Latest News & Events

Latest News & Events

Report Absence

Report Absence

Edge Portal

Edge Portal

Enrolment

Enrolment

School Lunches

School Lunches

Pool Key

Pool Key

"Happy, Confident Learners"

 

About Us

Wakari School is a Contributing Primary School located in the hill suburbs of Dunedin. We cater for children from ages 5 – 11 (Years 1 – 6). The School has a Roll of around 300 pupils which increases as new entrants join us throughout the year. 

 

 

 

 

Our Values

At Wakari School we promote our values of 

Honesty, Manners, Respect, Cooperation & Kindness.

As a Family orientated school we promote and encourage parental involvement. This assistance is vital for the children’s education during their time with us. School Camps, trips, swimming and School Fairs would simply not be possible without the assistance that Whanau offer. Our school has a proud tradition of community involvement stretching back to 1858! 

Our Vision and Aims

Wakari prides itself on developing its Vision with our pupils; “Happy, Confident Learners”. We look to achieve this through a Co-operative Approach to Teaching and Learning. We have Three Syndicates across the School which operate in Learning Hubs. We aim to provide our pupils with the means to achieve their best in a caring, safe and secure environment. Wakari School benefits from a true team approach. 

What We Offer
  • Experienced and well qualified teachers 
  • Dedicated support staff 
  • Forward-looking and innovative school 
  • Positive, respectful environment 
  • Flexible learning environment 
  • Effective learning support programmes 
  • Large grass areas 
  • Great playgrounds 
  • Swimming pool 
  • Community support 

 

What's happening at Wakari School?

Upcoming Events in June

Mon 8

Middles Art Gallery Trip - Room 7

8 Jun 2026

Mon 8

Middles Art Gallery Trip - Room 8

8 Jun 2026

Tue 9

Middles Art Gallery Trip - Room 6

9 Jun 2026

Tue 9

Middles Art Gallery Trip - Room 9

9 Jun 2026

Thu 11

Little Learners

11 Jun 2026

Fri 12

Bookclub orders close

12 Jun 2026

Mon 15

Board of Trustees Meeting

15 Jun 2026

Mon 22

Parent Teacher Interviews

22 Jun 2026 - 23 Jun 2026

Thu 25

Little Learners

25 Jun 2026

Fri 26

School Assembly

26 Jun 2026

Latest Notices

School Photos - Free delivery closes midnight tonight!
7 Jun 2026

Heritage Productions recently visited our school to take our annual school photos.

An order card has been provided for each child who was present on photo day. This card includes:

A photo proof
A unique passcode to view and order your child’s images online
QR code and website details for easy ordering
To place an order, simply scan the QR code or visit the website listed on the order card. The website includes full details on package options and pricing. All payments are made online using a credit or debit card.

Sibling Photos: Your sibling photo will then be available to view and purchase online under your eldest child’s unique passcode.

Orders qualify for FREE delivery to the school if placed by 7 June 2026 at 11:59pm. Orders placed after this deadline will be delivered via courier, and shipping charges will apply.
You will receive an email confirmation once your order has been placed.

Reporting in 2026 and 2027
26 May 2026

The Ministry has provided new reporting guidelines to align with the revised New
Zealand Curriculum.

Please see the attached document.

New-Reporting-Statement-for-Schools-May-2026.pdf

Statement from the Ministry of Education
26 May 2026

Statement from the Ministry of Education to Support Schools with Reporting to Parents and Whānau

Please see document attached.

Statement-to-Support-Schools-2.pdf

Board of Trustees Announcement
19 May 2026

Kia ora koutou,

The Wakari School Board would like to share an important announcement with our school community regarding our Principal, Stacey Gribben.

After an extraordinary 34 years of dedicated service to Wakari School, Stacey has made the decision to retire from her role at the end of the 2026 school year.

Stacey has been an integral part of Wakari School for over three decades, initially as Deputy Principal, prior to becoming Principal 4 years ago. Throughout this time, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and the wider community. Her leadership has been characterised by deep care for every learner, a strong sense of community, and a passion for educational excellence. Under her guidance, Wakari School has continued to grow as a place of happy, confident learners.

The Board, on behalf of the entire school community, wishes to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for Stacey’s outstanding contribution. Her knowledge, dedication, and genuine love for the school have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for many years to come.

We know that many past and present families, staff, and students will join us in thanking Stacey for her remarkable service and wishing her all the very best for a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.

Jason Sargeant

Presiding Member, Wakari Primary Board of Trustees

Seesaw discontinuing
19 May 2026

Dear parent/caregivers

 

Wakari School will no longer be using Seesaw as of next Monday 25 May.

We have moved to 'Skoolbooks', a program that is provided by Skool Loop. This program has many of the features that Seesaw has, but at a fraction of the cost.

You will receive a welcome email from Skoolbooks today with instructions on how to set this up. Each teacher also has a QR code to scan if this is easier for you.

If you require any assistance, please email office@wakari.school.nz

 

Supporters and Sponsors

Parents, please support our local businesses

Subway – Dunedin Highmark Homes Dunedin Thai Opal Dunedin Vets on Balmac Alana Carroll - Ray White Sheds Direct OfficeMax KIDOGO
QR code for downloading the app

Scan this code to download the app

Get the Skool Loop - School App

Download our Skool Loop App, a simple and free download. In Google Play & App Store search ‘Skool Loop’ and choose our school once installed.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Hand holding phone

Login to Wakari School