Toko School
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Toko School | |
? | |
Motto | Quality Learning for all in a Caring Community |
Type | State co-ed full primary (Years 1-8) |
Year established | 1893 |
Address | State Highway 43, Stratford, Taranaki |
Principal | Richard Bradley |
School roll | 102 |
Socio-economic decile (10 is high) | 7 |
Ministry of Education Institution no. | 2254 |
Website | www.toko.school.nz |
Toko School is a full co-educational primary school located in Stratford, New Zealand which was established in 1893.
Toko School is a traditional country school, with a roll of approximately 100 children.
Toko School was opened in 1893 and was little more than a room above a milking shed. The school was soon properly established on its current site 2 kilometers past the township of Toko. At one time the school was a district high school. In its history it has twice burnt down and been rebuilt. In 1953 Kota Road School amalgamated with Toko. In 1993 neighbouring Huinga School closed and the children started attending Toko. In 2006 neighbouring Douglas School also closed with fourteen children enrolling at Toko School. At the end of 2006 another Education Development Initiative occurred with the closure of Matau School and 2 additional children were enrolled!
As part of a long-standing tradition, Toko School students are encouraged to raise and care for either a calf or lamb during Spring. An event known as "Calf and Lamb Day" is generally a morning event which takes place each year after Labour Day.
Another significant traditional event that occurs at Toko School is the annual Jones Cup. This has been held since 1932. It is a day of netball and rugby. The cup was presented by a member of the Jones family and is still awarded today. In 2006 the cup was won by Toko School. In 2006 Ngaere School attended the Jones cup for the first time. However, interestingly, schools which amalgamated with Ngaere, including Bird Road and Pukengahu, were part of the "old" competition.
Although the school maintains strong traditional roots it is also proactive in looking to the future. The development of information communication technology is an important backbone of the schools curriculum. There is a strong emphasis on the development of oral language as the essential literacy. Since 2006 there have been strong talent initiatives with effort going into promoting children's own inherent abilities and strengths through talent and interest programs.
A photo highlighting the architecture of the school is available at the PukeAriki Museum in New Plymouth. It exemplifies a model of educational architecture of the 1930's and 40's.
Toko School is governed by a Board of Trustees, as with all New Zealand Schools. There are 5.8 teachers. The school is organised around six Learning Stars. These are: Partnership, Personal Best, Learning to Learn, Challenging Curriculum, Foundation Skills and Learning Environment.