Every day is different at Taieri Beach School and every day one of Liz Bishop’s students says something unexpected that ...
School proves it's the little things in life
Nestled at the opening of the Taieri River deep in the heart of the South Otago, is a small fishing village Taieri Mouth with a population of approximately 260. There is no shop, no petrol station and no pub. But there is Taieri Beach School - the hub of the community. With only 18 students, aged from five to 13 years old, one part-time teacher and a few community volunteers, principal teacher Liz Bishop has her hands full – but she wouldn’t have it any other way. MICHELLE CURRAN discovers the hidden gem that is Taieri Beach School and the beauty of rural schools like it that are fast becoming a “protected species” in New Zealand …