St Thomas of Canterbury College

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CTU E P S O R P

ST THOMAS

OF CANTERBURY COLLEGE KO TE KARETI WAITAHA O HATO TAMATI

ra u k u o t a t oo i e n a p a toa a p k u a u k o t e t u o a r iak rahi k i i h u a n k i a h h i W Nga m

OMAS TO ST TH BURY ER OF CANT E G E L COL

E

WELCOM Welcome to St Thomas of Canterbury College Whakahirahira te kaupapa nei o o tatou kura Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa Talofa lava, i matua, malo le soifua. Afio mai.

I extend a very warm welcome to our College.

At St Thomas’ we believe that the best preparation for life is an education which fosters excellence in a caring, diverse environment. Our staff are committed to guiding our students through a broad range of spiritual, learning, cultural, sporting and service opportunities in order to develop young men with “educated hearts and educated minds”.

We are a state integrated Catholic school for a maximum of 615 students from Years 7 to 13. Our size enables us to provide individual attention and develop close relationships with our students in order for them to develop a healthy self-image, relaxed but confident personal skills and a positive outlook on life.

We are a boys’ school and as such maintain a clear focus on boys’ needs and the pathway from boyhood to manhood. We will provide your son with adventure, testing of courage and strong, good male role models.

We want the young men who graduate from our College to be men of justice and compassion who believe they have much to offer the world in order for it to be a better place.

You as family are central to the partnership as your son walks this journey. When you enrol, you and your son become part of the St Thomas’ family which extends well beyond school.

With best wishes

i. a m o fi A ua. f i o s e l o l ma , a u t a m i a, Talofa lav

Christine O’Brien Principal

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E R C O A F E P G D N I N A E C I T EDUCAT S JU

ING EDUCAT TICE FOR JUS CE AND PEA

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D RIC N U M D E Educating for a better world

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ur Special Character values: Faithful to the call of Jesus and inspired by Edmund Rice, we aspire to offer hope to a world where the dignity of humanity and the integrity of creation is often diminished.

In partnership with our parents and community our aim is to educate boys to become men who:  Are ENGAGED in service and solidarity with others, especially those on the

margins  Are CONSCIENTISED to the reality of the world and the root causes of injustice 

Have a deep sense of the SPIRITUAL in their life



Relate to others in a COMPASSIONATE way

 Take ETHICAL stances in all their endeavours  Are HOPEFUL that a better world is possible and that they can actively contribute

to its realisation Our teaching and learning values: 

Manaakitanga (caring for students and acknowledging their mana)

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Mana motuhake (having high expectations)

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Nga whakapiringatanga (managing the classroom to promote learning)

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Wananga and ako (using a range of dynamic, interactive teaching styles)

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Kotahitanga (teachers and students reflecting together in order to move forward collaboratively)

Those who teach justice shall be like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3

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S P I H S N O I T A L

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s a Catholic school, relationships are at the heart of school life. When issues arise, we are committed to the values of reconciliation, restoration and right relationship. This is done in a way which promotes healing and supports healthy, positive relationships at all levels.

We are different from many other schools in choosing to have a fully RESTORATIVE JUSTICE culture.

Restorative Conferences seek to answer 3 Key Questions 

What did you do?

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Who have you affected or hurt?

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How are you going to fix it?

“Relationship is the key. It encourages you to think about resolving things rather than bottling up negative thoughts.”

“The restorative philosophy encourages honesty because once the focus is on the incident and not the person, the culture of blame disappears.”

“Restorative justice is one of the best things to have happened at our school because it has helped people stay together. They have learnt how to avoid relationships being destroyed when some actions went too far. The restorative conversation helps friends to face issues, together.”

“A restorative approach requires courage because it’s more difficult to face someone than to just brew over an incident. With restorative communication you really understand how the other person feels.”

“Restorative Justice helps boys mature emotionally and develop their empathy towards others. It gives them tools that will make a real difference in their lives - to be a better teenager, a better friend, a better partner and one day a better father!”

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T ” R D A N E I H M d d e e t t a a c c u u d d e e “an and an

REALISE IAL POTENT

ESS

UCC THINK S

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he teaching and learning relationship is a lot like a jigsaw – it works perfectly when every piece of the puzzle is securely in place..

THE STUDENT - LEARNER

THE TEACHER - MENTOR

THE FAMILY (WHANAU)

THE SCHOOL

We believe that all of our students have individual needs and pathways for learning.

Our staff are committed to releasing the potential of your son and developing them into confident men, well prepared to make significant contributions to whatever part of society that they choose to belong to.

CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND THE WORLD Achievement and excellence is what St Thomas’ is about. Each student is offered a wide range of subjects at junior through senior level. This enables students to tailor their courses for their future pathways in learning. The school forms a close relationship with home and community to ensure our young men are prepared and resilient for learning beyond school.

Polytechnic University Workforce Technology Institutes Travel Volunteer work All students can build a Learning Pathway to suit their own direction and needs. Careful mentoring and guidance is given to every student including subject selection, monitoring achievement, and assistance in extracurricular learning opportunities.

