PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021 - YEAR 0 13 - INSITE
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YEAR 0 – 13 PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021
SCHOOL OFFICE 12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014 PO Box 25 094, Christchurch East 8144 Telephone (03) 379 2000 Fax (03) 365 5748 admin@stmargarets.school.nz Office Hours: 8.00am until 4.30pm MAGGIE’S SHOP 12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014 Phone 03 363 1901 DIRECT DIAL NUMBERS Absence Line 03 353 2560 ext 1 Principal’s EA 03 363 1902 Admissions Manager 03 353 2563
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION IT Support Desk 21
Notes 2 Leaving Procedures and Testimonials 21
Your Daughter’s Teachers 3 Library and Study Centre 22
Key Staff 2021 4 Lockers 22
Lost Property 22
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
Maggie’s Shop and Café 23
After School Care 6
Money 23
Assemblies and Chapels 6
Non-School Activities in School Time 23
Attendance and Absence 7
Passes 23
Bicycles 8
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing 24
Cafeteria/Dining Room 8
School Office 25
Career Pathways 9
School Policy on Alcohol,
Cars 9 Smoking/Vaping and Drugs 26
Cellphones 9 School Trips 27
Changes of Address Special Occasions 28
and Telephone Numbers 11 Speech and Drama 29
Chapel Services 11 Sports 29
Connecting with our Community 12 Stationery 30
Complaints/Concerns 14 Student Achievement 30
Curriculum Evenings 15 Student Courses of Study 31
Damage to School Property 15 Student Employment 31
Deadlines 15 Student Entry 31
Deans 15 Student Problems and Grievances 32
Discipline 16 Taxi Cards 32
End of Year Activities 18 Telephone 32
Fees 18 Term Calendar 32
Health Centre 18 Textbooks 32
Holiday Programme 19 Tutor System 32
Homework 19 Visitors to the School 35
Honours 20 Uniform 35
House System 20 PFA 37
ID Cards 21 SMC Foundation 37
NOTES 2
YOUR DAUGHTER’S TEACHERS
Please ask your daughter to keep this record up-to-date
TUTOR
DEAN
SUBJECT TEACHERS
Subject Teacher
CO-CURRICULAR (i.e. Sport, Drama, etc.)
Activity Manager / Coach
3
KEY STAFF 2021
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Diana Patchett Peg Riley
Executive Principal Chaplain
Jennie Nairn Fionn Moore
Associate Principal Business Manager
Sian Evans Victoria Murray-Orr
Head of Senior School (Years 11-13) Director of Community Relations
Kathryn Gray Nicky Langley
Head of Middle School (Years 7-10) Director of Boarding
Julie Calder Brian Woods
Head of Junior School (Years 0-6) Director of Information and
Sue Gleeson Communication Technology
Director of Pre-School Belinda Cuzens
HR Manager
HEADS OF FACULTY
Callum Arnold Trudy Keys
Visual Arts Creative Technologies
Catherine Bell Deborah Matheson
Learning Enhancement English
Leanne Chambers Stacey Rod
Health and Physical Education Science
Linda Chong Jane Sharman
Centre for Innovation Mathematics
Stefanie Hossbach Chris Walker
Languages Humanities and Social Sciences
Amanda Woods
Performing Arts
TEACHER HEADS OF HOUSE
Amanda Hardy Gemma Davidson
Kōnini Mātipo
Samantha Fazio-Smith Sophie Beaumont
Kōwhai Rata
Nicole Lloyd Genna McLaughlin
Mānuka Rimu
4
DEANS
Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton Paula Vesty
Year 7/8 Dean Year 12 Dean
Sarah Hickford Caroline Price
Year 9 Dean Year 13 Dean
Sarena Harrison TBC
Year 10 Dean International Student Manager
Helen MacDonald
Year 11 Dean
OTHER KEY STAFF
Grant Belcher Felicity McKay
Deputy Head of Senior School Library & Study Centre Manager
(Academic) Jenni McLaughlin
Helen Belcher Careers Pathway Advisor/Life Skills
Director of Sport Wendy McPhail
Gill Blackler EA to Executive Principal
Performing Arts Facilitator Claire Robb
Susie Campbell Philanthropy Development Manager
Admissions Manager Alison Rossiter
James Evans Theatre Dance Academy
Deputy Head of Senior School Beth Rouse
(Student Care and Experience) IB Co-ordinator
Sarah-Jane Evans Lisa Williams
Venues Manager Deputy Head of Middle School
BOARDING STAFF
Angela Davidson Jean Thomson
Day Supervisor Boarding House Manager
(Middle School – Julius House)
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
AFTER SCHOOL CARE After School Care is based in the Junior
School. Girls are given afternoon tea
After School Care is available for girls
in Years 0-8 from 3.30pm-5.30pm, and are then supervised while they
Monday to Friday. On Wednesdays, do their homework, as discussed with
After School Care will be available each parent. They are then free to take
from 3.00pm. It can be utilised on part in organised activities or choose
a permanent or casual basis. their own activity. Girls have the use
of a computer for their homework,
We are offering After School Care as
if necessary.
a service to parents and as a way of
ensuring that girls who remain after ASSEMBLIES AND CHAPELS
school are cared for in a safe and School assemblies and chapels are
stimulating environment.
held in the Charles Juney Auditorium,
All Year 0-6 girls who are not collected generally twice a week and are usually
within 15 minutes of school finishing taken by the Chaplain (Chapel) and the
will be asked to go to the After School Heads of School/Executive Principal
Care room. Girls will wait in the Junior (Assembly). Every girl in the school
School Courtyard after school. attends and the Anglican character
After School Care is charged at $11.00 of the College is maintained in the
per hour or part there of. readings, prayers and hymns.
