Pastoral Care

The College’s aims of a safe, caring and inclusive culture, which cultivates behaviours and promotes values conducive to success for each individual student, are paramount. The dimensions of this culture focus on our ASPIRE values and provision of a safe orderly environment that has a clear discipline code. The foundation of such a culture fulfils our primary purpose of developing engaged learning-focussed and achievement-oriented students.

Every student belongs to a mentor group.   Junior mentor groups are made up of Year 9 or Year 10 form classes.  In the senior school each mentor group is made up of 12 to 15 students from Years 11 to 13. A whānau or family atmosphere is encouraged with older students supporting younger ones.  We believe that these mentor groups assist in developing meaningful relationships with students, families and whanau so that your child can truly excel in whatever educational pathway they choose.

Students all belong to one of four houses, overseen by staff and student house leaders. Competition between the four houses - Kapura (Fire), Rangi (Sky), Whenua (Earth), and Wai (Water) - is strong and students quickly develop a sense of ownership and identity.

Two counsellors and a social worker provide a confidential and professional counselling service to students. They are assisted by our RTLB, school nursing team, and a doctor and physiotherapist also provide free consultations once a week during the lunch hour. The Opportunity Room, Learning Solutions Room and the Student Management Centre provide programmes for those students requiring extra support. There is also strong support from external agencies.

Year level deans are responsible for administrative support and pastoral care of students. They also manage behaviour issues in conjunction with the Director of Deans and Deputy Principal.

Getting Involved

“All students are challenged to try out new things and be involved”

A wide range of leadership, service and curriculum extension activities are provided. All students are encouraged and expected to participate so that their talents and potential skills are developed. These opportunities provide different learning, working, celebration and recreation experiences enabling students to have a true sense of belonging to our school community.

Leadership and Service

Students are given the opportunity through various forums to share their skills, thoughts, experiences and ideas.  These experiences help develop strong relationships and contribute towards school pride.

Junior School

Opportunities for citizenship and service are extensive including librarian, sound technician, ICT technician, sports monitor, science technician, writers club, environmental group, SADD member, canteen worker, and helping to produce the junior magazine.

The Young New Zealanders Leadership Programme, formerly the Duke of Edinburgh Award, is available and encourages students to develop leadership skills both inside and outside the school. It is available from Year 9 through to Year 13 with bronze, silver and gold awards.

Senior School

Opportunities include head and deputy head students, student representative on the Board of Trustees, student council, academic and sports leaders, advanced leaders, peer supporters, house leaders, bus monitors, SADD, environmental, school magazine and formal committees.

Students with special ability are identified at all levels and encouraged to pursue specific interests. The school acknowledges the cultural and sporting commitment of students with Blues Awards presented annually.