Academic Guidelines and Expectations

Homework

It is important that students have appropriate time and working space to do their homework. While parents can help by providing important things like support, encouragement and an appropriate environment, the work needs to be the students own.

The amount of homework students receive will vary from day to day and from subject to subject. For large amounts of homework, teachers recommend that students work in short bursts of time rather than attempting the long haul. As a general rule of thumb, the minimum time spent should be ½ to 1 hour a day for Years 7 and 8, Year 9 approximately 1 to 1½ hours, and for Year 10, approximately 1½ to two hours.

For senior students and those with external examinations, the minimum should be increased to about two hours a day; that is, 12 - 15 hours a week.

In special circumstances where a student cannot complete homework, parents should send an explanatory note to the subject teacher.

Your daughter’s tutor or subject teacher can offer advice and support about studying and study techniques she may find useful.

Subject Choices

Subject choices are made in Term 3 for the following year for students in Years 9 to 12. Subjects offered to students are outlined in the Curriculum Handbook which is emailed in Term 3 to each student enrolled for the next year. You can also find this on Rangi.Life. While we make every effort to meet the subject choices of all students, this will not always be possible and there will inevitably be students who do not get the combination they want. Similarly, if very few girls opt to take a subject, it could be that we simply cannot run it. This is always a difficult decision, but unfortunately a pragmatic one at times.

A Subject Selection afternoon is held for students in Term 3. Alternatively you can discuss subject selection with the Assistant Principal-Curriculum or the Pathways & Careers Strategist.

Subject Changes

Subject changes during the year are managed by the Deans and follow the process in the Student Handbook. Students are encouraged to remain in their chosen courses throughout the year unless there is a compelling reason for making a change. Parental permission and approval from the Assistant Principal-Curriculum are also required.

It is not recommended that students change a subject after the first few class periods of the school year. Students should consider their future career paths, teachers’ and parents’ advice and their achievements in the subject they wish to change from.

Additional support is provided for students experiencing difficulties with a subject; changing to another subject is not always the best solution.

Changes are sometimes not possible because of timetabling or class sizes. Once students have sought their parents’ consent for seeking a subject change they should consult their teacher and speak to the Assistant Principal-Curriculum, who will advise them on the likelihood of a change being permitted.

Assessments

It is the responsibility of each student to fulfil assessment requirements such as meeting deadlines and avoiding absence from class unless unwell. A family holiday during term time is not grounds for the granting of compensatory time to complete an assessment.

A special leave form, obtainable from the office or online, should be completed for absences of more than one day.

At the start of each year, the Assistant Principal-Curriculum meets with the students to whom this policy applies to draw their attention to the key points and remind them of their rights and responsibilities. The School Assessment Policy, which has guidelines for both students and staff, is reviewed annually. This is available on The Hub.

Authenticity

As an increasing amount of information becomes available to students through the Internet and other electronic sources, the school emphasises to students that these works should be used only as reference for their thinking and all reference works should be attributed. The school takes acts of plagiarism very seriously.

Internal assessment for the purpose of NCEA qualifications requires assurance that a student’s work presented for assessment is the student’s own work and that any use of outside resources is acceptable for the standard and is acknowledged.

If the authenticity of a student’s work is called into question, the matter will be referred to the Assistant Principal-Curriculum for investigation and discussed with the subject teacher.

If cause for concern is established, the student is consulted. Further evidence may be sought from student and/or teacher to establish the work’s authenticity. In the light of conclusive evidence that the work is not authentic there will be a penalty imposed on the student.

The penalty for not meeting the requirements of the Authenticity Policy include that an award of ‘not achieved’ will be made for the assessment concerned. A formal record of the circumstances will be filed with the Assistant Principal-Curriculum.

The signing of an authenticity declaration to verify the work is their own is required of students and their parents at the start of each year. Parents are asked to read the Authenticity Policy and to sign their acknowledgement of its significance for students’ work under NCEA.

Reporting to Parents and Sharing Information

Reporting to Parents and Students

The school communicates regularly with parents and students concerning individual students and the school’s progress and achievement in curricular and co-curricular activities during the year.