6
The Tutor Groups sit together with House, staffed by a registered nurse,
their Tutor in Houses. This is important where parents may be contacted to
as it supports House identity and spirit, come and collect their daughter. Girls
endorses appropriate behaviour and may not go home without a clear
supports Prefects when they are on duty. understanding between parent and
school that the parent accepts
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
responsibility for the sick student.
The school day is as follows:
Year 0-3 8:25am – 3:00pm Parents of girls who are absent through
Year 4-13 8:25am – 3:30pm illness must advise their daughter’s Tutor
by email or send a note immediately
On Wednesday, classes finish at upon their daughter’s return. A longer
2:30pm for sport apart from Years 0-8 illness (three days or more) requires
who finish at 3:00pm. a medical certificate for students in
Girls are expected to attend school Years 11 – 13 and given to the Deputy
punctually and consistently. Registers Head of Senior School (Student Care
are marked daily and all absences must and Experience).
be accounted for. Parents are asked to If the girl has an NCEA assessment
ring the Absence line before 8.30am due, they must follow the specific
if their daughter will be absent. The process with the Deputy Head of
Absence line is 353 2560 extension 1. Senior School (Academic) outlined in
Alternatively, parents may complete the NCEA Student Handbook.
the Absences form on the website or
the SMC App. If parents are aware that a prolonged
absence is likely, notification must be
Lateness given as soon as possible in writing to
Girls who are late for any class must the relevant Head of School.
present a late slip to the teacher when Leave
they arrive. The slip should state the
reason for being late and be signed by Requests for leave for family, sporting
a staff member. If a girl arrives at or other reasons should be made to
school after 8:25am she MUST report the Head of School in writing, well in
to the School Office and sign in. advance. Parents will be aware that
extended family trips overseas, which
Illness
involve substantial loss of school time,
Girls who become ill at school go to are detrimental to their daughter’s
the School Office first. They are then learning and assessment programmes,
sent to the Health Centre in Warren particularly in the Senior School.
7
Leave during the school day BICYCLES
It is essential that we know the Girls who cycle to school must wear
whereabouts of all students during the helmets and have their bicycles clearly
school day. No student may leave the named. Their bicycles are to be kept in
school grounds except for special the lock up area near the school pool
reasons. A note from a parent or an and must be locked. Please make sure
appointment card must be given to your daughter has a suitable lock and
your daughter’s Tutor who will issue encourage her to lock her helmet to
her with a sign-out pass. The student her bicycle. For safety reasons girls
must sign out at the School Office may not ride in or out of the gates
where she presents her sign-out pass or through the grounds on any bike,
to the office staff. She must sign in on scooter or board.
her return. We expect, where possible, CAFETERIA / DINING ROOM
that all appointments be made out of
The school cafeteria is located in the
school time.
Kilburn Dining Room and all students
Absence from Year 7-11 must eat there at interval
Students who arrange to be away for and lunchtime or in another designated
more than one day need to contact area. Girls may either choose from
all their teachers beforehand to find a wide range of reasonably priced and
out what work they will need to catch well-balanced foods or bring their own
up on. For longer periods of time an food to eat in the cafeteria. Payment
‘Out of School Learning’ schedule is charged by means of a barcode on
form must be completed prior to the the student’s personal ID card (see ID
absence and signed off by teachers that Cards) and cafeteria accounts are sent
the work has been completed within out to parents each month. Please
a specified time. ensure that cards are well looked after.
Students who do not present their ID
Wilful absence or ‘bunking’ results in cards cannot make purchases.
a school detention. This may take
place in a supervised lunchtime or
a Thursday after school depending on
the gravity of the offence. Failure to
attend will result in further
disciplinary action.
8CAREER PATHWAYS required to adhere to the parking
restrictions around the school and
A regular programme of careers
respect the neighbours’ driveways.
awareness runs from Year 10 to Year
13 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 off or picking up your daughter. The
given through the Life Skills Programme drop-off zone on Winchester Street is
in Years 11-13. permit only for Pre-School and
Junior School families only. The
The Careers Advisor is happy to meet
Papanui Road entrance may only be
with parents and their daughters to
used by 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
is published in the weekly newsletter and students with bicycles or scooters.
and on the SMC website. CELLPHONES
CARS St Margaret’s College is committed to
Girls who have a particular reason valuing and protecting the school day as
e.g. live a considerable distance from a time for students to engage with
school, may drive to school. Daygirls teaching and learning, and to
may not park inside the school encourage our girls to be actively
grounds or in key drop-off areas for involved with each other and in the
parents. Other girls may be transported wider life of the school.
only if the driver has a full licence With this as our desired outcome, there
and they have written permission are now controls in place around the
from their parents and the parents of use of mobile phones during the school
the driver. This includes transport to day so these devices do not interfere
and from all sports events. Girls are with 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 teh School
Chapel services, Prizegiving). Office the following day and held safely
• Mobile phones are to be kept at home, there for 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 the School Office for the
• Year 12 and 13 students may use
following two days for students to
their mobile phones while in their
collect at the end 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 to
communication that cannot wait until
be in breach of these mobile phone
the end of the school day, students and
restrictions a third time, this will
parents can make contact through the
include afternoon detention, and
school office.
