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St Patrick’s College Wellington Prospectus

St Patrick's College Wellington

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Page 1: St Patrick's College Wellington

St Patrick’s CollegeWellington

Prospectus

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Page 2: St Patrick's College Wellington

Dear Parents and Caregivers

In the pages of the Prospectus we are able to provide but a glimpse of the opportunities and experiences available to your son if he becomes a student at St Patrick’s College. Whilst it is easy to detail information about courses, uniform, etc it is much more difficult to convey those intangible things which are unique to St Patrick’s College. These intangibles come from the shared experience of our Catholic faith, from the lasting friendships which develop among students, from the hours of extra time given to students by their teachers, from the many special events which enrich the College year and give students great memories of their school days.

The College aims to provide a disciplined caring environment in which students can arrive at self discipline, self control and good behaviour. The College exercises firm but fair discipline when and where it is appropriate, and encourages each student to strive for excellence. We expect that the boys will have pride in their personal appearance, perform the best they can, and that their behaviour will bring credit on themselves and their family. The College aims to foster a variety of opportunities for personal and social development. With the boys and their caregivers in partnership, each can share in the successes of the boys and assist where necessary in the guidance of their sons.

The Marist tradition of treating each pupil as a unique individual who can grow in a caring and nurturing environment is present in all aspects of the College life. The special character of this College comes from creating a balance between the academic, cultural and sporting aspects of life, along with the Gospel values on which the College has its foundation. The environment created is one of friendliness and unity. By fostering College pride students give of their best in everything they do as they portray themselves, their home and their College.

The decision you make with your son about his secondary schooling will have far reaching effects for him and for you. I’m sure if you choose St Patrick’s College you will enjoy your association with the College. Please feel free to contact the Co-ordinator of Year 9, Brother Matthew, or myself if you need further information or wish to discuss any aspect of your decision.

Yours sincerely

Fr Paul Martin SM RECTOR

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St Patrick’s College

Wellington

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VisionTo build a community in which we strive for excellence, value each individual, promote well-being and live Gospel values in a Marist way.

Mission StatementEducation at Saint Patrick’s is based on Marist tradition and philosophy in which each student is treated as a unique individual who is enabled to grow spiritually, academically, culturally, emotionally, physically and socially in a nurturing Catholic environment.

Core Values

GospelLive and teach the values of Jesus Christ.

CommunityBuild and value partnerships between College, family, Church and local community.

ExcellenceStrive for excellence in all aspects of College and personal life.

SafetyProvide a safe, caring environment in which students can develop self esteem, self discipline and integrity.

Pastoral careFoster pastoral care through personal, spiritual and social opportunities.

KnowledgeValue knowledge through teaching and learning processes.

Tikanga MaoriHonour the principles in the Treaty of Waitangi and promote Tikanga Maori and Te Reo Maori within the College.

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Charter

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St Pat's Goes Marching InBy noted artist & Old Boy Julian Knap

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History..............................................................................................................6

The Special Character of St Patrick’s College ....................................8

Curriculum ................................................................................................... 10

Standards and Discipline ....................................................................... 13

Activities Outside the Classroom ........................................................ 14

Communication with Parents and Caregivers ............................... 17

Pastoral Care ............................................................................................... 18

Uniform ........................................................................................................ 19

Transport ...................................................................................................... 20

St Patrick’s College Senior Leadership Team

P O Box 14-022, 581 Evans Bay Parade, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241, New Zealand

Telephone (04) 939-3070 Fax (04) 939-3077 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stpats.school.nz

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Contents

Rector Fr Paul Martin SM

Deputy Rector Mr Wayne Mills

Assistant Rector Mr David Martin

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St Patrick’s College is a Catholic Integrated boys College situated on an attractive site near the sea at Kilbirnie. Students come to the College from every part of Wellington, and in some cases from as far north as Waikanae and the Wairarapa. At senior levels in the College there is some sharing of classes with girls from nearby St Catherine’s College.

