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Nelson Central School
Nelson Central School.jpg
Nelson Central School in 2011
Address
70 Nile Street, Nelson
Coordinates 41°16′39″S 173°17′19″E / 41.2774°S 173.2885°E / -41.2774; 173.2885
Information
Type Contributing Primary
Motto Māori: Ki Runga Rawa
Established 1878; 147 years ago
Ministry of Education Institution no. 3209
Principal Pip Wells
School roll 372 (February 2024)
Socio-economic decile 7
Website nelsoncentral.school.nz

Nelson Central School is a public primary school in Nelson, New Zealand. It is located in the inner city of Nelson, which is at the top of the South Island. The school teaches children aged 5 to 11 years old. Both boys and girls attend this school.

Where is Nelson Central School?

Nelson Central School is found on Nile Street in the city of Nelson. It is just a few blocks east of the Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson. This makes it easy to find in the city.

Joining Nelson Central School

Nelson Central School is a primary school. This means it prepares students for intermediate schools. After attending Nelson Central, students often go to Nelson Intermediate School. Some also go to Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School or Nelson College Preparatory School.

The school welcomes children from 5 to 11 years old. Each year, about 50 to 60 five-year-old children start their learning journey here.

A Look at School History

Nelson Central School December 2007
Nelson Central School from Nile St.

Nelson Central School is very special because it is the oldest school in New Zealand. It is still operating on the same land where it first began. Its main building and Renwick House are quite old and interesting to look at. Renwick House is named after Dr. Thomas Renwick.

The land for the school was bought in 1893. The main school building officially opened on June 23, 1930. This building is recognized as a historic place by Heritage New Zealand. It was added to their list of important structures on November 25, 1982.

The very first school in the Nelson area opened in March 1842. This was only a few months after the first settlers from the New Zealand Company arrived.

Māori Language and Culture

Nelson Central School has a higher number of Māori children than the average for Nelson City. This might be because the school offers four special classes. These classes focus on learning the Māori language. There is also a full-time Kaiarahi reo, who is a guide for the Māori language.

All students at the school take part in the Mana Maori program. This program helps students learn about Māori language and culture. It is part of the school's commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.

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