a meeting with the student, her parents
Should a mobile phone be visible (by phone with boarding parents), and
during the school day, in contravention a Head of School.
of these guidelines, there will be the
There are many social, emotional and
following consequences.
academic benefits to be realised for our
First time, the phone will be confiscated, 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 SMC News is emailed to St Margaret’s
held in St Mark’s Chapel and students families every second Thursday during
in Years 7-13 must attend five of these term time. Please let the School Office
services over Terms 1-3. These services know if you change your email address.
are Tuesday and Thursday at 8.00 am, We like to acknowledge the girls’
and Tuesday and Thursday at 3:35 pm. successes and activities both inside and
Chapel attendance for both Sunday outside the school. Please advise the
School Office in writing of these
and week day services are recorded on
successes so we may feature them.
reports for Year 7-13 students.
INSITE
In Term 4 there are two Chapel
services that are marked as whole The St Margaret’s College intranet,
school events and attendance is INSITE, contains a wealth of
compulsory. These are the Founders’ information for students and parents
Day Service and Carol Service. and can be accessed by clicking on the
INSITE logo at the top right of the St
CONNECTING WITH OUR Margaret’s College website.
COMMUNITY Information available includes:
Communicating effectively with our • Student Notices – email notices
parents and caregivers is of the to students
utmost importance and is carried out • Events Calendar – upcoming school
in a number of ways. events
SMC News • Term Dates – for the current and
following year
The latest St Margaret’s College news
and events can be found online: • Sports Draws – Wednesday and
weekend games
SMC website:
www.stmargarets.school.nz • Library and Study Centre – Library
Facebook: Catalogue, Maggie’s Blog and more
www.facebook.com/stmargaretsnz • Stationery Lists
Linked In:
• General information for parents –
linkedin.com/school/st-margarets-
handbooks, daily routine, Houses etc.
collegenz
Instagram: • Careers news, events and information
@SMCPrincipal can also be found on INSITE
12Calendar of Events caregivers by email. It is important that
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
Letters
sent to each student’s primary
Details of events requiring parental caregiver. It is vital that we have the
permission are still communicated via correct information so please let the
letter. Letters may be posted but are School Office know if you change your
generally emailed to parents or handed cellphone number.
out to the girls involved. Please ensure
Website
permission slips are filled out fully and
returned by the date stated. The St Margaret’s College website
www.stmargarets.school.nz is updated
Email
regularly and contains information
Notices, letters and interim reports are about many aspects of the school.
increasingly being sent to parents and Important messages, news and
13upcoming events can be found on the Parent communication with the school
homepage. During an emergency, the may be:
website is a key source of information. • by a telephone call, email or letter
Emergency messages will be displayed to the Tutor
prominently and updates will be post- • by a telephone call to the School
ed as they come to hand. Office, who will direct you to the
SMC App appropriate person
• by making an appointment with the
Parents and students are regularly sent
Executive Principal, Associate
alerts regarding key events through the
Principal, Heads of School, Dean
SMC App. It is also a handy source of
or Tutor
information on your mobile. The App
• by requesting a special conference
will also be used to alert parents
of teachers (through the Dean)
in the case of an emergency. The App
• through letters to the Heads of
can be downloaded by searching for
School about such matters as early
SchoolAppsNZ in the App Store
leave, overseas leave or special
or Google Play.
circumstances
Evergreen • by a telephone call to the respective
The Evergreen Magazine is published Heads of School about curriculum
twice a year and contains news and matters
articles about all aspects of school and The School communicates with students:
alumni life. A copy of the magazine is • at Tutor time daily
posted to all St Margaret’s families. • via daily email notices on Student
Other Communication Notices
• on the intranet, INSITE
The school also communicates with
• in assemblies
parents through:
• written academic reports COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS
• Parent/Teacher interviews
If parents have a query or concern over
• letters, emails and telephone calls
fees, cafeteria charges, or other charges
from Tutors, Deans or subject
they should speak to the Finance Office.
teachers, as and where needed
• career information evenings If the issue concerns their daughter’s
• curriculum booklets property, locker, attendance pattern or
• curriculum information evenings a general school problem, including
• focus evenings relationship issues between students,
14parents should speak to or email the Repairs for substantial damage caused
Tutor initially. by careless behaviour will be charged
to the student. The student herself will
Academic concerns should be discussed
repair minor damage, wherever
with the teacher in the first instance. If
possible. Lost or damaged books or
further follow up is required then the
equipment must be paid for.