The College carries the name of St Patrick, the great saint of Ireland. Much of St Patrick’s life is shrouded in mystery and legend. He was probably born around 385 Ad, and as a young man was taken captive to Ireland as a slave. As a slave he worked as a herdsman, until he escaped to France. There he prepared for the priesthood, and was ordained bishop of Ireland. Patrick returned to Ireland where he converted many people and organised the church throughout the country. Patrick is thought to have died in 461 AD and to be buried in Downpatrick.

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History

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St Patrick’s College was founded by Archbishop Francis Redwood SM in 1885. It was one of the first fruits of the Society of Mary (Marists) whose members played such a prominent part in the

establishment of the Catholic faith in New Zealand. The College was first staffed by Irish Marists whose zeal, drive and enthusiasm caught the imagination of the Catholic population

of New Zealand. In 1931 the boarding section of St Patrick’s was transferred to Silverstream, to allow room for the expanding numbers of students on the Cambridge Terrace site.

This decision gave rise to “Town” and “Stream”, the two St Patrick’s Colleges linked by their common name, history, and the many competitive and co-operative events

in which they participate together.

In 1979 St Patrick’s College shifted from its Cambridge Terrace site to new purpose-built facilities adjacent to Kilbirnie Green and Evans Bay.

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These facilities have given the College a standard of accommodation that

matches most other schools.

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The special Character of St Patrick’s College

“The belief that each individual has his own unique range of talents given by God underpins the continual encouragement students receive to do their very

best in everything they do.”

St Patrick’s College serves the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Wellington as a major provider of Catholic education for young men. The primary reason for the College’s existence is to teach its students to live the values of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. These values are found in Scripture, and in the practices, worship and teachings of the Catholic Church. They form the foundation of our education of Special Character at St Patrick’s College.

The Catholic and Marist character of St Patrick’s College permeates all areas of College life. This special character is summarised in the College Mission Statement:

In practical terms this means a student at St Patrick’s College will be involved in up-to-date and relevant religious education classes throughout his time at the College. He will have unique opportunities for spiritual growth during retreats tailored to the needs of his age group. He will experience liturgies and Masses designed to bring faith alive for young people, involving them in all aspects of preparation and celebration. For students who have not received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, or Eucharist there are programmes run in conjunction with the students’ parishes which prepare them to receive one or all of these sacraments.

Mission StatementEducation at Saint Patrick’s is based on Marist tradition and

philosophy in which each student is treated as a unique individual

who is enabled to grow spiritually, academically, culturally, emotionally, physically and socially in a nurturing

Catholic environment.

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The College has a chaplaincy team of four, including the College Chaplain. Together they work to promote and enhance the Special Character of our College through organising retreats, Masses, liturgies, professional development on Special Character, displays and many other tasks. In accord with its Marist heritage the College seeks to bring Mary’s spirit to all, through gentle, wise, and patient guidance.

In all areas the College’s resources are available to parents to assist them as the “first educators” of their children. This partnership with parents is a fundamental part of the Marist approach to education, and is realised in many practical ways – regular communications from the College, easy access to teachers, support for families experiencing difficulties, and a welcoming environment for parents who wish to participate in any College activities or groups associated with the College.

The belief that each individual has his own unique range of talents given by God underpins the continual encouragement students receive to do their very best in everything they do. It is also the reason why St Patrick’s College ensures that a wide range of courses and activities is always available to students:

• in the curriculum by providing courses of different types within the same subject and by providing an ever-expanding range of programmes to support student learning

• in sport by providing teams at many different levels within each sport, and by making a diverse range of sports available to students

• in cultural activities by providing tuition at many different levels in art, music, drama, public speaking, and by educating students to be informed and appreciative listeners and viewers if their talents do no lie in performing.

Throughout their time at St Patrick’s students share many experiences which develop a camaraderie and sense of belonging which develops into life-long friendships. At the same time as they are developing the skills needed for the 21st century they come to know themselves as part of the unbroken line of St Patrick’s College Old Boys who have left the College throughout the last 126 years. Pride in the achievements of those who have gone before them is an integral part of pride in themselves and in their College. This sense of belonging is a powerful motivation to do one’s best in all things.

