PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020 - YEAR 1 13 - insite
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YEAR 1 – 13 PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020
SCHOOL OFFICE MAGGIE’S SHOP 12 Winchester Street, Merivale, 12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014 Christchurch 8014 PO Box 25 094, Christchurch 8141 Phone 03 363 1901 Telephone (03) 379 2000 DIRECT DIAL NUMBERS Fax 03 365 5748 Absence Line 03 353 2560 ext 1 admin@stmargarets.school.nz Principal’s EA 03 363 1902 Office Hours: 8.00am until 4.30pm Registrar 03 353 2563
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ID Cards 21
Notes 2 IT Support Desk 21
Your Daughter’s Teachers 3 Leaving Procedures and Testimonials 21
Key Staff 2020 4 Library and Study Centre 22
Lockers 22
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
Lost Property 22
After School Care 6
Maggie’s Shop and Café 23
Assemblies 6
Money 23
Attendance and Absence 7
Non-School Activities in School Time 23
Bicycles 8
Passes 23
Cafeteria/Dining Room 8
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing 24
Career Pathways 9
School Office 25
Cars 9
School Policy on Alcohol,
Cell phones 9 Smoking/Vaping and Drugs 25
Changes of Address School Trips 27
and Telephone Numbers 11 Special Occasions 28
Chapel Services 11 Speech and Drama 28
Connecting with our Community 12 Sports 29
Complaints/Concerns 15 Stationery 29
Curriculum Evenings 15 Student Achievement 30
Damage to School Property 15 Student Courses of Study 31
Deadlines 15 Student Employment 31
Deans 15 Student Entry 31
Discipline 16 Student Problems and Grievances 31
End of Year Activities 18 Taxi Cards 32
Fees 18 Telephone 32
Health Centre 18 Term Calendar 32
Holiday Programme 19 Textbooks 33
Homework 19 Tutor System 33
Honours 20 Visitors to the School 34
House System 20 Wardrobe 35
NOTES 2
YOUR DAUGHTER’S TEACHERS
Please ask your daughter to keep this record up-to-date
TUTOR
DEAN
SUBJECT TEACHERS
Subject Teacher
EXTRA CURRICULAR (i.e. Sport, Drama, etc.)
Activity Manager / Coach
3
KEY STAFF 2020
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Diana Patchett Sue Gleeson
Executive Principal Director of Pre-School
Chris Wyeth Nicky Langley
Associate Principal, Pastoral Care Director of Boarding
Grant Belcher Brian Woods
Deputy Principal, Assessment Director of Information and
and Reporting Communication Technology
Jennie Nairn Peg Riley
Deputy Principal, Teaching Chaplain
and Learning Fionn Moore
Kathryn Gray General Manager
Head of Middle School (Years 7-10) Victoria Murray-Orr
Julie Calder Director of Community Relations
Head of Junior School (Years 1-6)
HEADS OF FACULTY
Deborah Matheson Stacey Rod
English Science
Julia Smith Trudy Keys
Health and Physical Education Creative Technologies
Chris Walker Callum Arnold
Humanities and Social Sciences Visual Arts
Stefanie Hossbach Catherine Bell
Languages Learning Enhancement
Jane Sharman Linda Chong
Mathematics Centre for Innovation
Amanda Woods
Performing Arts
PASTORAL CARE
Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton Deborah Scott
Year 7/8 Dean Year 12 Dean
Sarah Hickford Paula Vesty
Year 9 Dean Year 13 Dean
Sarena Harrison Chris Chambers
Year 10 Dean International Dean
James Evans
Year 11 Dean
4
TEACHER HEADS OF HOUSE
Leanne Chambers Toni Taylor
Konini Matipo
Samantha Fazio-Smith Sophie Beaumont
Kowhai Rata
Sarah Hickford Lisa Williams
Manuka Rimu
OTHER AREAS
Catherine Bell Helen Belcher
Learning Enhancement Director of Sport
Beth Rouse Sharon Lloyd
IB Co-ordinator Assistant Director of Sport
Jenni McLaughlin Alison Rossiter
Careers Pathway Advisor/Life Skills Theatre Dance Academy
Felicity McKay Sarah-Jane Evans
Library Manager Venues Manager
BOARDING STAFF
Nicky Langley Jean Thomson
Boarding House Manager Boarding House Manager
(Senior School) (Middle School)
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
each parent. They are then free to take
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
part in organised activities or choose
After School Care is available for girls their own activity. Girls have the use
in Years 1-8 from 3.30pm-5.30pm, of a computer for their homework,
Monday to Friday. On Wednesdays, if necessary.
After School Care will be available
from 3.00pm. It can be utilised on We are offering After School Care
a permanent or casual basis. as a service to parents and as a way
of ensuring that girls who remain
All Year 1-6 girls who are not collected
after school are cared for in a safe and
within 15 minutes of school finishing
stimulating environment.
must go to the After School Care room.
Girls must wait in the Junior School ASSEMBLIES AND CHAPELS
Courtyard after school. They will not
School assemblies are held in the
be allowed to wait on the footpath.
Chapel, generally twice a week and are
After School Care is charged at $11.00 usually taken by the Chaplain (Chapel)
per hour or part there of. and the Executive Principal (Assembly).
After School Care is based in the Junior Every girl in the school attends and
School. Girls are given afternoon tea the Anglican character of the College
and are then supervised while they is maintained in the readings, prayers
do their homework, as discussed with and hymns.
6
The Tutor Groups sit together with to the Health Centre in Warren House,
their Tutor in Houses. This is important staffed by a registered nurse, where
as it supports House identity and spirit, parents may be contacted to come and
endorses appropriate behaviour and collect their daughter. Girls may not go
supports Prefects when they are on home without a clear understanding
duty. Middle School Assemblies are between parent and school that the
also held several times a term. parent accepts responsibility for the
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE sick student.
