[Jon-and-Lou]

I am keen to hear from anyone with children at primary school in Kaiapoi.

Their decile rating is rather low, but should I be worried?

We're staying in Waikuku beach, and the local school is supposed to be really good, and rated a 7. Looking at purchasing a house closer to work, in Kaiapoi, and primary school there is rated 4/5 ....

What do you think?

Lou

[benandclare]

Welcome along guys.

Cant really help with your question as not got children of that age but I deliver milk to both Kaiapoi North and The Borough school and find both lots of pupils very courteous :nice1

Whereabouts in Kaiapoi are you working ?

[M-Squared]

Do remember that the upside of your children going to a low(er) decile rated school is that the school gets a bunch more funding, so it's not all bad! :nice1

My daughter's school for the next 7 years is a decile 9. They do a bunch of different activities like BBQs, school production on a shoestring budget for which the 400 or so tickets each night sell for $15 a pop, etc., so they're a bit more creative than a lot of schools. Her college is a 2 or 3, but no worries. :nice1

[peebles16]

Welcome along from us too :)
Like folks have said decile rating is to do with the social/economic make up of the population within the school catchment and has little reflection on the quality of teaching/resources available in schools. Yes, lower decile schools get more funding as the decile rating is used as a deciding factor in the allocation of funding but that doesn't necessarily make it a 'bad school' or indeed indicate that resources are well used.

I've heard very good things about Waikuku School including folks moving there to get there kids in....I personally think choosing a school is down to you and your child and would just arrange visits and go and see how it feels to you, your child and what you think of the kids, teachers etc :yes The schools I thought I wanted my kids to go to just didn't fit when I had visited them and the one we went for doesn't have the best rep but works for us and felt right...

All the best in making your choice
Karenx

[mylesdw]

I believe that Waikuku school will close and merge with a new school being built at Pegasus township (if it ever happens) when its roll gets up to a certain level. The new school will be brand new and state-of-the-art. The principal has moved from Amberley where he ran a very good school; he is a good man.

[Jon-and-Lou]

I have spoken to Roger at Waikuku school ... the only trouble is, that we are only renting, but plan to buy between now and March - and have actually put in an offer for a house in Kaiapoi - hence the question.

I love Waikuku Beach - as do the kids and the family, but it's a 30min commute for me to work...