Policy 1 Curriculum

Reviewed April 2022 - Next review date April 2023

This policy relates to the 'National Administration Guideline 1 and incorporates
Curriculum Design and Delivery, Assessment of Student Achievement, Career
Education and Guidance and the Health Curriculum.

These policies relate to the ‘National Administration Guideline 1:

1.1 Curriculum Design and Delivery

1.1.1. Longburn Adventist College learning and teaching programmes provide all
students with opportunities for success in all areas of the New Zealand
Curriculum within a Christian, Special Character, faith based lens (or framework).
These Learning Areas are English, the Arts, Health and Physical Education,
Learning Languages, Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences and Technology.

This will be a curriculum:

● That is underpinned by, and consistent with, the curriculum development
principles of the New Zealand Curriculum.
● That puts the needs of students at the centre of teaching and learning,
ensuring that they all experience a curriculum that engages and
challenges them, is forward-looking and inclusive, and affirms New
Zealand’s unique identity embracing the Treaty of Waitangi.
● Where the NZ Curriculum Values (excellence, innovation and inquiry,
diversity, equity, community and participation, ecological sustainability
and integrity), and the SDA Framework values (respect for self, others, the
Bible and God) will be encouraged and modelled.
● Where the appropriate use of the NZ Curriculum key competencies by
students (thinking, using language, symbols & texts, managing self,
relating to others, participating and contributing), and the SDA Framework
key competencies (service to others and worshipping God) will be
encouraged and modelled within the context of each curriculum learning
area.
● That recognises the special character of LAC by ensuring that ‘Religious
Studies’ is a compulsory curriculum subject at each year level.

1.1.2. Every effort will be made to provide a broad based curriculum for Year 7
to 10, drawing from the eight New Zealand Curriculum learning areas.

1.1.3. Learning and teaching strategies are considered, developed and
implemented for each group of individual students, such as those who are not
achieving at the appropriate curriculum level, at the curriculum level or for those
achieving above the curriculum level and for gifted and talented students.

1.1.4. Longburn Adventist College will provide ongoing provision for professional
and resource development to support effective curriculum delivery. The Senior
Leadership Team, Leaders of Learning and teaching staff will continue to inform
the BOT on issues relevant to the delivery of all aspects of the curriculum.

1.1.5. Longburn Adventist College will ensure that ongoing curriculum
development and review occur so that:
● The school curriculum meets the needs of the students, the wider
school community and the school’s special character;
● Learning and teaching reflect the best of current educational
practice;
● There is a unified approach in curriculum delivery across the school.

1.1.6. Policies, plans and targets for improving the progress and achievement of
Maori students are developed in consultation with Longburn Adventist College’s
Maori community.

1.1.7. Ongoing review of the LAC curriculum will take place with a view to
considering future needs. This in turn will identify the necessary professional
development that needs to take place.

1.1.8. The Board of Trustees describe the objectives for the school’s local
curriculum in the Longburn Adventist College Charter.

1.1.9. The Principal, in consultation with Senior Leadership, works through a
timetable to determine the student composition of each class and the allocation
of teachers to classes. Class composition balances students’ learning needs with
the effective use of teaching staff and resources.

1.1.10. The Senior Leadership Team will decide what subjects will be offered
each year at each year level. Student demand, resources and curriculum
objectives will influence what student subject option choice will be.

1.2 Assessment of Student Achievement

1.2.1. A range of tools and strategies (such as diagnostic testing, student
interviews and student voice) is used to gather comprehensive information that
enables the evaluation of student progress and achievement. There will be a
particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy in Years 7 to 10.

1.2.2. Assessment is given to evaluate the progress and achievement of
students. It also aims to:
● Cover the breadth and depth of learning related to the needs,
abilities and interest of students, the nature of the Longburn
Adventist College curriculum, and the scope of the New Zealand
curriculum;
● Support the learning process;
● Provide opportunity to analyse smaller groups and individuals
progress and achievement;

1.2.3. Reliable assessment information is analysed to identify Longburn
Adventist College students who are not progressing and/or achieving, at risk of
not achieving, those who have unique needs (including gifted and talented
students), and to identify aspects of the curriculum which require particular
attention.