The school day is as follows: Parents of girls who are absent through
Year 1-3 8:25am – 3:00pm illness must advise their daughter’s
Year 4-13 8:25am – 3:30pm Tutor by email or send a note immediately
upon their daughter’s return. A longer
On Wednesday, classes finish at 2:30pm
illness (three days or more) requires
for sport apart from Years 1-8 who
a medical certificate for students in
finish at 3:00pm.
Years 11 – 13 and given to the Deputy
Girls are expected to attend school Principal of Assessment and Reporting.
punctually and consistently. Registers
If parents are aware that a prolonged
are marked daily and all absences must
absence is likely, notification must be
be accounted for. Parents are asked to
given as soon as possible in writing to
ring the Absence line before 8.30am
if their daughter will be absent. The the Associate Principal.
Absence line is 353 2560 extension 1. Leave
Alternatively, parents may complete
Requests for leave for family, sporting
the Absences form on the website or
or other reasons should be made to
the SMC App.
the Associate Principal in writing, well
Lateness in advance. Parents will be aware that
Girls who are late for any class must extended family trips overseas, which
present a late slip to the teacher when involve substantial loss of school time,
they arrive. The slip should state the are detrimental to their daughter’s
reason for being late and be signed by learning and assessment programmes,
a staff member. If a girl arrives at particularly in the Senior School.
school after 8:25am she MUST report Leave during the school day
to the School Office and sign in.
It is essential that we know the
Illness
whereabouts of all students during
Girls who become ill at school go to the the school day. No student may leave
School Office first. They are then sent the school grounds except for special
7
reasons. A note from a parent or an BICYCLES
appointment card must be given to
Girls who cycle to school must wear
your daughter’s Tutor who will issue
helmets and have their bicycles clearly
her with a sign-out pass. The student
named. Their bicycles are to be kept in
must sign out at the School Office
the lock up area near the school pool
where she presents her sign-out pass
and must be locked. Please make sure
to the office staff. She must sign in on
your daughter has a suitable lock and
her return. We expect, where possible,
encourage her to lock her helmet to
that all appointments be made out of
her bicycle. For safety reasons girls
school time.
may not ride in or out of the gates
Absence or through the grounds on any bike,
scooter or board.
Students who arrange to be away for
more than one day need to contact CAFETERIA / DINING ROOM
all their teachers beforehand to find
The school cafeteria is located in the
out what work they will need to catch
Kilburn Dining Room and all students
up on. For longer periods of time an
from Year 7-11 must eat there at interval
‘Out of School Learning’ schedule
and lunchtime or in another designated
form must be completed prior to the
area. Girls may either choose from
absence and signed off by teachers that
a wide range of reasonably priced and
the work has been completed within
well-balanced foods or bring their own
a specified time.
food to eat in the cafeteria. Payment
Wilful absence or ‘bunking’ results in is charged by means of a barcode on
a school detention. This may take the student’s personal ID card (see ID
place on a supervised lunchtime or Cards) and cafeteria accounts are sent
a Thursday after school in a depending out to parents each month. Please
on the gravity of the offence. Failure ensure that cards are well looked after.
to attend will result in further Students who do not present their ID
disciplinary action. cards cannot make purchases.
8CAREER PATHWAYS adhere to the parking restrictions
around the school and respect the
A regular programme of careers
neighbours’ driveways.
awareness runs in the Senior School
and the Career Pathways Facilitator Parents who are delivering or collecting
and Advisor provides girls with girls at the Winchester Street gates,
extensive advisory and information must be aware of the congestion and
resources and arranges visiting speakers, danger that often exists before and
careers symposia and trips to tertiary after school and every care must be
institutions and employers. She assists taken. Please do not double park or
girls to produce high-quality Curriculum park across driveways when dropping
Vitae. Further careers education is given off or picking up your daughter. The
through the Life Skills Programme in drop-off zone on Winchester Street
Years 11-13. is permit only for Pre-School and
Junior School families only. The Papanui
The Careers Advisor is happy to meet
Road entrance may only be used by
with parents and their daughters to
boarding families.
discuss career options. Appointments
may be made through your daughter Parents may not drive into the
or by ringing or emailing the Careers Andover or Tonbridge Street
Advisor directly. Current relevant entrances to the school. These
information on courses and careers entrances are reserved for staff cars and
is published in the weekly newsletter students with bicycles or scooters only.
and on the website. CELL PHONES
CARS St Margaret’s College is committed to
Girls who have a particular reason valuing and protecting the school day
e.g. live a considerable distance from as a time for students to engage with
school, may drive to school. Daygirls teaching and learning, and to
may not park inside the school grounds encourage our girls to be actively
or in key drop-off areas for parents. involved with each other and in the
Other girls may be transported only if wider life of the school.
the driver has a full licence and they With this as our desired outcome, there
have written permission from their are now controls in place around the use
parents and the parents of the driver. of mobile phones during the school day
This includes transport to and from so these devices do not interfere with
all sports events. Girls are asked to school life.
9• These controls are to be observed will require that they collect the phone.
between 8.25am and 3.30pm on At the end of the school day, the phone
school days, as well as special school may be collected by the student, though
events (e.g. Founders Day, Sunday it will be handed back to Reception the
Chapel services, Prizegiving). following day and held safely there for
• Mobile phones are to be kept at home, the day.
in lockers or in school bags, not
Second time, the phone will be
carried on the person (i.e. not in
confiscated, labeled and held in the
pockets or blazers).
office. Parents will be called to advise of
• Phones brought to school will be set
the student’s second breach and asked
to flight mode or on silent (with no
to collect the phone at their soonest
vibration) during the school day.
convenience. For our boarding families,
• Mobile phones are not to be visible
a member of the Boarding House team
during the school day, unless by
can collect it at the end of the day.
a specific request or permission from
Phones will stay at home or be handed
a teacher.
back to Reception for the following two
• Year 12 and 13 students may use
days for students to collect at the end
their mobile phones while in their
of each day.
Common Rooms only.