Tutor, Dean, HOF or Deputy Heads of
School can be approached. DEADLINES
Parents are always welcome to discuss When students are given major
assignments, research projects or
their concerns with the tutor in the
other work to be assessed, a firm
first instance.
time and date is set for the work to
CURRICULUM EVENINGS be handed in. Unless an extension of
time is requested, and agreed to by the
Curriculum evenings are held during
teacher concerned, the deadline must
Term 3 to provide information on
be met.
subject and career choices for the
succeeding year. It is very important Year 11, 12 and 13 students will be
that parents and girls take full advantage issued with an NCEA Handbook at
of these opportunities. Senior Learning the beginning of the year outlining the
Pathways information is available on school policy.
the school intranet, INSITE, this is DEANS
updated in Term 3. The handbook
Deans assist the work of the Tutors
outlines course options for the following
and provide further support for
year for students in Years 11-13, both students through their pastoral care
NCEA and IB. role. They also form a contact between
A Careers Expo is held at times in the Tutors, the Deputy Heads of
conjunction with the Senior Learning School, the Heads of School or
Pathways Evening and provides an Associate Principal.
opportunity to gather information Year 7 & 8 Dean
when considering career options. Mrs Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton
Year 9 Dean
DAMAGE TO SCHOOL
Dr Sarah Hickford
PROPERTY
Year 10 Dean
Girls are expected to take responsibility Ms Sarena Harrison
for any damage they cause and to Year 11 Dean
report it promptly to the School Office. Mrs Helen MacDonald
15Year 12 Dean Withdrawal for Serious Breaches
Mrs Paula Vesty of Behaviour
Year 13 Dean
Ms Caroline Price The teacher will inform the Tutor and
the Dean in the first instance, enlisting
The first point of contact should their help. Parents may be contacted. If
always be with your daughter’s Tutor. the student persists in misbehaving she
DISCIPLINE will be warned that if the behaviour
continues she will be withdrawn from
Implementing a discipline procedure
class to work on her own under
requires all staff to be involved,
supervision. She will also be required
consistent and committed. To promote
to attend a lunch time detention the
a positive learning environment and
same week.
ensure optimal learning conditions, all
students must be aware of their rights If she is removed from class, she is
and responsibilities. to report immediately to the School
Office.
Students have the right to:
• be respected as individuals Re-admittance to the class must be
• have organised and competent negotiated between the teacher and/or
teachers Dean and the student prior to the next
• have homework and assignments lesson. Any subsequent withdrawal
given out with appropriate notice will result in an after school detention
(Thursday). Parents will be notified
Students must meet the expectations of:
and a Behavioural Agreement may
• arriving at class punctually with
be implemented.
ALL necessary learning materials
• being prepared to listen and learn Daily Report Forms are available for
• being courteous and obeying girls who are persistently misbehaving
instructions or not working well in class. The Dean
• respecting staff, students, their work organises this, in collaboration with
and property the Tutor.
• cell phone and electronic device use Detentions are used for lack of
Should the learning of students be punctuality, incorrect uniform and
disrupted then discipline procedures behaviour issues. Students must report
will be as follows: to the specified place at lunch time or
immediately after school. Failure to
report at this time will result in17
a family meeting and a possible Year 7-10 continue classes until school
Behaviour Agreement. finishes, except for Year 10 Camp or
Special Week during the last week
Uniform: Staff may give a Detention
of term.
for incorrect uniform. For persistent
offences parents will be contacted and Attendance at Founders’ Day Service,
girls sent home to change. Class time Carol Service and Prize-Giving is
missed will be made up in an after compulsory and full formal uniform
school detention. with blazer must be worn i.e. tunic,
shirt and tie for Years 7-10 and tussore
Disrespect of Staff or Student:
uniform for Years 11-13.
Immediate referral to the Dean.
Parents will be contacted. FEES
Jewellery: Confiscated and kept in the Tuition and boarding fees are
School Office. In the first instance, determined on an annual basis.
jewellery is held until the end of the Payment options are available and
week. In the second instance the details can be obtained from the
school will hold jewellery until the end College’s Finance Office.
of term (see Uniform). Additional sundry expenses (cafeteria,
Cellphones: Refer to the cellphone stationery, school trips etc.) are
section earlier in this handbook. invoiced monthly on a separate
account and paid by direct debit.
END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES
(See also Special Occasions) There are penalties for late payment
of fees.
Senior external examinations, both
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
NCEA and IB, are held from October
CENTRE
to December. All examinations are
held at school. Year 11, 12 and 13 The school Health Centre is located
usually have study leave for three or in Warren House (at the Papanui
four days immediately before their Road end of the campus) and is staffed
external exams and do not attend by a qualified Nurse, 2 Counsellors,
school again except to return books and and a Physiotherapist twice a week.
clear lockers on Sign Out Day and to Appointments for boarders to see
attend the Carol Service and a doctor at a local medical centre can
Prize-Giving (including practices). also be made.
18Girls who feel ill at school must Senior School (Years 11-13)
report to the School Office first.
They are then sent to the Health The aim is to encourage all students
Centre where their condition is to be individually responsible for their
own learning. Time spent on
assessed and parents may be contacted
homework tasks will vary. Students
to come and collect their daughter.
must learn to manage their
Girls may not go home without
commitments and deadlines so that
communication between the parent
some balance is maintained between
and school nurse to ensure that the
school and family, other interests,
parent accepts responsibility for the
extra-curricular activities and relaxation.
sick student.
Details regarding assessment and
Students may make appointments with policy for lateness of work are outlined
the School Nurse or the Counsellors to in the NCEA Student Handbook.
discuss any health issues, social issues Middle School (Years 7-10)
or other queries and issues of concern
Tasks need to be clearly defined by
(see also Pastoral Care/Wellbeing).
teachers, especially due date, format
HOLIDAY PROGRAMME and expectations. Tutors will discuss
St Margaret’s College runs a Holiday time management with all students
Programme during each school early in Term 1 and encourage and
monitor desirable homework patterns
holiday period for girls and boys from
and routines. Routine must be
5-12 years of age. Children from all
established so that all students learn
schools are welcome. Details and
to organise themselves and take
enrolment forms are available from the
responsibility for their own learning.