1.2.4. Guidelines for Year 11 to 13 assessment are described in the Senior
Academic Handbook.

1.3 Career Education and Guidance

1.3.1. Longburn Adventist College provides appropriate career education and
guidance for Year 7-13 students. The focus is on ensuring that all students are
able to explore a range of relevant employment pathways and are afforded
appropriate opportunities to help them transition into study or work when they
leave school.

1.4 Health Curriculum

1.4.1. Every two years the Board of Trustees reviews how health education will
be implemented at Longburn Adventist College in Year 7-10, in order to:
● Inform the school community about the content of the health
education components of the curriculum; and
● Consult with members of the school community regarding the way
in which the school should implement health education; and
● Describe, in broad terms, the health education needs of the school’s
students.

Policy 2: Planning, Assessment & Self-Review

Reviewed May 2021 - Nex review date May 2023

These policies relate to the ‘National Administration Guideline 1’; refer to Appendix 1.

2.1 Charter and Strategic Plan

The Board of Trustees, together with the staff and the school community, develops and maintains:

2.1.1. A Charter outlining the characteristics of the school, including its mission, vision, core beliefs and values, and obligations;

2.1.2. A strategic plan outlining how the school intends to work towards its vision while fulfilling its mission and meeting other obligations;

2.1.3. Current and medium-term goals for student achievement;

2.1.4. Objectives for school capability development.

2.2 Monitoring, Reporting and Self-Review

2.2.1. The Principal and teaching staff monitor and evaluate the achievements of individual students and regularly report progress against goals to the students and their parents/caregivers.

2.2.2. The Board of Trustees and senior management regularly evaluate progress towards strategic goals and school capability objectives, looking for areas that require special attention and implementing measures to deal with them.

2.2.3. The Board reviews the school’s Charter and Strategic Plan annually.

2.2.4. The Board evaluates the achievements and reports to the community on the progress of groups that are not achieving, at risk of not achieving, or those who have special needs:

• Priority learners (Maori, Pasifika and other students at risk);

• Students as a whole;

• Longburn Adventist College’s strategic goals and school capability objectives.

2.2.5. The Board considers the achievement levels of the target groups specified above, as well as students as a whole, whenever Longburn Adventist College’s plans, policies, and programmes are reviewed.

2.2.6. As part of the self-review process, the Principal updates and presents to the Board each year the charter. This booklet outlines all the self-review processes currently followed and the external reviews of the college that occur.

2.3 School Policies and Procedures

2.3.1. The Board of Trustees establishes and maintains policies to guide the operation of the school in its pursuit of the National Education Goals and the objectives outlined in the Longburn Adventist College Strategic Plan and Charter.

2.3.2. The Principal establishes and maintains management procedures that give effect to the Board’s policies and other obligations, and keeps the Board informed of any significant changes to these procedures. All policies, procedures and handbooks are presented to the Board for adoption at the first Board of Trustees meeting each year.

2.3.3. Longburn Adventist College policies and procedures are reviewed at least once every two years.

Policy 3: Personnel

 reviewed September 2021, to be reviewed September 2023

These policies relate to the ‘National Administration Guideline 3’; refer to Appendix 1.

3.1 Conditions of Employment

3.1.1. All staff are employed by an individual or collective employment agreement.

3.1.2. Longburn Adventist College Board of Trustees abides by the relevant agreements and statutes that affect the staff’s employment conditions.

3.1.3. The college follows personnel policies as outlined in the and is also bound by the various collective agreements governing the employment of teachers and ancillary staff.

3.1.4. Information and procedures for teaching and ancillary staff are contained in the staff handbook. This handbook is updated by senior management each year.

3.2 Professional Development

3.2.1. All teaching and non-teaching staff partake in professional development that enhances the educational opportunities and achievements of our students and improves the capabilities of the staff.

3.2.2. Priority is given to professional development that will contribute to the curriculum goals and the objectives outlined in the Longburn Adventist College Strategic Plan and Charter.

3.2.3. The professional development programme for each term is set by the Specialist Classroom Teacher in consultation with the Principal and senior management.

