Hedgehope School
Policies & Procedures
Latest News
Enrolment
Report Absence
Hedgehope School is a full rural primary school with a passion to inspire students from Years 1-8. We are located in Central Southland on the Winton-Hedgehope Highway, a 20-minute drive from Mataura, Winton or Invercargill. Our beautiful rural setting is located not far from the Community Hall, Rural Fire Brigade and Golf Course. At Hedgehope School, learning is grounded in opportunity, nature and community, guided by our core REACH values — Respect, Endurance, Adventure, Compassion and Happiness. These values shape who we are, how we learn, and how we support one another every day.
We are proud of our outstanding school grounds, which provide rich opportunities for exploration and growth. Our environment includes an orchard, chickens, a thriving plant nursery, hot house, tennis courts, a huge school field, a mountain bike track, a giant sandpit, a newly refurbished playground, workshop and our much-loved Treemendous adventure playground. These spaces are living classrooms where students show Adventure in their learning, Endurance in challenges, and Happiness through active, engaged play.
Inside the classroom, learning is future-focused and well supported. Our senior students benefit from 1-to-1 Apple MacBooks, encouraging creativity, collaboration and independence. Our highly experienced staff lead learning with Respect and Compassion, ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to succeed.
Hedgehope School is strengthened by a caring and connected community. Our active PTA fundraises to support student needs and enrich learning opportunities, while our passionate Board of Trustees provides strong governance and strategic direction, ensuring all students are supported to REACH their full potential.
We are proud to be a top-tier Enviroschool, holding Green-Gold status — the highest level. Through our Forest School programme on Channel Road, students develop Respect and Compassion for the environment by predator trapping and environmental restoration, and they bring this real-world learning back into the classroom.
At Hedgehope School, children are encouraged to REACH for greatness — growing as confident, capable learners in a school where values, nature and community come together.
Throughout the year, the students excel in athletics, swimming, touch rugby, cross country, netball, speech competitions and thrive at school camps, pet day, ski trips, winter sports days, science fair, technology challenges, and much more.
I look forward to getting to know your whole family and supporting you to enjoy our school and community. Please contact me or any of the staff at school, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Kind regards,
Daniel Withington
Principal
21 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026
22 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026
27 Apr 2026
28 Apr 2026
28 Apr 2026
28 Apr 2026
Piwakawaka Class has had a busy and meaningful week as we explored the importance of ANZAC Day. The children showed great interest and respect while learning about this significant event, and we were so impressed with the beautiful artwork created in response. A special highlight was Georgia sharing a framed certificate from her Great-Grandad, who served in the war as a tanker driver—such a wonderful and personal connection to our learning.
We have also successfully kickstarted our Oral Language Rotations again this term. It has been fantastic to see the children’s growing confidence when speaking in front of others. George shared an impressive picture of him after shooting his first hare, Elliott brought along some very cool farming books, and Ellie-May kept us all guessing with her mystery item—a spoon that proved almost impossible to identify!
Adding to our learning, we even baked some delicious ANZAC biscuits together. The children loved being involved in the process, and it was a great way to connect our classroom learning to a traditional part of ANZAC history.
This week, we have placed a strong focus on re-establishing routines. While it has taken a few days to settle back into the structure, it has been great to see everyone getting back on track and responding positively to the consistency.
We’re looking forward to another great week ahead!


Good Afternoon Parents / Caregivers,
I just want to let you know that the popcorn for the fundraiser has arrived and you will be able to collect your orders from the office.
Have a great day!
Kind Regards
Juanine
Kia ora whānau,
With camp taking place tomorrow, please find attached the timetable outlining our daily activities. It’s shaping up to be an exciting and action-packed few days for our students.
We are really looking forward to this opportunity for students to build independence, teamwork, and confidence.
Ngā mihi,
Rosanne
Dear Parents of Bus Students,
With the Tui and Kereru camp happening this week, there will be fewer passengers on the bus, so the drop-off time will be earlier. Sarah is expecting a 5-minute earlier time on Tuesday, and Wednesday through to Friday, a 10-minute earlier drop off.
Thanks in advance,
Daniel
Hi all,
The excitement is high in Tui with us gearing up to be heading away tomorrow morning at approximately 9am. Today we have sent home another copy of the Packing List. You will note that there is an extra section with some equipment Adventure Southland has asked us to have. These are for Tui only activities.
If you don't have the above we will have spares but not enough for a full classroom.
Thanks,
Jess
Parents, please support our local businesses
Call Direct
Send Email
Visit Website
Visit Website
Visit Website
Scan this code to download the app
Download our Skool Loop App, a simple and free download. In Google Play & App Store search ‘Skool Loop’ and choose our school once installed.