School Office or on the website.
Core and optional subjects should
HOMEWORK
have homework three nights per week.
Homework is set at the discretion of
Homework Lapses
the teacher and will vary according to
year level and subject choices. It is Homework requirements not
a part of learning and should reinforce completed will be followed up:
classroom teaching. All students are a) The class teacher discusses
required to have a diary either in hard non-completion of homework with the
copy or digital. student in the first instance. If there is
19a genuine reason, supported by be invited to meet with their daughter,
a note from parents or the Boarding the Tutor and/or the Dean.
House Manager, a reasonable time to • if the behaviour continues it
complete the task will be negotiated. becomes a discipline issue and is
referred to the Dean.
b) For persistent non-compliance
• 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
than one subject teacher, the Tutor HOUSE SYSTEM
will check with all teachers to see if There are six houses at St Margaret’s
a pattern is emerging. Parents will – Kōnini (purple), Kōwhai (yellow),
20Mānuka (white), Mātipo (brown), Rata Office. Temporary cards can only be
(red) and Rimu (green). They foster used three times per term and are held
a sense of belonging, fun and friendly by the school.
rivalry and further encourage the
In addition to the St Margaret’s
integration of students vertically from
Years 0–13. College ID card, Year 9-13 students
can also purchase a CANDO card. This
There is a Head of House who is
provides the student with authorised
a Prefect and she is supported by
ID for use within the Canterbury region.
a Teacher in Charge of House and
a committee of Year 13 students. IT SUPPORT DESK
House meetings are held regularly to
The IT Support desk is located in the
encourage participation in cultural
Library/Study Centre. Help is available
and sporting events.
for all technology-related issues.
ID CARDS
LEAVING PROCEDURES AND
Every girl in the school must have a TESTIMONIALS
personal St Margaret’s College ID card,
complete with her photograph. These The parents of students who intend to
cards are used in the cafeteria to leave school must give a term’s notice
purchase food and drink, in the library, in writing to the Executive Principal.
and at Maggie’s Shop for purchasing
Full school testimonials are provided
stationery, uniform and other items. It
for girls who complete their school
is essential that the girls take great care
careers at St Margaret’s College. Girls
of them as purchases or book loans
cannot be made without an ID card. are urged to fill out application forms
and nominate two teachers well in
Parents are able to regulate the amount
advance of their leaving date. All
spent in the cafeteria by contacting the
information is then forwarded to their
School Office. If a girl loses or damages
Tutor. Graduation certificates are
her card it can be reissued at a cost
issued when a girl completes her
of $5.00. If a further card needs to 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 card Staff have discretion to provide private
can be obtained from the School character references, but not under
21official school letterhead, except in including links to online databases,
special circumstances approved by the blogs and more.
Executive Principal or Associate Principal.
LOCKERS
LIBRARY AND STUDY CENTRE
Every girl in Years 7-11 is assigned
The Library and Study Centre is open a locker for her sports gear, books and
for all students from 8.00am until lunch. It is essential that she provide
5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and her own lock and key from the first
8.00am until 4.30pm on Friday. It is day of Term 1.
staffed by a trained library team and
LOST PROPERTY
includes facilities for photocopying,
computing, email and Internet. Girls Lost property is placed into the school
may come and browse our books or lost property at Maggie’s Shop. This
use the reference and study facilities to is available Monday – Friday between
research homework assignments 10:00am – 4:00pm in term time.
at lunchtime or after school. The A list of named gear held in Lost
Centre also provides extensive online Property is published regularly on
resources located on SMC Live, Student Notices.
22Any items still unclaimed at the end MONEY
of the term are donated to charity or
Some girls bring large amounts of
disposed of. Small items of value (e.g.
money to school. This is not wise and
watches, glasses, jewellery) are held in
any girl with money should lodge it at
the School Office.
the School Office for safekeeping. We
Parents should encourage their cannot be responsible for money left in
daughter to take every precaution to classrooms, bags, lockers or changing
keep her belongings safe. All personal rooms. Please encourage your daughter
belongings and equipment including to be prudent.
clothing, sports shoes, laptops, bike
NON-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN
helmets and sports bags must
SCHOOL TIME
be named.
All appointments for doctors, dentists,
MAGGIE’S SHOP AND CAFÉ
physiotherapists, driving instructors
Maggie’s Shop is situated at the and driving tests etc. must be made
Winchester Street entrance to the outside school hours where possible.
College. The Shop is open 10.00am– If it is absolutely essential to leave
4.00pm and the café 7.30am–4.15pm school during the day, a student must
during term time and at special times sign out and sign back in at the School
in the holidays. The shop accepts Office. An appointment card or written
eftpos or cash as the preferred parental permission must be given to
payment options. Students may charge her Tutor at tutor time who will then
items to parents’ accounts, using their issue her with a sign-out pass to be
student ID card, to a maximum value given to the office staff at the time of
of $80 per day. signing out.
The shop stocks all new school and PASSES
sports uniforms, pre-loved uniform
Girls may apply for an early pass or
items of good quality, stationery,
late pass by filling in a form from the
computing and subject specific needs,
School Office, having it signed by
tickets, toiletries, sundries, Old Girls’
parents and gaining approval from the
and St Margaret’s College merchandise Associate Principal. The late and early
and more. Maggie’s Shop also handles passes are for girls who live out of
items of lost property. town and who may have difficulty
Maggie’s Cafe is reserved for Year with bus connections. They are given
13 students only between 8:15am – rarely. However, it is expected that no
3:30pm (or 2:30pm on Wednesdays). Year 11-13 student will require these.
