Plans for stage one of the redevelopment were presented by architect Philip Gilchrist to parents at a community meeting last week.
Principal Adele Gott said feedback from those attending the meeting was very positive.
Under the proposal, a modern office block with a main entrance facing on to Ventry St will be developed in the area where the dental clinic is.
The building will be similar in design to the new Alexandra Kindergarten which is being built on land opposite the school.
A new central foyer with access to a technology and multi-media room is planned, along with a new pupil reception and waiting room, principal's office and administration area.
Teachers will have a new staff room and the existing administration building will be remodelled to provide multi-purpose teaching and learning spaces.
The concept plans were due to go to the school council for feedback before being finalised and put out to tender, Miss Gott said.
The Ministry of Education is providing $460,000 for the development, with the school board of trustees contributing another $180,000 - half of its five-year property allowance.
The ministry was keen to see rebuilding start by June and it was hoped the new facilities could be ready before the end of the year, Miss Gott said.
Board members and management have visited new and remodelled schools in Otago, Southland and Canterbury to get ideas for the redevelopment.
In designing the new flexible teaching spaces which will be used instead of traditional classrooms, they have also looked at what resources are available in the community for use.
Rooms in the old school block, which dates back 145 years and is due to be demolished, are no longer being used, with a new classroom being set up in the former school library.
Pupils were now visiting the town library to borrow books and it was likely a future library at the school would be a mobile one, Miss Gott said.
‘‘We're keen to utilise as much as we can in the community, whether it be the library, the museum, courts at Pioneer Park or even the new Reap community house.''
Fortunately, the school had a very central location in town and could easily access these community facilities, rather than having to double up in providing them, Miss Gott said.
Staff and pupils are excited about the proposed redevelopment and also plans the school PTA has for a major revamp of the playground.
‘‘It's an exciting step forward and we hope before the end of the year to be celebrating our new vision for schooling in the 21st century,'' Miss Gott said.
Concept plans had also been drawn up for redeveloping the rest of the school, but progressing that was dependent on obtaining more funding, she said. - Jenny Collier.