It is very important to us that parents and students feel part of the College. The Becoming A Patrician programme is a time for parents and students to work together on matters of belonging to St Patrick's and addressing matters of faith. Parents are expected to attend a session each term to look at the issues to be covered with their son. They then work through a booklet with their son. This brings parents together and provides a forum for them to talk with their sons about what it means to be Catholic, Marist and Patrician.

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The special Character of St Patrick’s College

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The College curriculum is structured to allow all students to develop academically and achieve to their full potential during their years at St Patrick’s College. The curriculum is organised in to subject areas to allow students to progress through academic pathways within the College. These varied academic pathways allow all students to successfully develop in their areas of interest, and achieve academic qualifications relevant to assisting them in achieving their future aspirations.

Junior CurriculumThe focus of Year 9 is to provide a sound foundation upon which students can build a successful academic career at the College. The focus of Year 10 is to continue to build on the foundation of Year 9 study and prepare students to successfully undertake NCEA Level 1. Class structure at Years 9 and 10 provides the opportunity for students to undertake extension programmes. In these programmes students will study core subjects but their programme content and delivery will be modified in order to extend and challenge these students. Learning support for all students is a feature of the junior curriculum with extra staffing of junior classes and additional assistance for students provided to ensure all students achieve the best possible foundation to their College education. The options offered in Years 9 and 10 are in subject areas where understanding is required to be developed prior to attempting NCEA Level 1 in Year 11.

Year 9 CurriculumYear 9 students complete the following core subjects in their first year at College; Art, English, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Social Science and Technology.

Students can also select three option subjects from a choice of; Business Studies, French, Graphics, History, Maori, Music or Samoan. Students undertake one of their options in the first half of the year and their other option choices in the second half of the year. Students studying a language undertake this for half the year.

Year 10 CurriculumYear 10 students complete the following core subjects in their second year at College; English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Social Science and Technology. Students can also select two option subjects from a choice of; Art, Economics, French, Graphics, History, Japanese, Maori, Music and Samoan.

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Curriculum

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Literacy and Numeracy SupportStudents in Year 9 are grouped for English and Mathematics according to their curriculum levels. This enables us to provide better teaching and learning opportunities for them. This also provides an opportunity to extend them further. Classes in these two subjects are smaller in size. The College is also participating in the Ministry of Education's Numeracy Project which many students have experienced at primary level.

There is also a programme for those who are ESOL students. This helps them to have the individualised care they require in order to be able to access the curriculum more effectively.

Senior CurriculumThe majority of senior courses are assessed through Achievement Standards which contain some internal components as well as an external examination at the end of the year. The focus of the senior curriculum is to allow pathways for all students to reach their full academic potential and gain relevant qualifications. There are a number of subjects that offer parallel courses in the same year in order to cater for different students’ academic needs.

The variety of subjects offered will allow all students to undertake an effective and appropriate course of study relevant to their needs and areas of interest leading to University and other tertiary providers or the work force. Students can undertake study at more than one level in order to allow them to study a programme appropriate to their educational requirements. Subjects offered within the Senior Curriculum include:

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Accounting Art Art Design Automotive Engineering Biology Building Chemistry Classical Studies Computer Studies Design Technology Drama Economics English ESOL French Furniture Gateway Geography Graphics History Mathematics Media Studies Music Outdoor Education Physics Physical Education Print Design Religious Education Samoan Science Technology Te Reo Maori Transition & Hospitality

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Year 11Year 11 students complete a core of English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Religious Education and Science. Students choose two other options to study towards NCEA Level 1. Students may select to undertake Year 12 courses towards NCEA Level 2 in order to build on extension programmes undertaken in Years 9 and 10

Year 12Year 12 students complete a core of English and Religious Education and then chose four option subjects to study. The aim of Year 12 is for students to work towards achieving NCEA Level 2. Students at Year 12 may select to study at Year 13 level for extension if their achievement in the previous year has been excellent.