Written reports are issued to Years 7-10 students and their parents twice a year (the dates of which are published in the school calendar) and to Years 11-13 once a year, with an additional interview opportunity for both juniors and seniors. Tutors or Deans will contact parents if their daughter’s report or class work is giving cause for concern.

When a student leaves Rangi Ruru between Year 7 and Year 11 of their schooling, parents may request a testimonial from her tutor. This contains up to date information about the student’s academic and personal qualities.

When a student leaves school at the end of Year 12 or Year 13 they may apply for a Leavers’ Profile, which sets out their achievements and senior academic results in their years at Rangi Ruru. An account of their personal qualities and work habits is included in the profile.

Oral reports are provided both on request by parents and at Learning Progress Interviews in Term 1 and Term 3. If parents feel their daughter is not making satisfactory progress during the year, they should communicate in the first instance with the year level Dean who will gather information from relevant staff and provide them with an oral report.

Learning Progress Conferences are held at the end of Term 1 for all students, early in Term 3 for junior students and parents and later in Term 3 for Years 11-13 students and parents. These are an excellent opportunity for parents to meet staff and other parents. School communications are sent to those parties you identified on your Contact Details Sheet at the beginning of the year. If these details change, contact the School Office. We are required to provide information to both parents (where possible) unless notified by court order. This includes school reports and information pertaining to attendance and student welfare.

Student Name Change

At enrolment, the school is required to obtain a copy of student’s passport or birth certificate as proof of name and nationality for our files.

Due to changing family circumstances, we can be asked to change the school recorded name for a student. Legally the school position is that all formal school communications are provided in the legal name of the student. This name is the one that appears on a student’s birth certificate. Students’ formal names are also used on certificates and school communications that students may wish to use at a later date.

Contact the School Office for the appropriate person to speak to if you require further information or need to discuss a change of name for your child.

Privacy

Personal Information

To ensure compliance with the Privacy Act 1993 in relation to the collection, storage, access and use of personal information about staff, students and their families or caregivers; in all aspects of gathering, storage, access and use of personal information the procedures of the school shall comply with legislative requirements and best practice guidelines.

For more information or to alter your authorisation, contact the School Office.

Health and Wellbeing

The reporting to others of an individual student’s issues or concerns is a difficult and complicated area. While ensuring that parents are kept informed on issues relating to their daughter’s wellbeing, the school is also cognisant that sometimes all of us wish to have someone we can speak to without that information being shared with others.

Where the school becomes aware of information of a nature that affects the student’s performance within the school or their or another individual’s wellbeing, then, at the discretion of the Principal or her nominated representative, that information may be disclosed to parents of that student.

Information held by a health professional employed by the school shall be managed in compliance with the Privacy Health Code of Practice.

Where the health professional becomes aware of information that puts the student’s or another’s wellbeing seriously at risk, then that information will most likely be disclosed to the students parents and other agencies. This is at the discretion of the health professional.

Information regarding a student’s wellbeing and performance will be distributed as necessary amongst those staff requiring the information. Staff will be advised of its confidentiality.

For further information on privacy issues contact the school’s psychologist.

Access to School Policies

School policies, procedures and guidelines contain information you might find useful. Key policies relating to school management, teaching and learning, student rights and emergency procedures are available on The Hub. Copies of policies and guidelines are available from the Deputy Principal.

Safety, Support, Guidance and Student Wellbeing

Rangi Ruru takes its responsibilities to ensure the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of students very seriously. The school makes every endeavour to provide a challenging environment for its students, while minimising any risk involved.

Student Health at School School Responsibilities

Rangi Ruru undertakes to ensure that every effort is made to safeguard the health and wellbeing of students. The school will attempt to contact the parents or the identified emergency contact if a student becomes, or appears to be, sick while at school.

In the case of a crisis or emergency, your daughter will be kept at school until collected.

If a student needs to be looked after at school, until she can be collected, a wellequipped sick bay overseen by the school nurse is provided in the Boarding House. Students must go to the School Office first. In more serious cases, parents will be contacted as soon as possible.