Third time, further consequences will
If there is an urgent need for
be applied should a student be found
communication that cannot wait until
to be in breach of these mobile phone
the end of the school day, students and
restrictions a third time, this will include
parents can make contact through the
afternoon detention, and a meeting
school office.
with the student, her parents (by phone
Should a mobile phone be visible during with boarding parents), and a pastoral
the school day, in contravention of these senior leader.
guidelines, there will be the following
There are many social, emotional and
consequences.
academic benefits to be realised for
First time, the phone will be confiscated, our girls from greater controls around
labeled and held in the office until the mobile phone access during the school
end of the school day. Parents will be day, so we look forward to the support
emailed to advise of the student breach of our community to establish these
and notified that a further infraction expectations at St Margaret’s College
10CHANGES OF ADDRESS AND
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
The School Office must be notified
of changes in address and telephone
numbers as soon as they occur.
Emergencies do happen and we need to
be able to inform parents immediately
as well as ensure all correspondence
reaches the correct address.
CHAPEL SERVICES
Chapel services are an important part
of the St Margaret’s College community
life. We gather as a whole school to
begin each week. The Term Calendar
sets out the dates, times and expected
attendance for all Sunday Chapel
services. Being together fosters our
community feeling and parents are
encouraged to attend these services
supporting their daughters in the
Chapel life.
Our Junior School gathers each week
for a Chapel service. Once a term, on
a Sunday evening, the whole Junior
School community comes to Chapel to
worship together.
In the Middle and Senior Schools,
Sunday services are set for the first
three terms. There are five dated
Sunday Chapel services, all of which
are compulsory for students in Years
7-13. If one is missed students must
negotiate with the Chaplain to attend
another Sunday service.
11There are also week day chapel services Linked In:
held in St Mark’s Chapel and students linkedin.com/school/st-margarets-
in Years 7-13 must attend five of these collegenz
services over Terms 1-3. These services Instagram:
are Tuesday and Thursday at 8.00 am, @SMCPrincipal
and Tuesday and Thursday at 3:35 pm. SMC News is emailed to St Margaret’s
Chapel attendance for both Sunday families every second Thursday during
term time. Please let the School Office
and week day services are recorded on
know if you change your email address.
reports for Year 7-13 students.
We like to acknowledge the girls’
In Term 4 there are two Chapel
successes and activities both inside
services that are marked as whole
and outside the school. Please advise
school events and attendance is the School Office in writing of these
compulsory. These are the Founders’ successes so we may feature them.
Day Service and Carol Service.
INSITE
CONNECTING WITH OUR The St Margaret’s College intranet,
COMMUNITY INSITE, contains a wealth of
Communicating effectively with information for students and parents
our parents and caregivers is of the and can be accessed by clicking on
utmost importance and is carried out the INSITE logo at the top right of
in a number of ways. the St Margaret’s College website.
Information available includes:
SMC News • Student Notices – email notices
The latest St Margaret’s College news to students
and events can be found online: • Events Calendar – upcoming school
events
SMC website: • Term Dates – for the current and
www.stmargarets.school.nz following year
Facebook: • Sports Draws – Wednesday and
www.facebook.com/stmargaretsnz weekend games
12• Library and Study Centre – Library out to the girls involved. Please ensure
Catalogue, Maggie’s Blog and more permission slips are filled out fully and
• Stationery Lists returned by the date stated.
• General information for parents –
Email
handbooks, daily routine, Houses etc.
• Careers news, events and information Notices, letters and interim reports are
can also be found on INSITE increasingly being sent to parents and
caregivers by email. It is important that
Calendar of Events
the primary email contact address we
The Events Calendar is available in have for you is one that you regularly
electronic format on INSITE and the access. Please let the School Office
SMC website under What’s On. This know if you change your email address.
is as accurate as possible at the time
Text / Emergency communication
of publication but may change from
time to time. Please continue to check Text messages to parents and caregivers
the calendar regularly as it is updated are reserved for emergencies or
throughout the term. particular information. In the case of an
emergency, a text message will be sent
Letters
to each student’s primary caregiver.
Details of events requiring parental It is vital that we have the correct
permission are still communicated via information so please let the School
letter. Letters may be posted but are Office know if you change your
generally emailed to parents or handed cellphone number.
13• Parent/Teacher interviews
Website
• letters, emails and telephone calls
The St Margaret’s College website from Tutors, Deans or subject
www.stmargarets.school.nz is updated teachers, as and where needed
regularly and contains information • career information evenings
about many aspects of the school. • curriculum booklets
Important messages, news and • curriculum information evenings
upcoming events can be found on the • focus evenings
homepage. During an emergency, the
Parent communication with the school
website is a key source of information.
may be:
Emergency messages will be displayed
• by a telephone call, email or letter
prominently and updates will be posted
to the Tutor
as they come to hand.
• by a telephone call to the School
SMC App Office, who will direct you to the
appropriate person
Parents and students are regularly sent
• by making an appointment with the
alerts regarding key events through
Executive Principal, Associate
the SMC App. It is also a handy source
Principal, Deputy Principals, Dean
of information on your mobile. The
or Tutor
App will also be used to alert parents
• by requesting a special conference
in the case of an emergency. The App
of teachers (through the Dean)
can be downloaded by searching
• through letters to the Associate
for SchoolAppsNZ in the App Store
Principal about such matters as early
or Google Play.
leave, overseas leave or special
Evergreen circumstances
• by a telephone call to the Deputy
The Evergreen Magazine is published
Principal Assessment and Reporting
twice a year and contains news and
or Deputy Principal Teaching and
articles about all aspects of school and
Learning about curriculum matters
alumni life. A copy of the magazine is
posted to all St Margaret’s families. The School communicates with students:
• at Tutor time daily
Other Communication
• via daily email notices on Student
The school also communicates with Notices
parents through: • on the intranet, INSITE
• written academic reports • in assemblies
14COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS opportunity to gather information
when considering career options.