Year 13Students chose five option subjects to study in Year 13. Religious Education is a compulsory subject. The aim for Year 13 is for students to work towards achieving NCEA Level 3, University Entrance and Scholarship qualifications.

Homework and StudyHomework and revision of class work plays an important role in the level of student achievement. All students are expected to complete homework as part of their course work in each subject.

Year 9 and 10 students are expected to complete 11/2 hours of study each week night as part of their course work. Students in Years 11 to 13 are expected to complete 21/2 hours of work each week night as part of their course work. Students are given information on how to organise and study effectively, and will participate in study skills programmes.

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Curriculum continued

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Everything students do at St Patrick’s College plays a part in developing personal confidence and self-discipline. Standards of behaviour and appearance are clearly stated to students, so they know exactly what is expected of them. The cornerstones of the College’s approach to discipline are:

• respect for oneself

• respect for others

• respect for society

• respect for the environment

These are placed within the context of loving God, loving ourselves and our neighbour, and an appreciation of creation. Offences are seen as breaking down trust and friendship within the school community; and if they occur in classrooms, as infringements of the rights other students have to learn. A student’s right to learn without distraction from others is seen as paramount. Tutor teachers and House Leaders play key roles in assisting students to change behaviour which is inappropriate, and parents are kept fully informed and involved if there is a problem.

Students are expected to maintain high standards in their personal appearance. This is part of being proud of themselves and of their College. It is also a vital part of preparing students for the world of work, where personal presentation can matter a great deal in achieving their ambitions.

The majority of students come to St Patrick’s College with good manners and courtesy acquired from their parents. These things are a valued part of the culture of the College, because they have as their basis consideration for others. All students are gently but firmly encouraged in these habits.

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Standards and Discipline

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A wide range of activities are available for students to enjoy outside the classroom. These allow students to develop individual talents and teamwork skills at the same time as they have a great deal of fun with others of similar interests. The range of activities and the expertise of staff involved in them is second to none.

Individual and Team SportsThese include athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, cricket, cross country, golf, hockey, multi-sport, mountain-biking, rowing, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, touch rugby, water polo, and yachting.

The majority of sports are provided at different levels so that students of all abilities can participate. Sporting involvement provides students with the opportunity to develop many personal skills and to have a great deal of fun in the process. The College has a great depth of experience in the provision of sport of all types. Concepts of fair play and true sportsmanship are key components in every sport.

Students are required to play for College teams if selected, and need permission from the Sports Co-ordinator to play for an outside club.

Participation in winter sports is strongly encouraged for all students, with a wide range of sports available for them to choose from.

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Activities Outside the Classroom“…students develop individual talents and teamwork skills at the same time as they have a great deal of fun…”

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Cultural ActivitiesDramatic and musical productions take place each year, in co-operation with St Catherine’s College. There are many informal short presentations at Assemblies and Masses during the year involving a wide range of students.

Vigorous and successful involvement in public speaking and debating has been a feature of the history of St Patrick’s College. Debating teams have competed with considerable success locally and nationally, and members have been part of winning New Zealand international teams. In recent years St Patrick’s College has won the O’Shea Shield, the prestigious Catholic schools’ public speaking and drama competition. All students learn basic presentation skills in their classroom activities, and for those who have particular skills in public-speaking there are many avenues to extend them outside the classroom.

In music individual tuition is provided for students wishing to learn singing or to play particular instruments. Opportunities are provided for participation in the Jazz Band and instrumental groups. Choral activities include solos, barbershop quartets, and choirs, with entry in major choral competitions being a feature of the year. In recent years the Choir has consistently qualified for the National Secondary Schools finale and achieved numerous Gold and Silver awards. All students participate in singing practice for liturgies and other

school events.The Multi-cultural Club is a performing group open to all students. They are accomplished performers of Maori and Pacific Island music and dance, and regular performers at school and community events.

