Tēnā Koutou Katoa

Kia ora and a very warm welcome to Torbay School.

As the Principal of this vibrant North Shore School, I am incredibly proud to lead a school where Inclusive Education isn't just a policy—it sits at the very heart of our Learning Framework. We believe that every child who walks through our gates brings a unique set of strengths, and it is our mission to nurture them within an environment of excellence.

Our Learning Framework prioritizes three areas of endeavour: Skills, Values, and Knowledge. We value each of these equally, believing that the skills represented by our Learner Powers and the values represented by our CARE Values are just as vital as the formal curriculum. These pillars are personified for our students by Ricc the Seagull, a symbol of our school spirit who helps our tamariki navigate their journey of growth and strive for excellence in all areas.

We believe that we are stronger together, and collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach. Our learning spaces are designed as dual classrooms where two teachers work side-by-side to deliver a rich, engaging programme. This collaborative model is further enhanced by our dedicated team of Learning Assistants, meaning there are usually three educators in any given space to support and inspire our students. For our youngest learners in Years 1 and 2, our Wā kitea (Play-based learning) programme provides a wonderful transition into primary school, focusing heavily on skills and values alongside foundational knowledge.

Torbay School is defined by the breadth of its opportunities and the incredible support of our local community. We take great pride in our determination to acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that Te Reo and Te Ao Māori feature strongly across our school life. Our Kapa Haka groups are a particular highlight, performing with passion at many internal and external events. Beyond the classroom, our students engage in a rich tapestry of experiences, from the hands-on Garden to Table programme to our celebrated Waterwise sessions. We also offer robust sporting and cultural programmes, with a deep commitment to both the performing and visual arts.

Following an extensive building programme, Torbay’s learning environment is now truly outstanding. We are fortunate to offer a terrific variety of modern play and learning spaces that allow our students to thrive. I invite you to explore our website and discover what makes Torbay School such a special place to learn and grow.

Ngā mihi nui,

Gary O’Brien: Principal, Torbay School