If parents have a query or concern over
fees, cafeteria charges, or other charges DAMAGE TO SCHOOL
they should speak to the Finance Office. PROPERTY
If the issue concerns their daughter’s Girls are expected to take responsibility
property, locker, attendance pattern or for any damage they cause and to
a general school problem, including report it promptly to the School Office.
relationship issues between students, Repairs for substantial damage caused
parents should speak to or email the by careless behaviour will be charged
Tutor initially. to the student. The student herself will
Academic concerns should be discussed repair minor damage, wherever
with the teacher in the first instance. possible. Lost or damaged books or
If further follow up is required then equipment must be paid for.
the Head of Faculty, Tutor or Dean can
DEADLINES
be approached.
When students are given major
Parents are always welcome to discuss
assignments, research projects or other
their concerns with the Dean, Deputy
work to be assessed, a firm time and
Principals, Associate Principal or
date is set for the work to be handed in.
Executive Principal.
Unless an extension of time is requested,
CURRICULUM EVENINGS and agreed to by the teacher concerned,
Curriculum evenings are held during the deadline must be met.
Term 3 to provide information on Year 11, 12 and 13 students will be
subject and career choices for the issued with an NCEA Handbook at
succeeding year. It is very important the beginning of the year outlining the
that parents and girls take full advantage school policy.
of these opportunities. Senior Learning
Pathways information is available on DEANS
the school intranet, INSITE, this is Deans assist the work of the Tutors and
updated in Term 3. The handbook provide further support for students
outlines course options for the following through their pastoral care role. They
year for students in Years 11-13. also form a contact between the Tutors
A Careers Expo is held at times in and the Associate Principal Pastoral
conjunction with the Senior Learning Care or Deputy Principal Teaching
Pathways Evening and provides an and Learning.
15Year 7 & 8 Dean Mrs Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton Year 9 Dean Dr Sarah Hickford Year 10 Dean Ms Sarena Harrison Year 11 Dean Mr James Evans Year 12 Dean Ms Deborah Scott Year 13 Dean Mrs Paula Vesty The first point of contact should always be with your daughter’s Tutor. DISCIPLINE Implementing a discipline procedure requires all staff to be involved, consistent and committed. To promote a positive learning environment and ensure optimal learning conditions, all students must be aware of their rights and responsibilities. Students have the right to: • be respected as individuals • have organised and competent teachers • have homework and assignments given out with appropriate notice Students must meet the expectations of: • arriving at class punctually with ALL necessary learning materials • being prepared to listen and learn • being courteous and obeying instructions
• respecting staff, students, their work
and property
• cell phone and electronic device use
Should the learning of students be
disrupted then discipline procedures
will be as follows:
Withdrawal for Serious Breaches
of Behaviour
The teacher will inform the Tutor and
the Dean in the first instance, enlisting
their help. Parents may be contacted.
If the student persists in misbehaving
she will be warned that if the behaviour
continues she will be withdrawn
from class to work on her own under
supervision. She will also be required
to attend a lunch time detention the
same week.
If she is removed from class, she is to
report immediately to the School Office.
Re-admittance to the class must be
negotiated between the teacher and/or
Dean and the student prior to the next
lesson. Any subsequent withdrawal
will result in an after school detention
(Thursday). Parents will be notified
and a Behavioural Agreement may
be implemented.
Daily Report Forms are available for
girls who are persistently misbehaving
or not working well in class. The Dean
organises this, in collaboration with
the Tutor.
Detentions are used for lack of
punctuality, incorrect uniform and
17behaviour issues. Students must report return books and clear lockers on Sign
to the specified place at lunch time or Out Day and to attend the Carol Service
immediately after school. Failure to and Prize Giving (including practices).
report at this time will result in Year 7-10 continue classes until school
a family meeting and a possible finishes, except for Year 10 Camp or
Behaviour Agreement. Special Week during the last week of term.
Uniform: Staff may give a Detention Attendance at Founders’ Day Service,
for incorrect uniform. For persistent Carol Service and Prize Giving is
offences parents will be contacted and compulsory and full formal uniform
girls sent home to change. Class time with blazer must be worn i.e. tunic,
missed will be made up in an after shirt and tie for Years 7-10 and tussore
school detention. uniform for Years 11-13.
Disrespect of Staff or Student: FEES
Immediate referral to the Dean or
Tuition and boarding fees are
Associate Principal. Parents will
determined on an annual basis.
be contacted.
Payment options are available and
Jewellery: Confiscated and kept in details can be obtained from the
the School Office. In the first instance, College’s Finance Office.
jewellery is held until the end of the
Additional sundry expenses (cafeteria,
week. In the second instance the school stationery, school trips etc.) are invoiced
will hold jewellery until the end of term monthly on a separate account and paid
(see Wardrobe). by direct debit.
Cell phones: Refer to the cell phones There are penalties for late payment
section earlier in this handbook. of fees.
END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES HEALTH CENTRE
(See also Special Occasions)
The school Health Centre is located
Senior external examinations, both in Warren House (at the Papanui
NCEA and IB, are held from October Road end of the campus) and is staffed
to December. All examinations are held by a qualified Nurse, 2 Counsellors,
at school. Year 11, 12 and 13 usually and a Physiotherapist twice a week.
have study leave for three or four days Appointments for boarders to see
immediately before their public exams a doctor at a local medical centre can
and do not attend school again except to also be made.
18Girls who feel ill at school must own learning. Time spent on homework
report to the School Office first. They tasks will vary. Students must learn
are then sent to the Health Centre to manage their commitments and
where their condition is assessed and deadlines so that some balance is
parents may be contacted to come maintained between school and family,
and collect their daughter. Girls may other interests, extra-curricular
not go home without communication activities and relaxation. Details
between the parent and school nurse regarding assessment and policy for
to ensure that the parent accepts lateness of work are outlined in the
responsibility for the sick student. NCEA Student Handbook.
Students may make appointments with Middle School (Years 7-10)
the School Nurse or the Counsellors to
Tasks need to be clearly defined by
discuss any health issues, social issues
teachers, especially due date, format
or other queries and issues of concern
and expectations. Tutors will discuss
(see also Pastoral Care/Wellbeing).
time management with all students
HOLIDAY PROGRAMME early in Term 1 and encourage and
monitor desirable homework patterns
St Margaret’s College runs a Holiday
and routines. Routine must be
Programme during each school
established so that all students learn
holiday period for girls and boys from
to organise themselves and take
5-12 years of age. Children from all
responsibility for their own learning.
schools are welcome. Details and
enrolment forms are available from the Core and optional subjects should have
School Office or on the website. homework three nights per week.