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th g n i r a p e r p

ay w h t a p g learnin

Our school is also about learning at whatever pace necessary. We have professional learning staff ready to adapt to your son’s needs and create the best possible learning environment for him that will inspire, challenge and motivate.

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ING N R A E L AL U D I V I D IN G N I T R SUPPO

l a u d i v i d n an i t n e d u t s every

ING T R O P P SU

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PAST G D N I CARE AN LEARN

T SUPPOR K NETWOR

earning support is one part of the pastoral and student support network.

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A copy of the Supported Learning / Special Needs register is distributed to all staff.

It includes:

• • • • • •

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Special assessment conditions, including readers, writers, computer and / or extra time are provided to approved students. This assistance begins in the intermediate school so the boys are able to manage the system with competence by the time they reach NCEA. Students who have used this assistance have gained NCEA achievement standards with merit and excellence.

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Our school has purchased a variety of diagnostic tests to enable us to get to know our students. Some of the assessments are administered school-wide to better inform us.

Students who are identified as being at risk of not achieving complete a range of tests through Learning Support. Results are disseminated to staff through staff meetings, pastoral meetings and the school intranet. Feedback to staff, parents and caregivers is integral to ensuring that the appropriate support is provided to the students.

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Interventions for students are instigated on the advice of the pastoral team, teachers, the guidance counsellor, concern from parents or by the students themselves. We recognise that individual students have different needs and tailor the interventions to suit their needs.

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Year 13 students participate in a peer tutoring programme as part of their community service to the school. The majority of students assist with both extension and remedial work across a variety of subjects, usually within the classroom setting.

gifted and talented students international students students from a non-English speaking background students with specific learning needs students with behavioural needs students eligible for special assessment conditions

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UNITY OPPORT FOR 21st Y CENTUR S CITIZEN

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P I H S R E LEAD

SH LEADER

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he school works in partnership with students and parents in developing fine, rounded young men who are able to lead and make a difference as they go out into the world. We encourage all students to be actively involved in the many opportunities for leadership and genuine participation in decision making in the school. Every year our students are awarded numerous scholarships for leadership at universities throughout New Zealand.

Students can be involved in leadership in many areas including

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Year 13 leadership team

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Student Council (2 from every year level)

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Vertical form groups

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Peer mentoring

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BOT representative

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Edmund Rice group

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Service and Justice activities

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Health in Peers committee (HIP)

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Sports teams

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Cultural activities

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Young Enterprise

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Library / information centre

 Hospitality

These all develop the qualities of courage, innovation, lateral thinking, problem solving and collaboration in teams which are critical skills for 21st century citizens.

zens i t i c y r u t cen t s 1 2 g n i ead l r o f s l l i k critical s

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, I E L E L O L A A M L , U A B F , O A L N TA A , R A O R A I O K A I K

MAORI

ALLY CULTUR VE A PASIFIK RESPONSI

Kiaora, talofa, malo le lei, kiaorana, bula Walking in solidarity with indigenous peoples

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tudents at St Thomas’ are educated in a diverse environment which prepares them for 21st century New Zealand and the global environment of the modern world.

Our Maori and Pasifika men achieve in learning, sport, culture, service and Young Enterprise business at regional and national level.

At St Thomas of Canterbury College we are proud to have a vibrant and growing Maori and Pasifika roll.

We have  Kapahaka  Taiaha  Takahanga marae wananga (Kaikoura)  Relationship with Rehua Marae  Manu Korero  Whanau meetings  Whanau Board of Trustees representative  Year 13 leadership team Whanau Leader position  Hangi

 Polyfest 

Pasifika week speech competitions  Umu  Pasifika parents meetings  Pasifika Board of Trustees representative  Year 13 leadership team Pasifika Leader position  Pasifika Performance Group

We teach  Te reo years 7 – 13  Samoan years 7 – 13

les p o e p s u geno i d n i h t i ty w i r a d i l o s n walking i

We are involved in “He Kakano” Ministry of Education Maori achievement strategy  Ministry of Education Pasifika achievement strategy 

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THE

Y T I N U M VE COM

ING NURTUR ARTSTHE E CREATIV

I T A E R C A

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he Arts are alive and well at St Thomas’. We want our young men to be creative, original, lateral thinkers.

Our students are fortunate to have the opportunity right from Year 7 onwards to be involved in a wide variety of creative pursuits including:

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Learning an instrument Being in a rock or jazz band  Composing and recording original music  Live performance  Participating in drama and musical productions  Learning technical and sound skills backstage  Theatresports  Exhibiting in art shows  Producing original art work for display around the College  Painting murals on our buildings  Haka, Taiaha, Pasifika dance  Debating and public speaking. 

