Principal’s welcome

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Dyane Stokes everyone calls me Dy.  I take great delight and pleasure in being the Principal/ Tumuaki at  Paparoa Street School. I  know that our school is a special place to be a part of. 

When you walk around Paparoa Street School  you can feel and see a sense of fun and  an  excitement for learning,  a sense of belonging that makes it stand out from others.  

As a school we believe in creating strong, welcoming relationships and learning partnerships with our whanau.  We know that these are integral to everyone's success, especially our children.  Together we focus on the hearts, minds and wellbeing of our children so they can be confident in who they are as people and learners. 

We have identified four key values as our focus for learning at Paparoa Street School.

Belonging - He whenua nōku.

We all have a place here and can clearly identify where we fit. People know us and our way here.

Kindness - Manaakitia.

We know how to give and receive kindness. This helps us feel safe and allows us to take risks in our learning.

Bravery - Kia māia

Courage, risk taking, failure and prickliness are qualities we pursue and celebrate. We all expect to be stretched.

Passion - Kia ngākau whitawhita

Learning happens best when we are in our element.

Having fun is important.  We celebrate learning, life and children’s achievements in and out of school.  Our Whole School Celebration Times (assemblies), fun days and community events play an important role within our family culture and are loved by all who come to watch or take part in them. 

Our learning focuses on building a love of learning across the wider curriculum. They help to prepare and lay a firm foundation, where our children understand not ‘what to learn’ but more importantly "how to be a successful learner" and “what learning steps to I need to take to be the best that I can be”   

As teachers and leaders we lead by example. We strive to be our personal best and share our talents in a multitude of areas (eg: Choir, Kapa Haka, Sports, and Art clubs) . We constantly inquire into new learning, research and teaching practices that make a difference from around the world.

Paparoa Street  is a school we are very proud of.  It is a school where everyone belongs, shows kindness and strives to be brave and learn with passion.  To impact and inspire .

We  look forward to meeting you and showing you around our place. 

Dy Stokes 

Tumaiki/Principal 

Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engairi he to takitini 

My strength is not as an individual but as a collective.


Belonging,       Kindness,     Bravery,       Passion