3.3 Performance Management and Appraisal

3.3.1. The aim of performance management is to provide a positive framework for improving the quality of teaching, and therefore student learning, in the school.

3.3.2. Longburn Adventist College values and acknowledges good staff performance in order to develop and maintain a culture of professional excellence.

3.3.3. The Principal oversees a performance management system that tracks the performance of staff against professional teacher standards using suitable appraisal mechanisms.

3.3.4. The performance management system operates on a ‘no surprises’ basis. Staff are involved in setting their own key objectives and are informed of the standards of performance expected of them.

3.3.5. The Principal ensures each teaching and non-teaching staff member is given regular performance-based feedback.

3.3.6. Performance appraisals are used to inform individual professional development planning.

3.3.7. The chairperson of the Board of Trustees ensures the Principal’s performance is evaluated against objectives and performance standards agreed annually with the Board. That evaluation is used to inform the Principal’s professional development plan.

3.4 Appointments

3.4.1. All staff appointments are made using equitable and transparent procedures that ensure the best available person suited to the position is appointed. Because of the school’s special character, the proprietor ensures that all permanent teaching positions are advertised as tagged positions. Appointment procedures are set out in handbook for NZ SDA Schools.

3.4.2. The Board of Trustees appoints the Principal.

3.4.3. Appointments to permanent or long-term (i.e. more than one school term) teaching positions are made by a recruitment panel whose membership includes, but is not limited to, the Principal and a Longburn Adventist College trustee who is not an employee of the Board.

3.4.4. Appointments to support positions (e.g. secretary, caretaker, cleaner) are made by the Personnel Committee whose membership includes, but is not limited to, the Principal and a Longburn Adventist College trustee who is not an employee of the Board.

3.4.5. Appointments to short-term teaching positions and release/daily relieving positions are made by the Principal and at least one other member of the senior management team.

3.5 Leave of Absence"

3.5.1. Staff leave conditions are covered by the relevant collective or individual employment agreements and, in the case of teachers holding ‘tagged’ positions, by conditions outlined in Handbook for NZ SDA Schools.

3.5.2. The Principal consults with the Board of Trustees regarding applications for leave in excess of two weeks.

3.6 Equal Employment Opportunities

3.6.1. Longburn Adventist College recruits, appoints, rewards and promotes the best people possible for each position.

3.6.2. All staff are treated equitably, irrespective of gender, race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and family responsibility. All relevant school policies and procedures reflect this commitment.

3.7 Sexual Harassment

3.7.1. Sexual harassment is not acceptable at Longburn Adventist College. The Principal specifies procedures to ensure staff work in an environment free from offensive behaviour.

3.8 Volunteers

3.8.1. Volunteers for tasks involving students are known to Longburn Adventist College and are carefully selected to ensure they are suitable for the role.

3.8.2. In most cases, volunteer helpers will not have sole charge of students.

3.8.3. Selection and screening of volunteers who wish to be supervisors or drivers are done at an early stage by the teacher in charge and the Principal.

3.8.4. Screening of volunteers will include police vetting, especially for residential events.

3.9 Handling and Resolving Complaints

3.9.1. All complaints are dealt with fairly and effectively, in the interests of all parties concerned.

3.9.2. In the first instance, complaints should be raised directly with the person(s) concerned, and attempts made to resolve the issue without further intervention.

3.9.3. If a resolution is not achieved, the complaint should then be taken to the Principal (in the cases of complaints involving staff) or the chairperson of the Board of Trustees (in the case of complaints involving the Principal).

3.9.4. Staff members who wish to report incidences of serious wrongdoing within the school should follow the protected disclosures statement.

3.9.5. This policy does not attempt to address complaints that are more appropriately directed to the Police or other statutory authorities.

Policy 4: Financial and Property Management

Reviewed July 2022 - Next review date July 2024

These policies relate to the ‘National Administration Guideline 4’; refer to Appendix 1

4.1 Finance

4.1.1. The Board of Trustees ensures Longburn Adventist College’s documented
financial management procedures are actively followed and monitored for
compliance. The Board follows the financial information and procedures as
outlined in the Ministry of Education’s “Managing School Finances” website.
https://www.education.govt.nz/school/funding-and-financials/school-finances/#MFP 

4.1.2. The Business Manager is responsible for the prudent and efficient
management of the school’s expenditure and revenue on a day-to-day basis.