HOMEWORK Homework Lapses
Homework is set at the discretion of Failure to meet requirements will be
the teacher and will vary according dealt with in the following way:
to year level and subject choices. It is
a) The class teacher discusses
a part of learning and should reinforce
non-completion of homework with the
classroom teaching. All students are
student in the first instance. If there
required to have a diary either in hard
is a genuine reason, supported by
copy or digital.
a note from parents or the Boarding
Senior School (Years 11-13) House Manager, a reasonable time to
complete the task will be negotiated.
The aim is to encourage all students
to be individually responsible for their b) For persistent non-compliance
19• the student will be referred to the HONOURS
Head of Faculty or Curriculum
Excellence in Arts, Sports and
Leader and the Tutor will be notified. Academic work is recognised by the
A lunch time detention or an award of a Pocket or Silver Tie, which
after-school detention (Thursday) is a prerequisite for Honours.
may apply. Parents will be informed.
Outstanding performance at regional
This will take precedence over all level or above, as well as service in that
other commitments. activity, is generally required for an
• if the Tutor has received information Honours Blazer (red blazer).
about homework lapses from more
HOUSE SYSTEM
than one subject teacher, the Tutor
There are six houses at St Margaret’s
will check with all teachers to see if
– Konini (purple), Kowhai (yellow),
a pattern is emerging. Parents will
Manuka (white), Matipo (brown), Rata
be invited to meet with their daughter,
(red) and Rimu (green). They foster
the Tutor and/or the Dean. a sense of belonging, fun and friendly
• if the behaviour continues it rivalry and further encourage the
becomes a discipline issue and is integration of students vertically from
referred to the Dean. Years 1–13.
20There is a Head of House who is In addition to the St Margaret’s College
a Prefect and she is supported by ID card, Year 9-13 students can
a Teacher in Charge of House and also purchase a CANDO card. This
a committee of Year 13 students. provides the student with authorised
House meetings are held regularly to ID for use within the Canterbury region.
encourage participation in cultural
and sporting events and to provide
IT SUPPORT DESK
support academically for all students. The IT Support desk is located in the
ID CARDS Library / Study Centre. Help is available
for all technology-related issues.
Every girl in the school must have
a personal St Margaret’s College ID LEAVING PROCEDURES AND
card, complete with her photograph. TESTIMONIALS
These cards are used in the cafeteria to The parents of students who intend to
purchase food and drink, in the library, leave school must give a term’s notice
and at Maggie’s Shop for purchasing in writing to the Executive Principal.
stationery, uniform and other items. It
is essential that the girls take great care Full school testimonials are provided
of them as purchases or book loans for girls who complete their school
cannot be made without an ID card. careers at St Margaret’s College. Girls
are urged to fill out application forms
Parents are able to regulate the amount and nominate two teachers well in
spent in the cafeteria by contacting the advance of their leaving date. All
School Office. If a girl loses or damages information is then forwarded to their
her card it can be reissued at a cost Tutor. Graduation certificates are
of $5.00. If a further card needs to issued when a girl completes her
be issued within the same year, an school career at SMC. Girls who
authorisation note from parents is transfer to another school are not
required and $20.00 will be charged to eligible for a full school testimonial or
the student’s account. for a graduation certificate.
If a card is forgotten, a temporary Staff have discretion to provide private
card can be obtained from the School character references, but not under
Office. Temporary cards can only be official school letterhead, except in
used 3 times per term and are held by special circumstances approved by the
the school. Executive Principal or Associate Principal.
21LIBRARY AND STUDY CENTRE LOCKERS
The Library and Study Centre is open Every girl in Years 7-11 is assigned
for all students from 8.00am until a locker for her sports gear, books and
5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and lunch. It is essential that she provide
8.00am until 4.30pm on Friday. It is her own lock and key from the first
staffed by a trained library team and day of Term 1.
includes facilities for photocopying,
LOST PROPERTY
computing, email and Internet. Girls
may come and browse our books or Lost property is placed into the school
use the reference and study facilities lost property at Maggie’s Shop. This
to research homework assignments is available Monday – Friday between
at lunchtime or after school. The 10:00am – 4:00pm in term time. A list
Centre also provides extensive online of named gear held in Lost Property is
resources located on SMC Live, published regularly on Student Notices.
including links to online databases, A small charge is made upon return of
blogs and more. items. Any items still unclaimed at the
22end of the term are sold or disposed any girl with money should lodge it at
of. Small items of value (e.g. watches, the School Office for safekeeping. We
glasses, jewellery) are held in the cannot be responsible for money left in
School Office. classrooms, bags, lockers or changing
Parents should encourage their rooms. Please encourage your daughter
daughter to take every precaution to to be prudent.
keep her belongings safe. All personal NON-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN
belongings and equipment including SCHOOL TIME
clothing, sports shoes, laptops, bike
All appointments for doctors, dentists,
helmets and sports bags must
be named. physiotherapists, driving instructors
and driving tests etc. must be made
MAGGIE’S SHOP AND CAFÉ outside school hours where possible.
Maggie’s Shop is situated at the If it is absolutely essential to leave
Winchester Street entrance to the school during the day, a student must
College. The Shop is open 10.00am– sign out and sign back in at the School
4.00pm and the café 7.30am–4.15pm Office. An appointment card or written
during term time and at special times in parental permission must be given to
the holidays. The shop accepts eftpos or her Tutor at tutor time who will then
cash as the preferred payment options. issue her with a sign-out pass to be
Students may charge items to parents’ given to the office staff at the time of
accounts, using their student ID card, signing out.
to a maximum value of $80 per day.