If a student becomes very unwell and parents cannot be contacted, the school will arrange for the student to be seen by the School Nurse, or to be taken to the local accident and emergency department. The cost of such a visit is met by the family.

Appropriate school staff will be available to discuss with parents concerns about their daughter’s health. When requested, appropriate schoolwork will be provided for students who, because of sickness, will be away from school for more than five school days.

Parents will be informed by letter, by email or through InTouch of any outbreak of a communicable disease affecting the school community, and any recommended action or advice.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents are expected to keep their daughters at home and notify the school if their child is, or appears to be, unwell. If your child becomes ill during the school day, and is unable to return to class, we will contact you to collect them from school.

It is important that the school can contact you in an emergency; please assist us by keeping your emergency contact details (parents, guardian, a delegated other person and family doctor) and your daughter’s health information details up to date. The Principal or Deputy Principal will need to give permission for treatment in an emergency if the parent or nominated person cannot be contacted.

Please inform the Health Coordinator or School Nurse if your child requires medication during the school day. The school will then arrange for appropriate arrangements for the administration of the dose or doses and will keep the school health records up to date.

Medicines

All drugs and medicines should be deposited with the School Nurse. Exceptions may be made only with the approval of the Deputy Principal, School Psychologist, School Nurse, or by arrangement with the parent and GP (eg. in the case of allergies, asthma, diabetes or other condition).

A supply of approved first aid items, painkillers and plasters is kept in the School Office, specified faculty areas, and taken on school trips and outings. A comprehensive medicine cupboard is kept in the Boarding House and records are kept of the distribution of all medication, both prescribed and non-prescribed.

Communicable Diseases

In dealing with the risk of communicable diseases, Rangi Ruru is committed to looking after the interests of all students and staff.

Parents must inform the school if a student has, or has been in contact with a person with a communicable disease. The school recognises that people with some communicable diseases are often healthy and able to work and study. Where necessary for the protection of others, the school has the right to ask that person not to attend until a medical certificate of fitness is produced.

Information relating to persons with communicable diseases is confidential and will not be disclosed any further than is required to protect the health of that person and of others.

If a student affected by a communicable disease which could endanger the health of others, and is able to sit an examination, the school will arrange for the safe, separate supervision of that student.

Any student who may be exposed to a communicable disease (as determined by the Ministry of Health or an international health group) may be required to remain away from school (and Boarding House) for the period recommended by the Ministry of Health.

Guidance and Support Network

One of Rangi Ruru’s significant strengths is the pastoral network in the school. This consists of the Deputy Principal, Deans, Tutors, School Psychologist, Pathways & Careers Strategist, Learning Centre Leader, Boarding Staff, Wellbeing Coordinator, Head of Health, School Nurse and coordinators including High Performance (see HPL Programme) and learning support (see Learning Support section). These people have specialist training in the skills and abilities needed to help ensure that all students progress well through their years at school.

General Wellbeing

Use of Alcohol

Through various programmes in the school, students are given information and skills to help them establish responsible attitudes to the use of alcohol and drugs. The School Psychologist may be contacted at any time for information about alcohol and helpful guidelines for parents about teenage parties.

School Premises, Functions and Events

It is prohibited for students to possess or consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol, use vapes or illegal drugs on the school premises, on school camps or trips, at school functions, at school sporting fixtures, when representing the school as a member of a sporting or cultural team or otherwise, when wearing school uniform, or otherwise identifiable as being from Rangi Ruru, in public view, or in circumstances that may damage the reputation of the school.

Alcohol testing may be carried out at school events. The Principal may give permission at her discretion to allow the consumption of alcohol on the school premises, at school functions, or on school trips in special circumstances.

Staff and parents who have designated responsibility for students will not consume alcohol.

At school dances, the school will be responsible for students while they are at the dance venue. Before students arrive at the dance, and after they leave it, they are the responsibility of their parents.

Private Events

At private events held in association with school functions where students, parents and staff members are present, staff cannot be deemed accountable for students’ actions. On such occasions, parents or an adult member of their family or responsible adult (other than a staff member) nominated by the family will be in charge.

