About DNI

Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai

 

Ko Heidi Hayward tōku ingoa.

Ko ahau te tumuaki o te kura o Dunedin North Intermediate.

 

All schools in Dunedin are fantastic. We are genuinely spoilt for choice, and I am a strong advocate for choosing your local school. But this said, all schools do have their own flavour so here is some information to help you understand the flavour at DNI!

 

DNI is an Enviro-school

  • We’re the only enviro-intermediate in Dunedin and we’re very proud of this. 

 

We have 

  • Amazing grounds and buildings with large, light and airy classrooms.

 

We offer fabulous programmes 

  • We are wholly focussed on ensuring that ALL children progress, we are not interested in measuring children against each other.

  • What is important to us is that no child stagnates in their growth and we work closely with whānau to ensure you and your child know how they are progressing, whether that be from a starting point that requires support or extension. 

  • Success at DNI looks like growth - socially, culturally, and academically. Adolescence is a special but also challenging time, and we are experts at catering to this age group. We know that success in high school relies on students leaving DNI who are confident in who they are, resilient and independent.

 

However buildings and programmes don’t make a school. 

The thing that is most important to us is the people, he tāngata.  And it is the people who make this place. We have an amazing, forward-thinking Board and a talented and diverse staff.  Our teachers are thoughtful, intelligent, creative and caring humans who bring to life the learning opportunities here. 

 

And then there’s our best asset, the students!

Our students are amazing, and we are very proud of them. 

 

At DNI, we recognise that effective transitions are vital in supporting student success. We have developed a comprehensive and well-established plan that goes beyond what is typically offered, ensuring we gather the right information and dedicate the time needed. The following opportunities are designed to support both you and your child in feeling fully prepared to begin DNI:

 

  • Prioritising getting acceptance letters out, as quickly as possible after closing, to ensure students are not worried about enrolment

  • A meeting time with me for all new students and whānau in Term 4 before students start

  • An Orientation Night in November for all new students

  • DNI senior staff meet with all Year 6 teachers in Term 4

  • Extra transition visits for students who would benefit

  • DNI staff start attending CLP’s in Term 4, where appropriate

  • Class placement letters are emailed to all whānau in mid-late January, so students know who their teacher is in advance

  • A chance to meet the teacher and see the classroom in the week before school starts in January

  • A mihi whakatau welcome for students and whānau on the first day of school

 

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.