PASSES
The shop stocks all new school and
Girls may apply for an early pass or
sports uniforms, pre-loved uniform
late pass by filling in a form from the
items of good quality, stationery,
School Office, having it signed by
computing and subject specific needs,
parents and gaining approval from
tickets, toiletries, sundries, Old Girls’
the Associate Principal. The late and
and St Margaret’s College merchandise
early passes are for girls who live out
and more. Maggie’s Shop also handles
items of lost property. of town and who may have difficulty
with bus connections. They are given
Maggie’s Cafe is reserved for Year rarely. However, it is expected that no
13 students only between 8:15am – Year 11-13 student will require these.
3:30pm (or 2:30pm on Wednesdays).
No girl should be out of the school at
MONEY lunchtime. In special circumstances
Some girls bring large amounts of a lunch pass can be arranged through
money to school. This is not wise and the Associate Principal.
23PASTORAL CARE
AND WELLBEING
The pastoral care of every student is
given high priority at St Margaret’s
College. A network of staff work
together to ensure the wellbeing and
safety of every student.
Year 1-6 students are under the care
of their Homeroom teacher. Students
in Years 7-10 and 11-13 belong to
vertical groups of approximately 16
students, under the care of a Tutor. (See
Tutor System).
The Homeroom Teacher or Tutor is
the first point of contact for parents
should they have any queries about
their daughter’s progress or welfare.
Early in the year, parents and their
daughter meet with their Tutor or
Homeroom Teacher to set goals for
the year. Each term the Tutor and the
student review and revise these goals.
Other staff who also provide support
to students include Class Teachers,
Learning Enhancement Staff, Heads
of Faculty, the Dean, Chaplain,
Counsellors, School Nurse, Boarding
House Manager, Careers Advisor,
Head of Middle School, Associate
Principal Pastoral Care & Wellbeing,
Deputy Principal Assessment and
Reporting or Deputy Principal
Teaching and Learning.
Two trained counsellors are available
to girls and parents as required and
24are based in the Health Centre.
Appointments can be made by a direct
approach to a Counsellor, through
a phone call or an email to a Counsellor.
Students may also make appointments
with the School Nurse in the same way
to discuss any health issues.
SCHOOL OFFICE
The School Office is located in the
Winchester North. The office is open
from 8.00am until 4.30pm. Contact
details are on the front page of this
handbook. The office is staffed by
a Receptionist, School Secretary and
Database Manager. The Registrar is
based in the Enrolments Office also in
the main school office area.
The Executive Principal’s Personal
Assistant may be reached on
(03) 363 1902 between the hours of
8.00am and 4.30pm.
Finance staff are located in the Finance
Office, 2nd floor of Winchester North.
The Archives, Community Relations
Office, the SMC Foundation and the
Old Girls’ Association Office are all
located at 28 Winchester Street.
SCHOOL POLICY ON
ALCOHOL, SMOKING/VAPING
AND DRUGS
The school has a Health Education
programme which considers all
aspects of alcohol and drug prevention
education. One of its aims is to
25help students establish and practise action. The entire St Margaret’s College
responsible behaviour. The school also property is smoke free.
has a policy with regard to what is
Drugs
acceptable when girls are under the
jurisdiction of the school – that is, The possession of, or taking of,
whenever they are in school uniform, any drugs other than on medical
on school outings, field trips, sports prescription, is forbidden. Any
trips and other similar occasions. These involvement at any time will be treated
rules apply to boarders at all times very seriously. Appropriate parties
when they are under the jurisdiction will be informed. Drug testing may be
of the Boarding School and includes required when use is suspected. From
all outings except when with parents. time to time drug searches may be
Professional help from a counsellor, carried out through the school.
nurse or other agencies will be available
to any student requiring it for any Guidelines for parents and their
alcohol, drug or smoking/vaping daughters for social functions: When
problem. The school policy on alcohol, your daughter asks to go to a social
drugs and smoking is: function, parents should:
Alcohol • know where your daughter is
going including address and
In accordance with the present law, no
telephone number.
girl may buy or be in possession of, or
• ring the host parents to ensure that
under the influence of, alcohol. Any
there will be adult supervision and
breach will be regarded as a serious
that alcohol is not being served.
offence and will result in disciplinary
Parents are usually grateful for the
action. Parents will be informed.
support of other parents on these
Alcohol may be served at some
occasions.
school-based senior student functions
when parents are present, at the • know exactly what the transport
discretion of the Executive Principal. arrangements are. If your daughter
is driving, know exactly who is being
Smoking/Vaping transported. If someone is driving
The possession of tobacco, cigarettes your daughter, then positively
or e-cigarettes (vaping equipment) is demand that the driver does not
forbidden, as is smoking. Any offence drink and check that the driver has
will result in appropriate disciplinary a full licence. You should also be
26willing to do the transporting both SCHOOL TRIPS
to and from the venue.
School Camps
• be aware all functions should end at
a fixed time. Parents should always Outdoor Education camps or events
are held in Term 1 for Years 7-9
know this and have clear arrangements
and Term 4 for Year 10. The Year 12
made for what time their daughter
Leadership Retreat is held in Term 3.
is to be home or when to call for her. A Year 12 IB Camp is held in Term 1.
If arrangements change, girls should The Year 13 Prefects’ Retreat is held
communicate with their parents. before Term 1 begins. Year 11 may
• be aware functions during the term participate in an active-based learning
should be kept to a minimum and day and a retreat in Term 2. The Year 5
only on weekends. and 6 Camp is held in Term 4. There may
also be ski trips.
The school has a role to play to assist
parents and their daughters in Cultural Trips
these matters. Cultural trips are occasionally
27organised to Japan, a French-speaking Tournaments with sister schools. These
country, China, Chile, Vietnam, Greece, are held in February and July and may
Italy, or the USA. Year 13 girls have involve travel to Dunedin or Timaru.
the opportunity of taking a GAP
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
year after they leave school. Students
have the opportunity of participating There are three special occasions that
in exchange schemes organised by the are compulsory for students in Term 4:
school, AFS or Rotary. Different year • Founders’ Day Service held in the
groups may visit a local marae. evening, close to All Saints’ Day, 1
November.
