College Organisation: The College works on a 10 day cycle, five one hour periods per day. Each day begins with a Tutor meeting at 8.40 am and finishes at 3.20 pm.
Whanau Group: Students are placed in Whanau Groups for the purpose of administration and welfare. The Whanau Teacher is the person to contact on routine matters that may concern a student.
Ability Groups: For the teaching of core subjects, Year 9 and 10 students are arranged in groups of three to four classes. These groups may be ability grouped into upper, middle and lower bands for teaching. No ability grouping occurs in optional subjects.
Academic Extension Work: Students who are producing work of a high academic standard will be encouraged and offered extension activities.
Homework: Regular and purposeful home preparation is expected from each pupil if full advantage is to be gained from the College courses. The co-operation of parents is earnestly sought in the providing of proper facilities for this work and in ensuring that it is faithfully carried out. A homework diary is issued to each student free of charge. If students prefer to use another diary they may, but ALL students in Years 9 to 13 are expected to have a homework diary in class each lesson. The diaries provide a means whereby students can organise their homework and study commitments and can set goals. Parents are encouraged to use the diary as a way of communicating with teachers.
Lockers: Lockers are available for hire.
Reports, Exams and Parents Evenings: Formal exams are held each year. The timing of the exams differs according to the year levels of the students. All students receive a Progress Statement after six weeks, and detailed reports are issued to Years 11, 12 and 13 in May, and to Years 9 and 10 in July. Final Reports are issued to Years 11, 12 and 13 in October and to Years 9 and 10 at the end of the year. Years 12 and 13 students may receive a testimonial on request if they are leaving College.
A Meet the Teacher Evening is held in March, and two whanau days are held where parents and students meet with their whanau teacher for an in depth review of academic results and goal setting. Parents should contact the College at any time if there is a concern about student progress.
Sport and Physical Education: Excellent facilities exist for sport, and all students are expected to participate in sport as part of the life of the school. This includes participation in the annual athletic and swimming sports. Instruction in swimming and life-saving techniques is part of the summer Phys Ed programme. In both summer and winter, teams coached and supervised by the staff take part in local competitions. Students are encouraged to share in these extra curricular activities.
House System: The College is divided into a House System for administrative and pastoral needs and for sporting, cultural and academic competition. These houses are named after the four local prominent mountains of Tauhara, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Tutor groups are grouped within these houses. The Athletic and Swimming sports are competitions based on the House System. An annual ‘Spirit Week’ is also organised amongst the Houses to enhance school spirit.
Attendance: All students are required to attend on each day when the College is open. In the interests of the student’s progress, nothing but sickness or other unavoidable causes should be allowed to interfere with this regularity. Permission must be obtained for any short periods of leave by prior written application to the Principal.
A note explaining absence must be handed to the school office on the day of the student’s return to College. If absence is likely to be for more than two days, the College should be informed. Assignments can be provided for those who are unable to attend, but who are able to work at home. Truancy is regarded seriously by the College and parental/caregiver co-operation is requested in dealing with this problem.
Punctuality: All students are expected to be punctual at the beginning of the College day and for each period during the day.
Lunch Passes: An application form (available from the College Office) for a permanent lunch pass should be completed and passed to the Deputy Principal. A permanent lunch pass applies only from the College to home and return. A temporary lunch pass can be issued for the occasional lunch at home or urgent shopping upon receipt of a written request from home. Those absent from the College without written permission will be presumed truant.
Signing In or Out: All who leave the College during college hours are required to sign the Leave Book when leaving and returning. This does not apply to students holding permanent lunch passes.
Bicycles: Bicycles must comply with Traffic Regulations and students must obey the traffic rules as they apply to pedestrians, cyclists or motorists. All cyclists must wear a helmet.
Motor Vehicles: Pupils wishing to bring a motor vehicle to the College must complete an application form (available from the College Office) requesting permission from the Deputy Principal. Permission applies to the driver and the driver’s family only. Other student passengers can only be transported with written permission from their parents and the consent of the Deputy Principal. The vehicle may not be used at lunch time without permission.
Bus Service: All students who live more than 4.8 km (3 miles) from the nearest College are eligible to use any of the various bus services. Permission to travel on a bus may be withdrawn if any pupil is reported for serious misbehaviour. If in any doubt about eligibility please contact the Bus Controller at the College.
Textbooks and Stationery: All students are provided with necessary textbooks without charge or deposit. These remain the property of the College. Books lost or damaged must be paid for. Payment for work books may be required in some cases. Stationery must be provided by the students. Day to day stationery requirements can be purchased from the College office.