Rotorua Lakes High School - Ōwhata

Rotorua Lakes High School is a co-educational, state secondary school, which was founded in November 1971.  It is situated in the eastern suburban part of Rotorua City.  Its tributary area consists of the eastern slice of the urban area plus a large tract of rural hinterland from Lake Tarawera to Lake Rotoma – hence “Rotorua Lakes”.  The area is rich in Maori history and legend abounds.  Many marae are found – especially around the shores of Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti.

The school is on an attractive undulating site of some 5 hectares which has spectacular sweeping views over Lake Rotorua. The grounds have been landscaped and planted with many indigenous shrubs.

The school motto is “Mauria Te Pono” (Keep Steadfast to the Truth) and the emblem – the outline shape of a stylised Maori Wahaika with the inside designed to picture the shapes of the Rotorua lakes – is based on the form and history of the area.

The school buildings are grouped as a focal point on Porikapa Road and include an Administration Block, Auditorium, Gymnasium, Library, General Teaching Blocks, Technical Arts Block and relocatable rooms.  Special features of the school include a Squash Complex, Health & Wellness Centre, Astro Turf, Horticulture Complex, Computer Suite, Food Technology Suite, Wharenui and Special Needs Unit – some of which were built with the assistance of community funds and labour.

In 2014 the school roll was approximately 700 students of whom 50% are of Maori descent. Other ethnic groups are represented by a few families.  The school has 75 staff including teachers, administration, support and caretaking staff.  The school roll includes approximately 15 International students.

Rotorua Lakes High offers its students an education with an emphasis on identifying and catering for individual needs.  Multi-level courses are available for senior school students.  Junior students have a wide choice of option subjects.  In addition the school offers a wide range of sporting, cultural and outdoor activities to all its students.

Student-teacher interaction needs to be positive and rewarding for both, but clearly the teacher is in charge.

Rude/bad behaviour/language is not to be tolerated.  High expectations of yourself and students will ensure the best performance of both.

The success of Rotorua Lakes High School depends on the successful partnership/relationship between student, teacher and family.