23No girl should be out of the school at
lunchtime. In special circumstances
a lunch pass can be arranged through
the Associate Principal.
PASTORAL 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 0-6 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,
24Heads and Deputy Heads of Junior,
Middle and Senior Schools or
Associate Principal.
Two trained counsellors are available
to girls and parents as required and are
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, Administrators, School
Secretary and Database Manager. The
Admissions Manager is 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.
25SCHOOL POLICY ON Smoking/Vaping
ALCOHOL, SMOKING/VAPING
AND DRUGS The possession of tobacco, cigarettes
or e-cigarettes (vaping equipment) is
The school has a Health Education forbidden, as is smoking or vaping.
programme which considers all Any offence will result in appropriate
aspects of alcohol and drug prevention disciplinary action. The entire St
education. One of its aims is to help Margaret’s College property is smoke
students establish and practise and vape free.
responsible behaviour. The school also
has a policy with regard to what is Drugs
acceptable when girls are under the The possession of, or taking of, any
jurisdiction of the school – that is, drugs other than on medical
whenever they are in school uniform, prescription, is forbidden. Any
on school outings, field trips, sports involvement at any time will be treated
trips and other similar occasions. very seriously. Appropriate parties will
These rules apply to boarders at all be informed. Drug testing may be
times when they are under the required when use is suspected. From
jurisdiction of the Boarding School time to time drug searches may be
and includes all outings except when carried out through the school.
with parents. Professional help from
Guidelines for parents and their
a counsellor, nurse or other agencies
daughters for social functions:
will be available to any student requiring
When your daughter asks to go to
it for any alcohol, drug or smoking/
a social function, parents should:
vaping problem. The school policy on
alcohol, drugs and smoking/vaping is: • know where your daughter is
going including address and
Alcohol
telephone number.
In accordance with the present law, no • ring the host parents to ensure that
girl may buy or be in possession of, or there will be adult supervision and
under the influence of, alcohol. Any that alcohol is not being served.
breach will be regarded as a serious Parents are usually grateful for the
offence and will result in disciplinary support of other parents on these
action. Parents will be informed. occasions.
26• know exactly what the transport communicate with their parents.
arrangements are. If your daughter • be aware functions during the term
is driving, know exactly who is being should be kept to a minimum and
transported. If someone is driving only on weekends.
your daughter, then positively
The school has a role to play to assist
demand that the driver does not
parents and their daughters in
drink and check that the driver has
these matters.
a full licence. You should also be
willing to do the transporting both SCHOOL TRIPS
to and from the venue. School Camps
• be aware all functions should end at
Outdoor Education camps or events
a fixed time. Parents should always are held in Term 1 for Years 7-9 and
know this and have clear arrangements 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
27before Term 1 begins. Year 11 will
Ski Trips
participate in Wellbeing Day. The Year
4, Year 5 and 6 Camps are held in Term Ski trips to Mt Hutt may take place on
4. There may also be ski trips. Sundays during the winter terms or
during the week for Years 7 and 8.
Cultural Trips
Sports Trips
Pending on current Government travel
Sports trips are an integral part of
rules, cultural trips are occasionally
inter-school competition, particularly
organised to Japan, a French-speaking
in rowing, hockey and netball. Teams
country, China, Chile, Vietnam, Greece,
also take part in the Quadrangular
Italy, or the USA. Year 13 girls have
Tournaments with sister schools.
the opportunity of taking a GAP year
These are held in February and July
after they leave school. Students have
and may involve travel to Dunedin
the opportunity of participating in
or Timaru.
exchange schemes organised by the
school, AFS or Rotary. Different year SPECIAL OCCASIONS
groups may visit a local marae. There are three special occasions that
Exchanges are compulsory for students in Term 4:
Year 10 students have the opportunity • Founders’ Day Service held in the
to go on exchange to Australia. Year 11 evening, close to All Saints’ Day,
and 12 students are able to apply for an 1 November.
exchange to Chile, both depending on • Carol Services are in the last week
of the school year. Parents are
international border status.
warmly invited to attend.
Field Trips • Prize Giving ceremonies are held for
Field trips are a regular part of study in Senior, Middle and Junior Schools,
the Senior School in subjects such as at the end of Term 4. Parents are
Geography, Biology and Physical warmly invited to attend.
Education. This may involve overnight For all these occasions formal uniform
travel and some expense. Parents will must be worn. Years 11-13 wear
always be notified in writing of all tussore uniform and blazer and Years
details well before the field trip 7-10 wear shirt, tie, tunic and blazer.
takes place. Formal uniform for Year 0-6 students
28is the same as for Year 7-10, except that Lessons are timetabled to minimise
shorts may be worn in place of the tunic. disruption to academic classes. Refer to
the Arts section for further information.
Sunday Chapel is held regularly
throughout the year, usually at either SPORTS
5.00pm or 7.00pm, in the Chapel and
Girls may play a wide variety of sports
parents are warmly welcomed.
at school and compete in competitions.
