It has been a ''fantastic'' start to the school year and there are exciting things ahead at Alexandra Primary School, according to principal Fiona (Fi) Mackley.

The school has a roll of 200 this year, relatively close to the starting roll of 2024.

Fi said new kaimahi (staff) had come from as far away as England and as close as Clyde. 

New families were from Twizel and Cromwell and good numbers of new entrants were transitioning well to school. 

The school site has been busy with tradies from Breen Construction and other companies who are working on a new building, a multi-purpose learning environment.

It would be completed early in term two and they were planning a grand opening, Fi said.

“Once completed, the building will really change the way we can come together as a whole school for different purposes. 

“[It] has been designed using our Dunstan Kāhui Ako cultural narrative. We would like our building to be a significant and special place for our mana whenua, tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti.”

The building includes a library space at the Bringans St end, a kitchen and a large open space for varied uses.

Over the upcoming weeks the brick pattern on the outside walls will emerge. BCN architect, Tim Chaplin took inspiration from the Kāi Tahu story of Te Tupuni a Wehinuiamamao including a cloak of stars, and also tukutuku patterns representing whetū (stars). PHOTO: Supplied

“We are really looking forward to being able to hold our school assemblies indoors, as well as kapa haka and the performing arts,” Fi said.

Old junior classrooms have been removed and repurposed, and work is underway on a new eight space teaching block. These new classrooms will be ready early in 2026. 

Junior classroom being loaded by Central Excavating and Breen to be relocated. PHOTO: Supplied 

Fi said teachers are implementing the refreshed English and Maths and Statistics curricula this term. 

“[Our] whole kaimahi will be focused on continuing to build our understanding and capabilities in culturally responsive practices.”

Before the school year started, staff and whanau explored the unique landscape and farming practices of Earnscleugh Station. PHOTO: Supplied 

“It will be a very busy year with all of our building projects but while these are happening we will just continue with making sure we are teaching and learning at APS in authentic and meaningful ways.” 

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