In art there are opportunities for students to be involved in producing the artwork which is a feature of the College’s hallways; in painting many large and diverse banners which are used in school events; and in preparing artwork and photographs for various College publications. Everyone participates in the Creative Festival which is held during winter, and which always reveals surprising talents among students.

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Activities Outside the Classroom“…students develop individual talents and teamwork skills at the same time as they have a great deal of fun…”

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Service Organisations Many students find both personal growth and a quiet satisfaction in assisting others as part of the community service organisations in the College. St Vincent de Paul (“St Vinnies”) members do work such as assisting at the soup kitchen, and senior students help disabled youngsters with swimming lessons. St Vinnies collect food and money for organisations such as the Home of Compassion, food banks, Caritas, and specific Catholic missions.

There is an expectation that students perform an act of service each year and this is monitored by their Tutor teacher. This is to build a sense of responsibility and care for others.

Outdoor EducationAll students participate in camps in Years 9 and 10, held at the College’s property at Waiohine in the Wairarapa. During these two years students learn skills in tramping, river-crossing, kayaking, abseiling and rafting. In Years 12 and 13 students are able to do Outdoor Education as one of their subjects, and as part of this develop a more extensive range of outdoor skills. The course covers Unit Standards in Outdoor Recreation and students can work towards gaining a National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Assistant Leadership). Students at this level have the opportunity to participate in courses at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Turangi, and in Spirit of Adventure and Outward Bound courses.

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Activities Outside the Classroom continued

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The College recognises the importance of providing good guidance to its pupils as they progress through the College. The House system helps build relationships between students, staff and parents. All pupils belong to one of four houses. Each house is made up of eight tutor groups. Each tutor group is made up of students from years 9-13.

The students remain in the same tutor group for the time they are at the College and have the same tutor teacher. This enables relationships to develop between pupils in the tutor group, the pupil and the tutor teacher and the tutor teacher and the parents. Pastoral care of students is fundamental to the special character of St Patrick's College. All staff are involved in pastoral care, but some have very specific roles.

Tutor TeachersTutor teachers have particular responsibilities for a group of students known as their tutor group. The tutor teacher monitors a student’s progress, makes sure a student’s behaviour facilitates his learning and that of others, and assists with any difficulties a student may encounter. Tutor teachers also give advice on courses and refer students to specialist staff when necessary. The tutor teacher will get to know a student and his parents over the years, which enables a close link between home and the College.

House LeadersHouse Leaders have overall responsibilities for the pupils in their house and are concerned with both the academic progress and behaviour of students in their care. House Leaders and tutor teachers work together closely to ensure that each student is able to make the best of the opportunities available to him, and to ensure any difficulties a student encounters can be overcome. House Leaders have an important role in advising students on their choice of courses.

Guidance CounsellorThe guidance counsellor carries out counselling on a one-to-one basis, and assists students with problems of a personal nature, whether their origins be at school or outside it. The guidance counsellor is also involved in running programmes on drug and alcohol education, smoking, sexuality, and anger management.

ChaplaincyThe College Chaplain, Mrs Wright, is readily available to students for advice on personal or spiritual matters. She works with other members of the Chaplaincy team to see that the liturgical life of the College is well developed. She also provides support for families in times of bereavement. The Chaplain is instrumental in assisting students to make a deeper commitment to their faith.

Careers AdvisorThe careers advisor helps students to clarify their strengths and interests, and from this to determine what occupations may suit them in the future. Time spent with the careers advisor is often a very motivating experience for students. They are able to work out what courses they need to take when they leave school, and knowing well in advance what the entry requirements are for those courses, assists them to apply themselves to their studies at school. The careers advisor is available to meet with parents and caregivers as well as students from any level in the College.

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Pastoral Care

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Communication between parents and staff is a vital component of the shared responsibility for a student’s education and well-being. An important principle of the College philosophy is the working together of home and school for the good of the student. The College encourages communication between both so that the good of the students will be realised.