Other services are notified in the
Basic training in most sports is available
Term Calendar.
in the school sports education
SPEECH AND DRAMA programme and specialist coaches
Students may take private speech and provide more advanced coaching.
drama lessons with visiting teachers Full details are available in the Sports
and many girls are entered for Handbook.
the examinations held by Trinity The school has tennis and netball
College, London or the New Zealand courts, a hockey turf, a heated
Speech Board. swimming pool and a well equipped
29gymnasium, including a fitness website, which has St Margaret’s
centre and rowing centre. The school College stationery lists pre-loaded.
has a Fitness Co-ordinator and girls Stationery purchases may be made
are encouraged to have an individual throughout the year from Maggie’s Shop.
fitness programme prepared. The Years 7 -13 are expected to have
Fitness Co-ordinator also organises a diary, hard copy or digital, to aid
fitness programmes for girls in the top time management, homework and
teams for some codes. other commitments.
The Student Sports Council, an elected STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
group of Year 12 and 13 students, is
Academic
very active in helping organise all sport
in the school. Academic progress is rewarded during
the year by the presentation of Academic
STATIONERY Bars to recognise achievement and
Stationery lists are published on the effort. As relatively few are given, they
school website under Parent are much prized.
Information and also on the Maggie’s Silver Ties are awarded to girls who
Shop page. Stationery can be ordered achieve an Excellence endorsement in
online via the OfficeMax MySchool NCEA Level 1 or Level 2. The Gold
30Academic Excellence Bar recognises documents for each level, available on
students with the highest academic the school website.
achievement either in NCEA or the
Our students enter the full range of
International Baccalaureate. The
external examinations. Girls are also
Academic Silver Bar is awarded
invited to participate in the ICAS
for academic excellence in the
English, Languages, Mathematics,
Middle School.
Science, Chemistry and Physics
Certificates may be awarded during competitions. The school has
the year for excellence in a particular experienced significant success in
area. Honours blazers are awarded these exams. We also offer higher-level
once a year for outstanding courses and extension to those students
achievement. Selection is subject to who will benefit.
specific criteria. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Cultural We consider it inadvisable for girls to
Excellence in the Arts for achievement undertake a regular after-school job
in Dance, Theatre, Music, Debating, (e.g. every evening) as this will have an
Public Speaking and Visual Arts is adverse effect upon academic, cultural
rewarded once a year by the and sporting commitments. A Friday
presentation of Pockets or Honours evening or some weekend work is
blazers. Specific criteria apply. more appropriate.
Sporting STUDENT ENTRY
Excellence in sport is rewarded by the The Executive Principal and one
presentation of Pockets (twice per year) respective Heads of School are
and Honours blazers (once per year). responsible for student entry policies
Specific criteria apply. and procedures in the school, making
sure that they are fair and applied
Note: Some Year 13 students, who
consistently.
have met the criteria, may have their
Honours blazer awarded mid-year. Students transferring from other
schools or accredited providers will
STUDENT COURSES OF STUDY be given credit for courses of study
Full outlines for the NCEA and successfully completed there, and may,
International Baccalaureate courses at the discretion of the Deputy Head of
are set out in the curriculum Senior School (Academic), be enrolled
31in off-site programmes such as the TELEPHONE
Correspondence School.
The School Office telephone may only
STUDENT PROBLEMS AND be used in an emergency. Urgent
GRIEVANCES telephone messages for students can
Students who have any queries or be left at the office and every endeavour
difficulties with their academic work, will be made to pass them on.
other students, school commitments, TERM CALENDAR
staff expectations or any facet of their
A Term Calendar listing important
school life, should in the first instance
dates and events for the current term
discuss the problem with their Tutor
who will be able to advise and counsel. is available on the St Margaret’s College
website, www.stmargarets.school.nz,
If the grievance persists, the student under What’s On. The calendar is also
should approach the Dean or Head of available in electronic format on the
Faculty who may refer the matter to school intranet, INSITE. The calendar
the relevant Heads of School, or the is updated regularly throughout the
Guidance Network. If necessary,
term to reflect any additions or changes
a family discussion may be set up or
to scheduled events.
independent advice or counselling
sought. TEXTBOOKS
TAXI CARDS Every care should be taken of textbooks,
as girls will be held responsible for the
Taxi cards are only available from the
books they are issued with. The books
Boarding Houses for the use of
should be returned in good condition,
boarders or from the Sports Office for
on the official book return/Sign Out
the use of sports teams travelling to
Day and any that are lost or damaged
sporting fixtures.
will have to be replaced by the student,
We expect, where possible, that all or there will be a charge made for them.
appointments be made out of school
time. If, however, it is necessary for
TUTOR SYSTEM
a daygirl to attend an appointment At St Margaret’s College we strive to
during school hours it is the recognise potential, develop talent and
responsibility of parents to organise achieve excellence. This is best
travel to and from the appointment. accomplished within a ‘disciplined
Taxi cards are not available from the environment and a stable, caring,
School or Finance Office for daygirls. family atmosphere’. We wish to
3233
develop and support the personal Group is buddied with a Senior Tutor
and special needs of each girl. Group. There are social interactions
between these groups to enhance the
An important aspect of St Margaret’s
College pastoral care is the Tutor Buddy system. The Tutors have the
system. Students in Year 7-10 (Middle support of the Deans, the respective
School) and Year 11-13 (Senior School) Heads of School and the Associate
are placed in vertical groupings of Principal. Together they ensure
approximately 16 students, and a positive learning and social
a teacher, called the Tutor, is responsible environment for each student.
for their wellbeing and progress. The Girls meet daily in their Tutor Groups.