4.1.3. The Board allocates funds in a way that gives effect to the priorities stated inthe Longburn Adventist College Charter and Strategic Plan.

4.1.4. The Board ensures that the school’s annual operating objectives and budget reflect the Board’s priorities and obligations.

4.1.5. The Board meets the relevant legislative requirements for the preparation,
audit and publication of annual accounts.

4.2 Property

4.2.1. The Board of Trustees establishes and maintains a 10 Year Property
Management Plan (copies of the current 10 Year Property Plan are kept in the
Principal’s office) aligned to the future needs of Longburn Adventist College.
This plan is prepared in conjunction with the proprietor, the NZ SDA Schools
Association, and follows property procedures as outlined in the Handbook for
NZ SDA Schools (copy held by the Principal).

4.2.2. The Board ensures Longburn Adventist College’s physical resources
(including buildings, furniture, furnishings, equipment and other facilities) are
maintained to provide a healthy and safe environment for students and staff.

Policy 5: Health and Safety

Reviewed May 2022 - Next review date May 2024

5.1 Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Environment

5.1.1. Longburn Adventist College has documented health and safety management procedures that are actively followed and monitored for compliance. These procedures are outlined in LAC's Emergency Procedures document.
5.1.2. Longburn Adventist College provides a safe and healthy physical and
emotional environment for students and staff, both within the school grounds
and when school activities/events are held elsewhere.
5.1.3. A safety audit of the school’s premises is conducted regularly, with the
intention of removing or mitigating any safety hazards. Reports on these
audits are passed on to the school’s proprietors.
5.1.4. Information and procedures to ensure the safety of staff and students are
outlined in the Staff and Student Handbook.
5.1.5. Where education organised by the college takes place off-campus, it will be
subject to the college’s EOTC Handbook (Education Outside of the
Classroom) procedures and documentation.

5.2 Managing Incidents

5.2.1. Longburn Adventist College responds to and investigates all significant health and safety incidents, in order to mitigate the effects and reduce the risk of
reoccurrence.
5.2.2. The Principal ensures that teachers recognise and respond to cases of
suspected sexual, physical or psychological child abuse in an appropriate
manner.
5.2.3. The Principal ensures that a Critical Management Plan is developed,
maintained and tested, in order to provide appropriate guidance to staff and
students for handling a range of emergencies and their immediate (i.e. 72
hours) aftermath.

5.3 Student Behaviour

5.3.1. Longburn Adventist College encourages and maintains behaviour that
facilitates students’ own safety and learning, and does not harm other
students or act as a barrier to their learning.
5.3.2. Acceptable and safe student behaviour is outlined in the Student Handbook.
This handbook is updated annually by the Deputy Principal, and a copy is
accessible on the college website. An abridged version is included each year
in the Student Diary.
5.3.3. Longburn Adventist College uses suitable measures to ensure student
behaviour is maintained appropriately.
5.3.4. In extreme circumstances, stand-downs and suspensions may be used, with the latter being subject to consideration by the Board of Trustees within sevendays of the date of suspension.

5.4 Child Protection Policy

Rationale
This policy outlines the board’s commitment to child protection and recognises the important role and responsibility of all our staff in the protection of our children. The Board of Trustees has an obligation to ensure the well-being of children in our care, so they thrive, belong and achieve. We are committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and to the protection of all children. The safety and well-being of the child is our top priority. It includes the board’s expectations that when student abuse is reported or suspected by us that an action(s) will take place. Advice will be sought through appropriate agencies in all cases of suspected or alleged abuse.

Purposes
1. To provide procedures and protocols for staff members, including contractors
and volunteers to ensure our students are safe.
2. In line with section 15 of the Children, Young Person and Their Families Act,
any person in our school who believes that any child or young person has
been, or is likely to be, harmed (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually)
ill-treated, abused, neglected, or deprived must follow school procedures and
must also report the matter to a Social Worker or the local Police.
3. To ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to meet child safety
requirements as required and appropriate to the Board of Trustees.
4. To comply with relevant legislative requirements and responsibilities as per
the Vulnerable Children Act 2014

Guidelines
1. Ultimate accountability sits with the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees
delegates responsibility to the Principal to ensure that all child safety
procedures are implemented and available to all Staff, Contractors,
Volunteers and Parents.
2. This policy is available on the school’s internet site and in the front office.

