successes in academic, sporting and cultural competitions and are enthusiastic learners. We compete in a wide range of sporting exchanges  where children participate with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. At our school the Arts are also prominant and our choirs, musical groups,bands, Glee club and  orchestra  are highly valued and celebrated.

We accommodate special needs learners and gifted children in alternative programmes at the school. Each child is catered for in differentiated learning programmes in different curriculum areas. We are able to offer initial testing for learning disabilities.

 ICT at our school continues to be a strong focus as we participate in a three year Professional development contract. Great support from our energetic and enthusiastic PTA  has allowed us to intall Interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. We continue to upgrade and improve  equipment and opportunities for children to access digital learning.

 All of our classrooms and our Administration block have been upgraded, providing pleasant and colourful  environments. Our Library Information Centre is the hub of the school and sets the standard for the latest developments. New developments are planned to accommmodate new classes.

Our roll is growing and hovers around 300 at present.

Our families are actively involved in the school through the PTA , parent help in the classes, sports assistance and cultural events. Attendance at all school functions is always gratifying.

Our school grounds are excellent with good playing fields, adventure playgrounds and shaded tree areas for the summer. We have added value to the grounds with native plantings and the school vegetable garden.