Who we are
Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga/Southern Health School is a state special school catering to ākonga from Year 1 to 13 across the Te Waipounamu/South Island, Rakiura/Stewart Island, and the Rēkohu/Wharekauri/The Chatham Islands.
Who uses our services
Our services support primary and secondary school ākonga who are unwell and unable to attend school due to illness. We support ākonga to stay connected to learning while they are are on their health journey. We prepare them to return to full-time education when they are well enough.
How we help
We create an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) in collaboration with the ākonga’s school of enrollment, parents, and relevant professionals. Teachers deliver lessons in hospitals, at home, or in our learning support centres, maintaining communication with the ākonga’s regular school and supporting their reintegration back into their usual school environment. We provide tailored learning resources and collaborate with Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu/The NZ Correspondence School to support programme access when needed.
Who can be admitted
Ākonga who are unwell, as confirmed by a qualified doctor or specialist, who have missed more than 10 consecutive days of school or 40 days in a year. These ākonga remain enrolled in their regular school and are admitted to Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga/Southern Health School for as long as they are unwell.
Where we are
We have teachers and learning support centres in:
However, we provide education to ākonga wherever they are in the Te Waipounamu/South Island, including hospital visits, home teaching, and online lessons.