Licensed Premises

Where Rangi Ruru students are on licensed premises illegally and can be identified as Rangi Ruru students; this will be treated as a breach of school rules.

Smoking and Non-prescribed Drugs

Apart from being against the rules of the school, use of tobacco, vapes or other non-prescribed drugs is illegal on school grounds. Use of non-prescribed drugs on school grounds or when identifiable as a Rangi Ruru student will be considered a serious discipline issue.

Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing

Information relating to food and nutrition, lunch, Boarders’ lunches and Dining Room charges can be found on The Hub.

Smoking and Non-prescribed Drugs

Apart from being against the rules of the school, use of tobacco or other non-prescribed drugs is illegal on school grounds. Use of non-prescribed drugs on school grounds or when identifiable as a Rangi Ruru student will be considered a serious discipline issue.

Sunsafe

Melanoma awareness is part of health education in the school and students are expected to provide their own sun hat and sunscreen in Terms 1 and 4. Emergency sunscreen is available from the Boarding House office, the Sports or Physical Education office and the School Office.

Backpacks

As a rule young people should not carry more than 10% of their body weight. We do our best to provide convenient lockers and encourage a reduction in the amount that is carried.

Discipline and Complaints

We are proud of our school and we know that many parents send their girls to Rangi Ruru in part because of the school’s high standards and expectations. These act as a guide for our expectations of behaviours toward and of one another.

The school has the responsibility to ensure the safety, welfare and educational progress of all students in its care. High standards of behaviour and self-discipline are necessary in order to achieve this. On the whole, our community is exceptional in their support of the school rules. As parents, it is important to us that you understand and agree to the set of standards we expect from Rangi Ruru students and assist us in communicating their importance to your daughter and other members of our student community. Contact the Deputy Principal for further information on discipline and complaints.

Managing Discipline at School

Student discipline is not always an easy or pleasant task, yet we recognise it is our responsibility to assist students in this area of development and to create an environment for our entire community that is happy, safe and a pleasant place to learn and have fun. Effective discipline is a three-way job: parents-school-students. When we contact you about behaviour concerns, we are really seeking support and follow-up in helping the student realise that certain actions and/or attitudes are not appropriate. These actions make learning difficult or impossible, or may affect the emotional or physical wellbeing of oneself or others. Students rapidly adopt socially acceptable behaviour when they realise that the home and school share the same standards.

If you feel that discipline has been unfair or would like to discuss the situation, contact the staff member concerned or tutor in the first instance. This way we can ensure that the information we have is correct and discuss both the cause and effects of the action.

Any reports of harassment or bullying should be reported to the Year Level Dean, Deputy Principal, the School Psychologist or a staff member the student feels most comfortable to talk to.

Parent Concerns, Complaints and Issues

Life is easier and issues a great deal more manageable when we have open dialogue between school and home. We encourage and expect parents and students to contact and discuss concerns and issues with the school in the first instance.

A complaint is defined as any issue of complaint against a student or staff member that has been formalised by a letter or email to the school, or a concern or problem involving a parent, guardian, student or another staff member that remains unresolved and requires formal notification. Particularly where a prior approach has not produced an improved outcome, or this concern or problem is affecting progress and/or wellbeing at school of a student or staff member.

The school requires that complaints against a staff member or student are dealt with in a manner which is fair to all parties, consistent and flexible enough to take account of individual circumstances. We undertake to respond to parental concerns and complaints as promptly as possible and keep those involved advised on progress on their complaint or issue. The person complained about will be informed and have an opportunity to present his/her point of view.

A parent or student’s first contact should be the staff member/s involved or responsible for that student. Parents can contact staff by phone or email through the School Office. For more formal issues or complaints, parents and students should document their concerns to provide a clear record of the complaint for the school to investigate.

Accounts, Terms of Trade and Withdrawal

The school requires that all accounts are paid in full when due. A student’s position in the school becomes at risk if an account becomes more than one term overdue and an interview with the Principal will be required. Overdue accounts are reported to the Board on a monthly basis.

Discounts

Sibling discount - a fee discount of 5% per annum is offered for your second daughter and 10% for the third daughter when concurrently enrolled and prorated on fees actually paid.