3. Any contract or funding arrangement made by the school adopts procedures
of child protection where required.
4. Ensure the interests and protection of the child are paramount in all
circumstances.
5. Recognise the rights of family/whanau to participate in the decision-making
about their children.
6. Staff have professional development, resources and/or advice to carry out the
terms of this policy. This means that all staff are able to identify the signs and
symptoms of potential abuse and neglect, deal with disclosures by children
and allegations against staff members and are able to take appropriate action
in response.
7. Support all staff to work in accordance with this policy, to work with partner
agencies and organisations to ensure child protection policies are understood
and implemented.
8. Promote a culture where staff feel confident they can constructively challenge
poor practice or raise issues of concern without fear of reprisal.
9. Consult, discuss and share relevant information, in line with our commitment
to confidentiality and information sharing protocols, in a timely way regarding
any concerns about an individual child with the board or designated person.
10. Seek advice as necessary from NZSTA advisors on employment matters and
other relevant agencies where child safety issues arise.
11. Report and record concerns through the Deputy Principal, Principal or
Counsellor.
12. Child Protection processes form part of the initial staff induction programme
for each staff member and all adults working with children.
13. Provide recruitment guidelines including screening and vetting procedures of
all personnel involved with our students.
14. Describe safe working practices and agreed staff behaviours for working with
our students.

Procedures to support the implementation of the Child Protection Policy
1. Process for screening and vetting staff, contractors and volunteers. See
Advice Memo for School Boards from SDA church: Appointment Process
Safety Checks VCA (NZSTA).docx (not available online)
2. Resources to support the professional development of staff so that they are
able to identify the signs and symptoms of potential abuse and neglect. Child
Protection Procedures.docx (not available online)
3. Process for disclosure and sharing of information.
4. Contacts for disclosures.
5. Description of safe working practices and agreed staff behaviours for working
with students.

5.5 Others in the Workplace Policy

Rationale
For the safety of visitors and the school’s students and workers, the school must be able to identify who is on the school site. The Principal must be informed of any interviews of students by visitors from outside agencies.
Purpose:
1. To identify all visitors to the school.
2. To ensure administration workers are aware of who is in the school throughout the day for security and emergency purposes.
3. To provide clear guidelines on identifying visitors.
4. To ensure guests who speak to students are vetted appropriately and do not pose an undue risk.
Process:
1. Signs requesting visitors report to the school office are posted around the school and the administration block is clearly marked.
2. On reporting to the office, visitors are requested to sign in with the date and time of their arrival and receive a visitor’s label to wear while on the school grounds.
3. Any visitor wishing to speak to a student other than a child under their care must have the permission of the Principal or their Parent, Caregiver or delegated
representative.
4. Administration workers will locate the appropriate person to meet with the visitor and escort them around the school.
5. School workers are expected to challenge any visitors to ensure they have
reported to the office, and that their presence is understood.
6. The Principal must approve any non-worker’s attendance at school with the exception of parent helpers.
7. Those meeting with workers or students, going to other parts of the school, or
working on the school site must sign in. Persons unknown to the school must
produce recognised photo identification (being Driver’s Licence, Passport or other formal identification with a photo).

Documentation to support others in the workplace:
1. External Contractor health and safety agreement: Contractors Health and Safety Contract.docx
2. Contractor’s checklist for health and safety processes: Contractors Checklist.docx

Approval:
When the board approved this policy it agreed that no variations of this policy or
amendments to it could be made, except with the majority approval of the board.

Review:
This policy shall be reviewed every two years or more regularly by agreement. The provisions of this agreement may be varied by the board following consultation with workers.

5.6 Search, Surrender and Retention Policy

Rationale
This policy outlines the board’s commitment to providing a safe physical and
emotional environment for staff, students and visitors. In the event of the need to
carry out searches and/or the requiring of surrendering of items or devices, Longburn Adventist College will ensure these will be conducted by authorized staff in line with Guidelines for the Surrender and Retention of Property and Searches document provided by the Ministry of Education, and in compliance with the Education Act. This policy supports the implementation of National Administration Guideline 5.

