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Fairton School is a Small Rural Primary School Educating

Learners from New Entrants to Year 6

Fairton School is a well-resourced rural Primary school on the outskirts of Ashburton. The school was originally opened in 1901, and since then has remained a focal point for the local Fairton community. We continue to develop strong connections between school, whanau and the community.

Class sizes are small and means staff to child ratios can be kept low. This enables us to develop excellent relationships with all our pupils, and to understand their needs as learners and individuals. We have 3 Teachers, a Teacher Aide and an Office Manager.

The staff here are committed to providing high-quality teaching and learning opportunities, and to ensuring the success and achievement of all individuals. Diversity is valued here, as are individual strengths. We are responsive to the needs of all our learners and provide programmes of support for those that need it, as well as extension when required.

Please come and visit if you are interested in our school. Livia our Office Manager will make an appointment and I will show you around our very special place.

Kind regards,

Jude Irwin
Principal

Success in Learning • Success in Life

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What's happening at Fairton School?

Upcoming Events in November

Tue 10

Year 6 visit to Ashburton Intermediate

10 Nov 2026

Thu 12

Teacher Only Day - School Closed

12 Nov 2026

Fri 13

Canterbury Show Day (School closed)

13 Nov 2026

Tue 17

Pet Day

17 Nov 2026

Fri 20

School Photos

20 Nov 2026

Latest Notices

Later Opening Tomorrow

10 Nov 2026

Dear Parents,

Tish and I have a course tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11, in West Melton, and will not be at school by 8am as usual to open up.

School will be open and ready for action by 8.30am. Please do not send children to school early tomorrow.

Don't forget Teacher Only Day is on Thursday November 12. School is closed to children. These are days given to us by the Ministry of Education to engage in some learning. Our staff will be focussing on the new Science and Social Sciences curriculums. Friday is Show Day for Canterbury, so children have this day off too.

Kind regards,

Jude

Notices

9 Nov 2026

Dear Parents,

Please check your child’s bag today, as they will be bringing home several important notices and forms:

Pet Day Information, Judging Criteria Sheet & "All About My Pet" form: Everything you need to know to prepare for our upcoming Pet Day, including how entries will be judged.
Photolife Sibling Request Form: Fill this out and return it if you would like sibling photos taken.
Scholastic Book Club: The latest issue is inside for ordering.
Farming Families Charitable Trust Colouring Competition: An exciting colouring competition entry form for the children to enter if they wish.

Please take a moment to review these notices tonight, particularly any deadlines on the forms.

Many thanks

Reminder of Teacher Only Day

27 Oct 2026

Dear Parents,

Just a reminder that our second Teacher Only Day, provided by the Ministry of Education, will be on Thursday November 12. This means school is closed to children for the day while teachers complete some learning on the new curriculum.

Thank you,

Jude Irwin

Whittakers Chocolate Fundraiser

23 Oct 2026

Dear Parents

Just a reminder that today is the final day to return unpurchased chocolate and the fundraising money. Many thanks

Room Two Camp - update

21 Oct 2026

Hi Everyone,

Just letting you know Matt Colgan has also offered to stay over on our camp. Thanks Matt. We now have our 2 helpers.

Kind regards,

Jude and Angela