Formal communication includes the newsletters which are sent home at regular intervals during the year. Information regarding students’ academic performance will be communicated to parents in formal reports 2–3 times a year. Parents of senior students will receive updates on student progress toward completion of NCEA twice a year.

Parents are encouraged to contact staff members when there are issues or questions they may have. Staff will also contact home when there is something of concern or something good to be reported upon.

Early in Term 1 parents are invited to the College to meet the members of the staff and to meet their son's tutor teacher. This is the beginning of a relationship which will endure for the time their son is at the College

The guidance counsellor is always available for discussion with parents, and the confidentiality of these discussions is assured.

A great deal of informal communication also takes place between parents and staff at various College events and activities.

The College makes extensive use of e-mail for communicating with home, as well as the College website which contains relevant information for parents.

Weekly NotesThe College has a system called Weekly Notes which monitors student effort. Each subject teacher gives a grade between one (the lowest) and five (highest) as a measure of the student's effort in the subject during the week. This grade is averaged out and provides an overall grade for the week. These 'notes' are e-mailed home each Friday so that parents can see how well their son has worked during the week. If a student gains an average above 4.2 he gains a distinction and points for his house. If he is below 2.7 he is 'off the board' and measures are taken to remedy his effort. There is an expectation that students gain above 3.5 and those who are below this are given advice and guidance to help them improve their effort. Weekly Notes are a powerful tool for indicating the effort that a student is putting into his learning.

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Communicating with Parents and Caregivers

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The wearing of complete school uniform between home and school and when attending all school functions and practices, either as spectators or participants, is compulsory unless instructions have been issued to the contrary. Students are subject to school discipline when any item of uniform is being worn. Clothing is to be well fitting, in a state of good repair, clean, and correctly worn to ensure a neat and tidy appearance. It is recommended that parents purchase clothing at least one size larger than would normally be required, as students grow out of clothing far faster than expected. All clothing must be clearly and permanently named.

Formal and Winter UniformPale-blue polyester-cotton shirt (long sleeve) College tie Charcoal long trousers and black belt College Pullover College Vest for Year 13 students only (optional) College blazer (optional at Year 9 level) Black socks Black leather shoes

Formal dress uniform is worn by all students for sports events and College functions. In terms 2 and 3 students are required to wear formal uniform to school each day. Year 9 students are not required to have a blazer. When long trousers are worn, the blue shirt and College tie are compulsory, along with either the blazer, College jersey, or College jacket. College pupils participating in sports functions are required to wear either the full College formal uniform or the College royal-blue and white track suit.

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Uniform

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Summer UniformNavy College shorts, Pale-blue polyester-cotton shirt (long sleeves), College pullover, Pale-blue walk socks, Black leather shoes. Black or brown leather sandals without coloured markings may be worn during the summer months. When sandals are worn, no socks are allowed. Jandals are not permitted at any time.

RainwearCollege blue and white jacket

Physical Education UniformHouse shirt Shorts – mid-blue shorts Socks – plain white ankle socks

Sale of New UniformsAll uniform items are supplied through the College Uniform Shop, open each Thursday at lunchtime 12.45 to 1.30pm during term time, and for an extended period before school starts in February.

Sale of Used ClothingSales of good used clothing are also held at the College, organised by the Women's Group throughout the year, and parents will be notified of the dates the the Second Hand Uniform Shop is open.

TransportAccommodation for bicycles is provided for students who are able to cycle to school. Senior students are allowed to bring cars to school if they obtain permission from the Deputy Rector and comply with strict rules. Buses specifically for students run before and after school from a number of Wellington suburbs. A bus runs from Porirua Station through Churton Park and Johnsonville. There are also College buses to and from the railway station in the morning and afternoon. These buses connect with trains running on the Johnsonville, Paraparaumu, Wairarapa and Hutt lines, and buses from city suburbs. All buses for College students set down and pick up students outside the College. Train passes are available at the Season Ticket Office at Wellington Railway Station on production of an application form stamped by the College.

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Uniform continued