Rotorua Girls' High School

General information

Rotorua Girls’ High School was established in 1959, as the only Girls’ School in the Rotorua district, after commencing in 1927 as the Rotorua District High and Grammar School on the site now occupied by Rotorua Boys’ High School. It is a State School. It is one of only 25 Girls State Schools in New Zealand.

In 2019 we will celebrate our 60th birthday.

Rotorua Girls’ High School offers a clear choice of education for the young women of the Rotorua district. It has a strong tradition of excellence in academic, cultural, sporting and leadership endeavours. This tradition is guarded zealously by the students, staff, past students and community. In 2008 the school was recognised nationally for its high levels of student engagement, and outstanding student achievement. In 2009 the school became the first Waikato/BOP Secondary School to be given the “5 Year Tick” by ERO. –This is an outstanding recognition.

Students find that while the school has a strong tradition, it is also very modern in its approach to technology and new curricula. The school has facilities that after fourteen years of intensive redevelopment put it amongst the top echelon of state schools in the country.

Our superior facilities include modern upgraded classrooms, all containing data projectors and white screens, plus Internet access. Staff all operate with laptops for instant access. Our Performing Arts facilities include a modern Dance studio, Drama, Music and Maori spaces, plus a range of Performance areas, including our newly furnished Nina Hogan Memorial Performing Arts Centre.

Technology spaces include specialist areas for Design Technology, Food and Hospitality, Fashion and Textiles Technology, Graphics, Art, Harakeke and Hairdressing. Music facilities include a recording studio.

Computing facilities include a multimedia space and 4 large modern spaces each containing 30 computers, plus scanners, printers and colour copiers. Specialist computing facilities are also available in our refurbished library , mathematics facility and design spaces.

Upgrades to the Social Sciences, Languages, Business, English, Mathematics, Science, Careers, Photography, Whare and Library have recently been completed.

Students all enjoy access to a modern café, a Wellness Centre medical facilities, complete with free medical facilities, a modern Performing Arts Centre, and Rotorua’s ARENA, our sporting and conference facility. The ARENA, provides superb purpose-built facilities, including two Netball/Basketball courts, 4 separate changing areas, a fitness centre, mezzanine area for table tennis, a seminar room and a host of resource areas. The Performing Arts Centre (PAC) includes three separate Performance areas including a Mezzanine Space that links the Music Room.

Students purchase all uniform items and stationery from their own shop.

School traditions are maintained in our 2 Memorial Walkways dedicated to former Principals of Rotorua Girls' High School, and in our extensive park-like grounds.

At Rotorua Girls' High School we particularly value our bicultural heritage, and this is acknowledged tangibly in our Whare “Takiri ko te Ata”, in our commitment to our Maori Student Council “Kahui Rangatahi”, and in our ongoing involvement with the Te Kotahitanga Project.

“The school presents an attractive physical environment with a range of well resourced facilities, including the library, arena and wellness centre.” ERO 2009

The school values Maori tradition and cultural heritage. This is demonstrated through its recently established Marautanga faculty, support for Maori performing arts and the high number of Maori teachers.” ERO 2009

The school also has a multicultural focus and diversity with students from Australia, Africa, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Pacific Islands, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam being part of our community. Our CATCH (Cultural Awareness to Create Harmony) committee promotes meetings and activities to ensure all students can experience opportunities to the full.

Teaching staff are experienced and up to date with recent curriculum developments. They have been involved in whole-school professional development programmes on Information Technology, Multimedia, Te Kotahitanga (raising Maori achievement) and Eliminating Violence. All staff have an ongoing commitment to professional development. For the past 12 years, the school has engaged in Action Research programmes in its quest for continual improvement.

The Pastoral Care network of the school is the basis for our success. We believe students must feel comfortable, safe and happy in their school environment if they are to achieve their potential.

The school is divided into 4 Houses - Hinemoa, Rangiuru, Karenga and Rukuwai. Each student, on entry, is placed in a House and remains in their House throughout their time at school. Students are placed into a whanau class for administrative reasons. This allows for the development of long term friendships, and in Year 9, the support of seniors (peer support leaders).

Each House has a Dean, whose special responsibility is the academic and pastoral care of students in their house. The Dean stays with that House from year to year, further reinforcing the concept of security and safety. Each Dean is responsible to the House Deputy Principal. We also have an Enrolment Dean who oversees all enrolment protocols.

The school also has a Guidance Counsellor who can be contacted on any matter relating to the welfare of students, and Careers Staff who can be contacted on any matter relating to career opportunities and work experience.

The Principal and Deputy Principals can be contacted on any matters of interest or concern. Together with the Director of Maori Achievement they form a Management team which, with the staff, is dedicated to ensuring that all students at Rotorua Girls’ High School realise their potential and emerge as young women able to make a meaningful contribution to the new millennium.

Our school community offers strong networks of support for our students. The Board of Trustees oversees all policy and governance issues. The Parent Teacher Association acts as a forum for discussions between parents and staff. The Whanau Support and Pasifika groups provide advice on all matters to do with our Maori and Pacific students. The Alumni Association provides us with role models and mentors, and reinforces our traditions. Together these groups create the intangible threads that hold this school so tightly together. Together we are “Empowering Young Women”.

“The school provides an inclusive and vibrant culture where girls are encouraged to take responsibility, assume leadership roles and become confident and independent young women as they move through school.” ERO 2009

“There are well-developed systems and networks in place to support students’ wellbeing.” ERO 2009

“The school has effective self-review processes that are contributing to school-wide decision-making on matters such as resource provision and the implementation of teaching practices that are likely to lead to improved student engagement in learning.” ERO 2009