Exchanges
• Carol Services are in the last week
Year 10 students have the opportunity of the school year. Parents are
to go on exchange to Australia. Year 11 warmly invited to attend.
and 12 students are able to apply for an • Prize Giving ceremonies are held for
exchange to Chile. Senior, Middle and Junior Schools,
at the end of Term 4. Parents are
Field Trips
warmly invited to attend.
Field trips are a regular part of study
For all these occasions formal uniform
in the Senior School in subjects such must be worn. Years 11-13 wear tussore
as Geography, Biology and Physical uniform and blazer and Years 7-10
Education. This may involve overnight wear shirt, tie, tunic and blazer. Formal
travel and some expense. Parents will uniform for Year 1-6 students is the
always be notified in writing of all same as for Year 7-10, except that shorts
details well before the field trip may be worn in place of the tunic.
takes place. Sunday Chapel is held regularly
Ski Trips throughout the year, usually at either
5.00pm or 7.00pm, in the Chapel
Ski trips to Mt Hutt may take place on and parents are warmly welcomed.
Sundays during the winter terms or Other services are notified in the
during the week for Years 7 and 8. Term Calendar.
Sports Trips SPEECH AND DRAMA
Sports trips are an integral part of Students may take private speech and
inter-school competition, particularly drama lessons with visiting teachers
in rowing, hockey and netball. Teams and many girls are entered for
also take part in the Quadrangular the examinations held by Trinity
28College, London or the New Zealand gymnasium, including a fitness
Speech Board. centre and rowing centre. The school
has a Fitness Co-ordinator and girls
Lessons are timetabled to minimise
disruption to academic classes. Refer to are encouraged to have an individual
the Arts section for further information. fitness programme prepared. The
Fitness Co-ordinator also organises
SPORTS fitness programmes for girls in the top
Girls may play a wide variety of sports teams for some codes.
at school and compete in competitions.
The Student Sports Council, an
Basic training in most sports is
elected group of Year 12 and 13
available in the school sports
students, is very active in helping
education programme and specialist
organise all sport in the school
coaches provide more advanced
coaching. Full details are available in STATIONERY
the Sports Handbook. Stationery lists are published on
The school has tennis and netball the school website under Parent
courts, a hockey turf, a heated Information and also on the Maggie’s
swimming pool and a well equipped Shop page. Stationery can be ordered
29online via the OfficeMax MySchool NCEA Level 1 or Level 2. The Gold
website, which has St Margaret’s Academic Excellence Bar recognises
College stationery lists pre-loaded. students with the highest academic
Stationery purchases may be made achievement either in NCEA or the
throughout the year from Maggie’s Shop. International Baccalaureate. The
Academic Silver Bar is awarded
Years 7 -13 are expected to have
for academic excellence in the
a diary, hard copy or digital, to aid
Middle School.
time management, homework and
other commitments. Certificates may be awarded during
the year for excellence in a particular
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
area. Honours blazers are awarded
Academic once a year for outstanding
achievement. Selection is subject to
Academic progress is rewarded during
specific criteria.
the year by the presentation of Academic
Bars to recognise achievement and Cultural
effort. As relatively few are given, they
Excellence in the Arts for achievement
are much prized.
in Dance, Theatre, Music, Debating,
Silver Ties are awarded to girls who Public Speaking and Visual Arts is
achieve an Excellence endorsement in rewarded once a year by the
30presentation of Pockets or Honours STUDENT ENTRY
blazers. Specific criteria apply.
The Executive Principal and Deputy
Sporting Principal Teaching and Learning are
Excellence in sport is rewarded by the responsible for student entry policies
presentation of Pockets (twice per year) and procedures in the school, making
and Honours blazers (once per year). sure that they are fair and applied
Specific criteria apply. consistently.
Note: Some Year 13 students, who Students transferring from other
have met the criteria, may have their schools or accredited providers will
Honours blazer awarded mid-year. be given credit for courses of study
successfully completed there, and may,
STUDENT COURSES OF STUDY
at the discretion of the Deputy Principal
Full outlines for the NCEA and Assessment and Reporting, be enrolled
International Baccalaureate courses in off-site programmes such as the
are set out in the curriculum documents Correspondence School.
for each level, available on the
school website. STUDENT PROBLEMS AND
GRIEVANCES
Our students enter the full range of
external examinations. Girls are also Students who have any queries or
invited to participate in the ICAS difficulties with their academic work,
English, Languages, Mathematics, other students, school commitments,
Science, Chemistry and Physics staff expectations or any facet of their
competitions. The school has school life, should in the first instance
experienced significant success in discuss the problem with their Tutor
these exams. We also offer higher-level who will be able to advise and counsel.
courses and extension to those students
If the grievance persists, the student
who will benefit.
should approach the Dean or Head of
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT Faculty who may refer the matter to
We consider it inadvisable for girls to the Associate Principal, the Deputy
undertake a regular after-school job Principal Assessment and Reporting,
(e.g. every evening) as this will have an the Deputy Principal Teaching and
adverse effect upon academic, cultural Learning or the Guidance Network.
and sporting commitments. A Friday If necessary, a family discussion may
evening or some weekend work is be set up or independent advice or
more appropriate. counselling sought.
31TAXI CARDS
Taxi cards are only available from
the Boarding Houses for the use of
Boarders or from the Sports Office for
the use of sports teams travelling to
sporting fixtures.
We expect, where possible, that all
appointments be made out of school
time. If, however, it is necessary for
a daygirl to attend an appointment
during school hours it is the
responsibility of parents to organise
travel to and from the appointment.
Taxi cards are not available from the
School or Finance Office for Daygirls.
TELEPHONE
The School Office telephone may
only be used in an emergency. Urgent
telephone messages for students can be
left at the office and every endeavour
will be made to pass them on.
TERM CALENDAR
A Term Calendar listing important
dates and events for the current term
is available on the St Margaret’s College
website, www.stmargarets.school.nz,
under What’s On. The calendar is
also available in electronic format
on the school intranet, INSITE.
The calendar is updated regularly
throughout the term to reflect any
additions or changes to scheduled events.