Guiding Principles
1. In line with National Administration Guideline 5, the school is required to
provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students and staff. A
safe environment for students, staff and visitors is of paramount importance
and therefore must be given primacy when applying the guidelines.
2. Parents, students and the public will have a legitimate expectation that the school environment will be free from drugs, weapons, alcohol and cyber-
bullying. The school will develop procedure on surrender and retention and advise them accordingly.
3. Parliament has given new powers and clarified the law in relation to searches
and retaining student property. In exercising these powers, schools must act reasonably, in good faith and in the least intrusive manner to achieve a safe
environment.
4. Students are protected under Section 21 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act
1990, which states “Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable
search or seizure, whether of the person, property or correspondence or
otherwise”. This section does not prohibit searches or seizure of student
property but schools must be able to justify their actions as reasonable and
necessary to maintain a safe environment.
5. The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people from discrimination.
6. In accordance with The Privacy Act 1993 personal information held about
students that contain information relating to searches, seizures and retention
will be held in the student’s file and be retained for use in the future. This
information must be held as confidential except where disclosure to school
staff or to parents is necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned. Related
to this, students may access their personal information held and seek
correction of inaccurate information. 1. Exceptions to the Privacy Act do allow for disclosure to the Police or to
keep the name of an informant confidential.

Guidelines
1. All staff will be made aware of, and be familiar with the current laws and
guidelines surrounding search, surrender and retention, and will adhere to
them.
2. Students are to be made aware of expectations in relation to the surrender
and retention of property and searches.
3. Only Teaching Staff are authorized to conduct searches or require an item to
be surrendered and retained. The names and positions held by authorized
staff must be made available for inspection in the school. (what this looks
like needs to be determined by the Board)
4. Parents and students cannot be asked by the Board or school staff to waive
their rights as a condition of enrolment or at any other time.
5. The following key types of items can allow a staff member to require students
to produce, reveal and surrender items in their possession.
1. Items likely to endanger the safety of others
2. Items likely to detrimentally affect the learning environment
3. Items that are harmful (poses an immediate threat to the physical or
emotional safety of any person).
6. A search may only be conducted by an authorized staff member if there is
a belief that a student has something that is harmful.
7. Any items (things that are not digital devices) surrendered must be stored
appropriately for return or disposal after a reasonable period of retention. Any
devices (digital devices) surrendered must be recorded and stored
appropriately for return after a reasonable period of retention. Devices may
not be disposed of. After a reasonable period of retention, they must be returned to the student or passed to another person (parent) or agency (eg
Police)
8. A centralised written record for searches must be created and retained.
9. In all cases where an item surrendered is of an illegal nature and would
remain illegal whilst under the control of the school (eg: drugs) Police will be
engaged.

10.Supporting Documents http://www.education.govt.nz/assets/Documents/School/Guidelines-for-the-
surrender-and-retention-of-property-and-searches.pdf

• 1. Student Diary – a short statement
  2. Student Handbook
  3. Staff Handbook - flowchart
  The Principal or delegated staff shall implement and maintain the following
  procedures and practices relating to this policy: Student Discipline Policy
  
  Delegations
  The implementation of this policy is delegated to the Principal and the Senior Leadership Team.

Policy 6: Legislative Compliance

Reviewed July 2022, to be reviewed July 2024

These policies relate to the ‘National Administration Guideline 6’; refer to Appendix 1.

Each Board of Trustees is expected to comply with all general legislation concerning requirements such as attendance, the length of the school day, and the length of the school year.

6.1 Enrolments, Attendance and Year of Schooling

6.1.1. Longburn Adventist College operates an enrolment scheme as outlined in the Supplementary Deed of Integration. The NZ SDA Schools Handbook outlines how students are deemed to be ‘preferenced’ or ‘non-preferenced’.

6.1.2. The Principal ensures accurate records of student admissions and attendance are maintained, and takes all reasonable steps to ensure that students who are required to attend school do so.