Year 13 girls act as the peer supporters Early in Term 1, the Tutor meets
and buddies for the younger girls. with each student, together with her
Year 0-6 students are under the care parent(s) or guardian, to review the
of their Homeroom Teacher. previous year and set realistic goals in
Each Tutor Group belongs to a House, academic, personal, cultural and
with four Middle School Tutor groups sporting areas for the current year.
and four Senior Tutor Groups in each These goals are reviewed by the Tutor
House. Each Middle School Tutor and student through the year.
34The primary role of the Tutor is to • Navy tunic, navy tailored shorts
oversee the wellbeing and progress of or navy skirt (worn on the knee)
each girl in the Tutor Group. Any query • Tussore dress
or concern a parent has, should be • White school blouse
directed to the Tutor in the first instance. • Tie
• Full Tracksuit
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
• PE top and shorts and swimsuit
Visitors must call and register in the (no bikinis)
School Office and seek help in • Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar sturdy
facilitating their business. They must leather school shoes (fashion or
sign out on departure. If parents wish canvas shoes are not acceptable)
to speak to their daughter, it is more • Navy socks (over the knee, under the
courteous and efficient for our staff to knee or ankle) or black opaque tights
organise this, rather than to have
In addition to the compulsory items
people dropping in informally.
listed above, students may select from
Appointments with the Executive
the following optional uniform items
Principal are easily made through the
for everyday (non-formal) wear:
Principal’s EA or by an email or phone
call to a staff member. Parents are • White SMC t-shirt (short or long
most welcome to contact the school sleeved)
at any time. • Cardigan
• Sports Jacket (may be worn to and
UNIFORM
from school in inclement weather)
It is expected that all girls will wear
For formal occasions, all Year 11-13
clean uniform, correctly and with
students must wear:
pride. For persistent non-compliance,
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
• Natural coloured pantyhose
Year 11-13 Uniform
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar shoes
All students must have the following:
Year 7-10 Uniform
• Blazer – must be worn to and from
All students must have the following:
school every day and to formal
occasions including Chapel and • Blazer – must be worn to and from
Assembly school every day and to formal
35occasions including Chapel and
Year 0-6 Uniform
Assembly
• Navy tunic All students must have the following:
• White school blouse • Blazer – must be worn to and from
• Tie
school every day and to formal
• Full Tracksuit
occasions including Chapel and
• PE top and shorts and swimsuit
Assembly
(no bikinis)
• Navy tunic or navy tailored shorts
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar sturdy
• White school blouse
leather school shoes (fashion or
• Tie
canvas shoes are not acceptable)
• Regulation SMC sunhat
• Navy socks (over the knee, under the
knee or ankle) or black opaque tights (compulsory in Term1 1 and 4)
• Full Tracksuit
In addition to the compulsory items
• PE top and shorts and swimsuit
listed above, students may select from
(no bikinis)
the following optional uniform items
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar sturdy
for everyday (non-formal) wear:
leather school shoes (fashion or
• Navy tailored shorts or navy skirt canvas shoes are not acceptable)
(from Year 9 only, worn on the knee) • Navy socks (over the knee, under
• White SMC t-shirt (short or long the knee) or white ankle socks
sleeved) (Terms 1 and 4 only)
• Cardigan
• Sports Jacket (may be worn to and In addition to the compulsory items
from school in inclement weather) listed above, students may select from
the following optional uniform items
For formal occasions, all Year 7-10
for everyday (non-formal) wear:
students must wear:
• White SMC t-shirt (short or long
• Blazer
sleeved)
• Navy tunic
• Cardigan
• White school blouse
• Sports Jacket (may be worn to and
• Tie
from school in inclement weather)
• Navy socks (summer) and black
opaque tights (winter) For formal occasions, all Year 0-6
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar shoes students must wear:
36• Blazer • Nail polish or gel nails are not
• Navy tunic or navy tailored shorts permitted.
• School blouse • Make up is not permitted.
• Tie • Any tattoos must be hidden when
• Black lace-up, U-bar or T-bar shoes wearing any SMC uniform.
Other Uniform Items A mixture of mufti and school uniform
Ties items is never acceptable.
• School ties for Years 0-12 Every article must be
• Year 13 ties are compulsory for all named, including cycle
Year 13 students helmets, which are
• Silver Scholar ties are presented by compulsory for all cyclists.
the school
• Colours/Honours ties are presented PFA
by the school The Parents’ & Friends’ Association
Sports Bag (PFA) is a great way to get involved
• Compulsory for Years 7-10 with the school community, helping
organise events and volunteering at
Hair
school activities. Meetings are twice
• If hair is longer than shoulders
a term and everyone is welcome.
it must be tied back in plaits or
More details are available on the
a ponytail. Hair ties must be
a colour in the uniform i.e. green, school website.
navy or white. SMC FOUNDATION
• Natural coloured hair only.
The Foundation is the philanthropic
Jewellery / Makeup arm of the school and a stand-alone
• Earrings – one silver or gold stud in charitable trust. It raises funds for the
the earlobe of each ear benefit of current and future
• Rings and nose studs or other visible generations of students through
piercings are not permitted scholarships, bursaries and funding
• No other jewellery may be worn. capital projects. There are many ways
Special consideration may be given to support the Foundation with further
by the Heads of School in some information on the school website or
special instances for taonga. Please by contacting the Philanthropy
apply in writing. Development Manager.
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