Alumnae discount - members of the Rangi Ruru Alumnae (past pupil) will not be required to pay an application fee when enrolling their daughter.

Disbursements (“Gold Sheet”)

The phrase “gold sheet” is a general term for charging of disbursements and relates to when they were once actually charged on a gold sheet of paper. Disbursements will be charged monthly. The disbursements are shown with some brief detail on each statement.

These include the charges for stationery, music fees, camp fees, sports fees, canteen and several other incidentals that relate directly to your daughter’s activities. For the large items, we endeavour to get your consent first as it is realised that the extras can add up.

Limits can be applied to canteen purchases. Contact the Business Office to make arrangements.

We estimate that the average is around $1,500 to $2,000 per year but this varies depending on the activities your daughter takes part in. Speech and drama and music lessons are charged through the disbursement system. Payment is expected on receipt of each statement and no later than the 20th of the month.

Refund Policy

For many school events and activities, all or part of the cost is charged on a user pays basis allocated to the student participants. If your daughter is unable to attend or participate in an event or activity for any reason, please advise the Teacher in charge as soon as possible and we will attempt to cancel her involvement or reallocate costs. If this is not possible, parents may be gold sheeted and expected to pay all or some of the costs incurred.

Terms of Trade

All accounts must be paid by direct debit by the due date (tuition, boarding fees and any disbursements). A late payment charge of 1.5% compounding per month on the overdue balance will be added to the account.

The use of a collection agency is a last resort for the School, but if the account is not paid within sixty days after that due date then the School may pass that account to a debt collection agency or solicitor to collect. Our debt collection agent will charge a fee for collecting the account.

Where the total collection costs including legal and other costs exceeds the debt collection fee charged, our debt collection agent is also entitled to recover such additional costs from you. This clause is intended to be for the benefit of and enforceable by our debt collection agency under the Contracts (Privity) Act 1982.

Where accounts are consistently overdue and no effective repayment arrangements have been made, your daughter’s place in the School may be at risk.

If you have any queries regarding the payment of fees, terms of trade, disbursements or other items related to the business aspects of the school, contact the Business Manager.

Withdrawal

The majority of Rangi Ruru students leave school at the end of their Year 13 school year, however, due to family circumstances or training opportunities some students do leave school at earlier stages. If you can possibly manage to plan your move, it is worthwhile for students to see through their year of study.

If you feel you must withdraw your daughter earlier than the end of an academic year, you are required to give at least one term’s notice in writing to the Principal before withdrawing her. Withdrawal from the Boarding House is also withdrawal from the School and it is at the discretion of the Principal to enrol your daughter as a day girl. The Principal will notify the staff involved.

Students and their parents will need to work with teachers to arrange for the return of all books and equipment. Teachers will report grades to date and we will mail report cards to you after proper leaving procedures are completed.

Penalties

If the prescribed notice for withdrawal of one term is not adhered to, a penalty, the equivalent of one terms fees (tuition and boarding), may apply. Contact the Enrolment Manager for further information on withdrawal.

Parent Involvement

Parents support the school in many ways. Some give their time and commitment to school events, activities and committees or help when volunteers are called for, such as school camp, the second hand uniform shop, serving morning tea or supper at special events, or reader/writers for examinations. Some parents are able to assist with fundraising activities by giving their time, expertise, or donating goods to fairs and auctions.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA is an active and enthusiastic group who work to assist with fundraising for the school and to provide fellowship for parents and staff. They meet monthly and support special functions such as new entrant and parent education evenings, parent/daughter events and other social and fundraising events for parents. Contact the School Office or visit The Hub for further details on the PTA.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors was established in 1946 when the Presbyterian Church purchased Rangi Ruru. The Board is comprised of at least 15 people, nine ordinary members of which at least four are current or past parents, the Principal, a nominee of the Old Girls’ Association, a nominee of the teaching staff and at least three honorary members. Board terms are generally for three years. The Board functions through several committees, the Principal being an ex officio member of all as well as being a full member of the main Board.

Parents interested in being involved as a Board member can send a CV to the Board Secretary, see The Hub for details.