Kei te kaha rawa ahau - The best I can be
Term 1
2nd Feb 2026
2nd April 2026
Term 2
20th April 2026
3rd July 2026
Term 3
20th July 2026
25th Sep 2026
Term 4
12th Oct 2026
15th Dec 2026
Welcome to Pongaroa School
Nestled in the heart of our vibrant rural community, we are surrounded by the stunning Puketoi Ranges and watched over by the Three Kings. Pongaroa School offers a warm, nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive. Built on a foundation of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, we empower our students to grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
Our dedicated teachers, engaged whānau, and enthusiastic students work together to create an atmosphere of positivity and inspiration. With small class sizes and a diverse range of learning experiences, we place a strong emphasis on the well being of every child.
Our goal is for each student to grow with confidence and challenge themselves to reach their full potential. As we say, “Kei te kaha rawa ahau – The best I can be.”
Our Values
OUR WHY: Pongaroa learners graduate as Year 8s with our values deeply instilled in them. They embrace and uphold these values throughout their journey with us and beyond. Our learners understand that these principles extend beyond the classroom and will guide them throughout their lives
Respect
Ehara tāku toa i te toa takihai. Engari, he toa takatini – success is not the work of one, but the work of many
- I can listen to others' ideas and opinions
- I can show empathy and understanding
- I can relate and work with my peers
Responsibility
Tiotû te mare a Tāne-Māhuta, toitû te marae a Tangaroa, toitû te tangata – If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive
- I help take care of our school environment
- I own my actions and am honest
- am reliable and can be trusted to make good choices
Resilience
Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tûoho kow me he maung teitei – seek the treasure you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain
- I challenge myself to take risks
- I seek feedback in order to improve
- I believe in myself and my ability to learn
A Unique Place of Learning
Our school community, from students to staff to whānau, is committed to striving for individual and collective excellence, seizing every opportunity to learn and grow.
At the core of every day is our student. We focus on preparing them for a rapidly changing world, ensuring they are confident in who they are and what they are achieving as learners. We celebrate our cultural diversity and integrate Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori into our learning. Our strong connections with significant places that we value include Akaroa Peak, Pongaroa awa, Papauma Marae, Ākitio Beach, 4 mile Bush enrich our students’ educational experiences.
Engaged Learners, Proud Achievements
Our students are not only engaged learners but also self managers who take ownership of their learning. We are incredibly proud of their academic successes, as well as their accomplishments on the sports field. Pongaroa School students actively participate in team sports, including rugby, netball, and hockey, demonstrating teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