6.1.3. Longburn Adventist College, in general, follows the Ministry of Education guidelines for the classification of the number of years of schooling a student has received.

6.2 Ensuring Legislative Compliance

6.2.1. Longburn Adventist College is subject to all the New Zealand legislation and regulations that govern NZ schools. The Principal ensures that LAC complies with such legislation and regulations.

6.2.2. The school’s policies and management procedures promote compliance with relevant legislation or regulations. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Animal Welfare Act 1999
● Building Act 1991 2004
● Civil Defence Act 1983 Civil Defence Emergency Management Act
2002
● Copyright Act 1994
● Education (School Attendance) Regulations 1951
● Education Act 1989 2021
● Education Standards Act 2001 (Repealed 1 Aug 2020 by section 669
(3)(e) of the Education and Training Act 2020 (No 38)
● Employment Relations Act 2000
● Health (Immunisation) Regulations 1995
● Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
● Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
● Human Rights Act 1993
● Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (Part VII)
● New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
● Official Information Act 1982
● Privacy Act 2020
● Protected Disclosures Act 2000
● Public Finance Act 1989
● Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990 Smokefree Environments and
Regulated Products Act 1990 (title replaced 2020)

Policy 7: Board of Trustees

 Reviewed September 2022, to be reviewed September 2024

7.1 Board of Trustees

7.1.1. The Board of Trustees shall follow the guidelines of trusteeship as outlined by the NZ School Trustees Association.

7.1.2. The Board of Trustees has determined that:

It shall be comprised of 5 parents and 4 proprietor representatives (the Principal, Staff and Student Representatives being additional).
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to co-opt additional members to the Board for a specified duration, where additional skills or resources are required.

7.1.3. The School shall have indemnity insurance to protect the Board of Trustees in case of legal proceedings.

7.1.4. The Board of Trustees is structured with one representative being elected to be responsible for coordinating the day to day activities relating to the following portfolios:

• Property

• Discipline

• Finance and Audit

• Personnel

• IT and Future Technology

• Health and Safety

• Marketing

The Board will appoint other committees as necessary and membership of all these committees will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Note: Decisions on direction and core issues remain the Board of Trustees’ responsibility. The Board of Trustees shall be fully informed of the information it requires to fulfil its role and to make decisions effectively. The Chairperson is discouraged from taking responsibility of a specific portfolio.

7.1.5. A schedule of all the delegations made by the Board of Trustees shall be tabled at the first meeting following any election or appointment of co-opts.

7.1.6. The Board of Trustees shall ratify at the first meeting following any election or appointment of co-opt, their agreement that:

• All Board members have access to email facilities

• Board of Trustees decisions may be made via email/electronic voting process

With regard to email/electronic voting process:

• The Chairperson shall be responsible for determining if and when a motion will be voted on via e-mail, approve the motion wording, provide all relevant information for distribution, and collate and report voting.

• An e-mail/electronic vote requires unanimous support from the Board of Trustees to pass (Education Act 1989, Schedule 6, 11B). The Board of Trustees agrees that failure to respond within 7 days of the motion shall be determined to be a vote against the motion.

• Board of Trustees votes shall be made known to all members of the Board (c.c. all upon voting)

• All motions being passed or otherwise shall be documented, and reported in the next Board of Trustees Meeting minutes as ‘between meeting matters’.

7.1.7. The position of Chair of the Board must be voted upon:

• At the first meeting after the tri-annual election, and

• If the Chairperson resigns from the role or resigns/forfeits his/her Board position.

Note: there is no limit upon the term of the Chairperson.

7.1.8. All Trustees on School Boards are entitled to a meeting fee, set by the Board of Trustees. Currently $55 per scheduled meeting for trustees, and $75 for the Chairperson. Following the final meeting of each year, the chair will ensure a claim form will be provided to all Board members who have served during that period. Trustees may also submit a claim form prior. Trustees may choose not to take payment – but this is an individual’s decision, and privacy will be respected.

