Principal’s welcome

With a proud history spanning over 150 years, Parnell District School is where tradition meets inquiry and innovation. Our vibrant and inclusive environment is dedicated to ‘Growing great humans’ – critical thinkers educated for life; protective of the world and caring of people; responsible, resilient and self-reckoning.

Our Values

Our values shape how we behave and guide our approach to learning – creating a supportive and enriching environment.



Kaitiakitanga, a Māori philosophy, teaches us to look after each other, our environment, and ourselves.  

Innovation drives us to embrace new ideas and approaches to learning 

Truth ensures we act with honesty and integrity in all we do.

Growing Great Humans

At Parnell District School, we believe in growing great humans. We focus on fostering academic excellence while instilling values that inspire our students to make positive contributions to the world. We are incredibly proud of our students, both in their academic progress and their contribution to the wider community. 

“I feel an immense sense of pride in the community we’ve built together and am excited to welcome you to be a part of it. We invite you to explore our dynamic and positive school community, where every day is an opportunity to inspire, learn and grow together” – Principal, Richard George

For more information, or to schedule a visit, please contact us and discover what makes Parnell District School so special.

A day at PDS

Many students arrive at PDS on foot, by scooter or bike. With a number also arriving by bus or having their parent / caregiver drop them off. Our teaching staff welcome students onto the school grounds from 8:30am each school day, their smiles are the four gates set a positive tone for the day ahead. 

 

The first bell sounds at 8:55am and any students not yet their classrooms head that way for roll call. Tuition happens in three blocks, separated by morning tea and lunch – each with dedicated eating time before play. The school day ends at 3pm.

 

Parnell District School focuses on educating the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, socially and personally. Students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic, cultural, sporting and technology programmes. Click through the above tabs to learn more.

We’re proud to offer a rich and engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programme at our school. We have two specialist STEAM teachers—one working with Years 1–6 and the other with our Year 7–8 students—ensuring the learning is tailored and age-appropriate across the school.

 

Students in Years 1–6 take part in two full days of hands-on STEAM learning each term, while our Year 7–8 students enjoy four full days per term. These immersive experiences give students the time and space to deeply explore projects and develop practical skills. 

 

Learning is highly hands-on and may include construction, art making, robotics, sewing, cooking, and science experiments. The programme fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork—helping students develop confidence and capability in a wide range of areas. 

Many students arrive at PDS on foot, by scooter or bike. With a number also arriving by bus or having their parent / caregiver drop them off. Our teaching staff welcome students onto the school grounds from 8:30am each school day, their smiles are the four gates set a positive tone for the day ahead. 

 

The first bell sounds at 8:55am and any students not yet their classrooms head that way for roll call. Tuition happens in three blocks, separated by morning tea and lunch – each with dedicated eating time before play. The school day ends at 3pm.

 

Parnell District School focuses on educating the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, socially and personally. Students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic, cultural, sporting and technology programmes. Click through the above tabs to learn more.

Many students arrive at PDS on foot, by scooter or bike. With a number also arriving by bus or having their parent / caregiver drop them off. Our teaching staff welcome students onto the school grounds from 8:30am each school day, their smiles are the four gates set a positive tone for the day ahead. 

 

The first bell sounds at 8:55am and any students not yet their classrooms head that way for roll call. Tuition happens in three blocks, separated by morning tea and lunch – each with dedicated eating time before play. The school day ends at 3pm.

 

Parnell District School focuses on educating the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, socially and personally. Students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic, cultural, sporting and technology programmes. Click through the above tabs to learn more.

Many students arrive at PDS on foot, by scooter or bike. With a number also arriving by bus or having their parent / caregiver drop them off. Our teaching staff welcome students onto the school grounds from 8:30am each school day, their smiles are the four gates set a positive tone for the day ahead. 

 

The first bell sounds at 8:55am and any students not yet their classrooms head that way for roll call. Tuition happens in three blocks, separated by morning tea and lunch – each with dedicated eating time before play. The school day ends at 3pm.

 

Parnell District School focuses on educating the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, socially and personally. Students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic, cultural, sporting and technology programmes. Click through the above tabs to learn more.

Many students arrive at PDS on foot, by scooter or bike. With a number also arriving by bus or having their parent / caregiver drop them off. Our teaching staff welcome students onto the school grounds from 8:30am each school day, their smiles are the four gates set a positive tone for the day ahead. 

 

The first bell sounds at 8:55am and any students not yet their classrooms head that way for roll call. Tuition happens in three blocks, separated by morning tea and lunch – each with dedicated eating time before play. The school day ends at 3pm.

 

Parnell District School focuses on educating the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, socially and personally. Students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic, cultural, sporting and technology programmes. Click through the above tabs to learn more.

Our Team

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Richard George

Principal
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Richard George

Principal
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Richard George

Principal
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Richard George

Principal
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Kathryn Whelan

Deputy Principal (Student Support, SENCO, Y0-3)
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Kathryn Whelan

Deputy Principal (Student Support, SENCO, Y0-3)

School documentation

At Parnell District School, we are committed to ensuring all our policies and strategic planning are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of our learners. The key documents that guide our school’s direction and operations are listed below, click on each to have a read. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Annual Plan

Parnell District School Charter

Annual Report

School Policies

PDS History

Parnell School was established in 1873 as one of the first eight schools to operate under the Auckland Education Board. It was first located at xxx and moved to it’s current site on St Stephen’s Road in 1933. There have been xx Principals over this period.

 

It has a rich history of fostering learning and has been renowned over the years for xxx and xxx.

 

The current Board and Principal are proud to have retained the historic look of the school in the recent upgrade to the Leonard Block, that borders the school field. While maintaining this historic character, the school also boasts modern amenities like a music suite, futsal court and xxx that bring the school and learning experience to life.