32TEXTBOOKS
Every care should be taken of textbooks,
as girls will be held responsible for the
books they are issued with. The books
should be returned in good condition,
on the official book return/Sign Out
Day and any that are lost or damaged
will have to be replaced by the student,
or there will be a charge made for them.
TUTOR SYSTEM
At St Margaret’s College we strive to
recognise potential, develop talent
and achieve excellence. This is best
accomplished within a ‘disciplined
environment and a stable, caring, family
atmosphere’. We wish to develop and
support the personal and special needs
of each girl.
An important aspect of St Margaret’s
College pastoral care is the Tutor
system. Students in Year 7-10 (Middle
School) and Year 11-13 (Senior School)
are placed in vertical groupings
of approximately 16 students, and
a teacher, called the Tutor, is responsible
for their wellbeing and progress. The
Year 13 girls act as the peer supporters
and buddies for the younger girls. Year
1-6 students are under the care of their
Homeroom Teacher.
Each Tutor Group belongs to a House,
with four Middle School Tutor groups
and four Senior Tutor Groups in each
33House. Each Middle School Tutor The primary role of the Tutor is to Group is buddied with a Senior Tutor oversee the wellbeing and progress of Group. There are social interactions each girl in the Tutor Group. Any query between these groups to enhance the or concern a parent has, should be Buddy system. The Tutors have the directed to the Tutor in the first instance. support of the Deans and the Associate Principal. Together they ensure VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL a positive learning and social Visitors must call and register in the environment for each student. School Office and seek help in facilitating Girls meet daily in their Tutor Groups. their business. They must sign out on Early in Term 1, the Tutor meets departure. If parents wish to speak to with each student, together with her their daughter, it is more courteous and parent(s) or guardian, to review the efficient for our staff to organise this, previous year and set realistic goals rather than to have people dropping in academic, personal, cultural and in informally. Appointments with the sporting areas for the current year. Executive Principal are easily made These goals are reviewed by the Tutor through the Principal’s EA or by an and student through the year. email or phone call to a staff member. 34
Parents are most welcome to contact • White SMC t-shirt (short or long
the school at any time. sleeved)
• Cardigan
WARDROBE
• Sports Jacket (may be worn to and
It is expected that all girls will wear from school in inclement weather)
clean uniform, correctly and with
For formal occasions, all Year 11-13
pride. For persistent non-compliance,
students must wear:
parents will be contacted, girls will be
• Blazer
sent home to change and required to
• Tussore dress
make up class time missed after school
• White school blouse
in detention on a Thursday.
• Tie
Year 11-13 Uniform • Natural coloured pantyhose
All students must have the following • Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar shoes
items: Year 7-10 Uniform
• Blazer – must be worn to and from
school every day and to formal All students must have the following
occasions including Chapel and items:
Assembly • Blazer – must be worn to and from
• Navy tunic, navy tailored shorts school every day and to formal
or navy skirt (worn on the knee) occasions including Chapel and
• Tussore dress Assembly
• White school blouse • Navy tunic
• Tie • White school blouse
• Full Tracksuit • Tie
• PE top and shorts and swimsuit • Full Tracksuit
(no bikinis) • PE top and shorts and swimsuit
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar sturdy (no bikinis)
leather school shoes (fashion or • Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar sturdy
canvas shoes are not acceptable) leather school shoes (fashion or
• Navy socks (over the knee, under the canvas shoes are not acceptable)
knee or ankle) or black opaque tights • Navy socks (over the knee, under the
knee or ankle) or black opaque tights
In addition to the compulsory items
listed above, students may select from In addition to the compulsory items
the following optional uniform items listed above, students may select from
for everyday (non-formal) wear: the following optional uniform items
35for everyday (non-formal) wear:
Year 1-6 Uniform
• Navy tailored shorts or navy skirt
(from Year 9 only, worn on the knee) All students must have the following
items:
• White SMC t-shirt (short or long
• Blazer – must be worn to and from
sleeved)
school every day and to formal
• Cardigan
occasions including Chapel and
• Sports Jacket (may be worn to and Assembly
from school in inclement weather) • Navy tunic or navy tailored shorts
For formal occasions, all Year 7-10 • White school blouse
students must wear: • Tie
• Regulation SMC sunhat
• Blazer
(compulsory in Term1 1 and 4)
• Navy tunic
• Full Tracksuit
• White school blouse
• PE top and shorts and swimsuit
• Tie (no bikinis)
• Navy socks (summer) and black • Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar sturdy
opaque tights (winter) leather school shoes (fashion or
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar shoes canvas shoes are not acceptable)
36• Navy socks (over the knee, under Sports Bag
the knee) or white ankle socks • Compulsory for Years 7-10
(Terms 1 and 4 only)
Hair
In addition to the compulsory items • If hair is longer than shoulders
listed above, students may select from it must be tied back in plaits or
the following optional uniform items a ponytail. Hair ties must be a colour
for everyday (non-formal) wear: in the uniform i.e. green, navy or white.
• White SMC t-shirt (short or long • Natural coloured hair only.
sleeved)
• Cardigan Jewellery / Makeup
• Sports Jacket (may be worn to and • Earrings – one silver or gold stud in
from school in inclement weather) the earlobe of each ear
• Rings and nose studs or other visible
For formal occasions, all Year 1-6
piercings are not permitted
students must wear:
• No other jewellery may be worn.
• Blazer
Special consideration may be given
• Navy tunic or navy tailored shorts
by the Associate Principal in some
• School blouse
special instances for taonga. Please
• Tie
apply in writing.
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar shoes
• Nail polish or gel nails are not permitted.
Other Uniform Items • Make up is not permitted.
Ties • Any tattoos must be hidden when
• School ties for Years 1-12 wearing any SMC uniform.
• Year 13 ties are compulsory for all
A mixture of mufti and school uniform
Year 13 students
items is never acceptable.
• Silver Scholar ties are presented by
the school Every article must be named, including
• Colours/Honours ties are presented cycle helmets, which are compulsory
by the school for all cyclists.
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