Policy 8: Variance

Reviewed February 2023

8.1 Variance

As per Ministry guidelines, the board of trustees is required to provide a statement providing an analysis of any variance between the school’s performance and the relevant aims, objectives, directions, priorities, or targets set out in the school charter at the same time as the updated school charter provided to the Secretary for Education under National Administration Guideline

Appendix 1: The National Administration Guidelines (NAGs)

August 2019

The National Administration Guidelines for school administration set out statements of desirable principles of conduct or administration for specified personnel or bodies. The following is provided for convenience and was current at the time of inclusion. However, please ensure you reference the most current version of these guidelines.

Each Board of Trustees is required to foster student achievement by providing teaching and learning programmes which incorporate The National Curriculum as expressed in The New Zealand Curriculum or Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

Each Board, through the Principal and staff, is required to:

(a) develop and implement teaching and learning programmes:

i. to provide all students in Years 1-10 with opportunities to achieve for success in all areas of the National Curriculum;

ii. giving priority to student achievement in literacy and numeracy and/or Te Reo Matatini and Pāngarau, especially in Years 1-8;

iii. giving priority to regular quality physical activity that develops movement skills for all students, especially in Years 1-6.

(b) through assessment information* evaluate the progress and achievement of students; giving priority first to:

i. student achievement in literacy and numeracy and/or Te Reo Matatini and Pāngarau, especially in Years 1-8; and then to

ii. breadth and depth of learning related to the needs, abilities and interests of students, the nature of the school’s curriculum, and the scope of The National Curriculum as expressed in The New Zealand Curriculum or Te Marautanga o Aotearoa;

(c) through the analysis of good quality assessment information*, identify students and groups of students:

i. who are not progressing and/or achieving;

ii. who are at risk of not progressing and/or achieving;

iii. who have special needs (including gifted and talented students); and

iv. aspects of the curriculum which require particular attention;

(d) develop and implement teaching and learning strategies to address the needs of students and aspects of the curriculum identified in (c) above;

(e) in consultation with the school’s Māori community, develop and make known to the school’s community policies, plans and targets for improving the progress and achievement of Māori students; and

(f) provide appropriate career education and guidance for all students in Year 7 and above, with a particular emphasis on specific career guidance for those students who have been identified by the school as being at risk of leaving school unprepared for the transition to the workplace or further education/training.

*Good quality assessment information draws on a range of evidence to evaluate the progress and achievement of students and build a comprehensive picture of student learning across the curriculum.

NAG 2

Each Board of Trustees, with the Principal and teaching staff, is required to:

(a) develop a strategic plan which documents how they are giving effect to the National Education Guidelines through their policies, plans and programmes, including those for curriculum, aromatawai and/or assessment, and staff professional development;

(b) maintain an on-going programme of self-review in relation to the above policies, plans and programmes, including evaluation of information* on student achievement; and

(c) on the basis of good quality assessment information* report to students and their parents on the progress and achievement of individual students, and to the school’s community on the achievement of students as a whole and of groups (identified through NAG 1(c) above) including the achievement of Māori students against the plans and targets referred to in 1(e) above.

NAG 3

According to the legislation on employment and personnel matters, each Board of Trustees is required in particular to:

(a) develop and implement personnel and industrial policies, within policy and procedural frameworks set by the Government from time to time, which promote high levels of staff performance, use educational resources effectively and recognise the needs of students; and

(b) be a good employer as defined in the State Sector Act 1988 and comply with the conditions contained in employment contracts applying to teaching and non-teaching staff.

NAG 4

According to legislation on financial and property matters, each Board of Trustees is also required in particular to:

(a) allocate funds to reflect the school’s priorities as stated in the charter;

(b) monitor and control school expenditure, and ensure that annual accounts are prepared and audited as required by the Public Finance Act 1989 and the Education Act 1989; and

(c) comply with the negotiated conditions of any current asset management agreement, and implement a maintenance programme to ensure that the school’s buildings and facilities provide a safe, healthy learning environment for students.

NAG 5

Each Board of Trustees is also required to:

(a) provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students;

(b) promote healthy food and nutrition for all students; and

(c) comply in full with any legislation currently in force or that may be developed to ensure the safety of students and employees.

NAG 6

Each Board of Trustees is also expected to comply with all general legislation concerning requirements such as attendance, the length of the school day, and the length of the school year.

NAG 1 & 5 were updated on 3 July 2018.