In short … creative students making their stamp on the world!

ion s s e r p x e nd a y t i l a n i g f ori o t r a e h t nurturing

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PING DEVELO SPORTYOUNG MEN

SPORT

• Indoor Football • Indoor Cricket • Indoor Netball • Rugby League • Touch Rugby • Tennis • Lawn Bowls • Badminton • Table Tennis • Triathlon • Cross Country • Softball • Summer Hockey • Archery • Small Bore Target Shooting • Mountain biking • Road Cycling • Weightlifting • Athletics • Squash

men g n u o y g developin

• Swimming • Judo

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t Thomas’ has a proud tradition in sport and consistently performs at a provincial and national level across a wide variety of sports. We pride ourselves on providing our students with the best coaching possible to develop the many talents our students have.

All students are strongly encouraged to join the many sports clubs that we offer. Sport plays an important role in the development of the young men at St Thomas’, either participating at the elite level or in the opportunity to participate in the wide range of sports offered.  Rugby Club: U12-U18 participate in Canterbury Metro competition, 1st XV participates in Press Cup  Rowing Club: 14yrs + participate in Canterbury, South Island and New Zealand regattas; best crews participate in Maadi Cup Regatta  Volleyball Club: Yr9-Yr13 teams participate in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Monday night competition. The Junior team competes in Canterbury and South Island tournaments and the 1st VI compete in Canterbury, South Island and National tournaments  Cricket Club: Yr7- Yr13 teams participate in CCA Youth competitions, 1st XI participate in the 1st XI Secondary Schools Competition  Football Club: Yr7-Yr13 participate in the schools Wednesday sport. 1st XI participate in the qualifying tournaments for National tournaments  Basketball: Yr7-Yr13 participate in Canterbury Secondary Schools Friday night Basketball competition We also offer a wide variety of sports as part of the Wednesday Secondary School Sports competition Major events on the sporting calendar are the inter-house athletics, swimming and cross country events. From these highly competitive events students are selected to represent our college at a provincial and national level.

St Thomas’ has traditional sporting exchanges with Roncalli and St Kevins in both the summer and winter codes.

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tudents at the college are provided with opportunities to partake in a range of international trips including travel to India, Australia, France, Italy and Samoa.

College trips provide students with the opportunity to experience foreign cultures.

Whether it is the experience of seeing the world’s issues first hand or competing at one of the international sporting events we attend, learning is not just limited to the classroom and is developed through these great experiences.

“...the friends made in india will stay with me and everyone else who went, for life. Not only the friendships, but the confidence and sense of perspective that came with the trip, seeing the other half of the world and truly understanding what life is like for some. We may have left, but India will stay inside everyone of us. ” (Sam Moffett, student) “...An awesome rugby itinerary and the touring side were absolutely brilliant.

The cathedrals, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Cassino and historic Roman towns were something we will never forget. A highlight would have to be the Cassino International War Graves where 490 New Zealand soldiers rest. The boys treated this visit with so much respect and concluded with a moving Haka...I hope these tours continue as the personal development experience among the group was invaluable and I believe the bonds that were made will remain for life” (Parent of student)

a wider

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ARING

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PREP S S IAL E POTENT USIN

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S S E N I S U B N A ME

FOR THE REAL WORLD

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any may not know that Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers, was not only an educationalist but a successful businessman. At St Thomas of Canterbury College, students are encouraged to enter into an array of business activities and to experience business first hand from all levels. Many fine entrepreneurs have been produced from the college and we continue to compete at the highest level in school competitions.

Over the past ten years St Thomas’ has been arguably the most successful school in New Zealand in The Young Enterprise Competitions. The College has won numerous national awards including The Lion Foundation National Company of the Year Award (2004 & 2010). In 2011, the College won the most awards out of any school in New Zealand taking out the Runner-up National Company of the Year Award, Young Managing Director of the Year Award, Foreign Affairs Aid and Development Award and The High Growth Potential Award.

St Thomas of Canterbury College enjoys business and believes wholeheartedly in the promotion of social and ethical enterprises. Students undergo a journey of awareness, solving social and human development problems with environmentally sustainable and technological solutions.

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S T N E D U T S L A N O I T A N R

NAL O I T A N R INTE

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t Thomas of Canterbury College has a vibrant international presence with students coming from diverse countries all over the globe. We have small ESOL classes (maximum 12) with experienced teacher aides helping to support our international boys one on one.

Homestays are provided for students requiring accommodation and support is provided to the students through our International Director, co-ordinator, teachers and fellow international students.

With small classes, flexible options for learning, a peaceful environment and a strong support network to our international students, St Thomas of Canterbury College is a great choice for students interested in studying in New Zealand.

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THE SET

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t St Thomas of Canterbury College we are committed to providing an excellent learning environment to our students. The College is in a peaceful location surrounded by many trees on the western side of Christchurch.

Future developments include a $4 million, nine classroom block including a new science lab, IT room and many breakout areas for quiet study and open learning. Completion of this modern learning hub is due towards the end of 2012.

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ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY COLLEGE

69 Middlepark Road, Sockburn PO Box 11-314, Christchurch, New Zealand

Phone +64 3 348 7010 Fax +64 3 348 2621 Email enquiries@stc.school.nz www stc.school.nz