St Patrick’s College WELLINGTON

PROSPECTUS

Family Mass

St Patrick’S collegeWellington

ProSPectuS 2018

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

Rector's Welcome .........................................................................................4

Vision, Mission and Values ...........................................................................5

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

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

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

Activities Outside the Classroom ................................................................12

Pastoral Care ..............................................................................................14

Learning Support ........................................................................................15

Communication with Parents and Caregivers ............................................16

St Patrick’s College Senior Leadership Team

PO Box 14-022, 581 Evans Bay Parade, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022, New Zealand

Telephone (04) 939-3070 Fax (04) 939-3077 Email: admin@stpats.school.nz

Website: www.stpats.school.nz

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Rector Mr Neal Swindells

Deputy Rector Mr Wayne Mills

Assistant Rector Mr David Martin

supported by Ms Sarah Parkinson, Mr Chris Taylor and Mr Doug Walker

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome to St Patrick's College. This Prospectus provides just a glimpse of the opportunities and experiences available to your son if he becomes a student at St Patrick’s College. It is easy to detail information about courses, sporting and cultural opportunities, however, 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 a strong sense of belonging to their College.

The College aims to provide a disciplined, caring environment in which students can learn and thrive. The College exercises firm but fair discipline when and where it is appropriate, and encourages each student to strive for excellence. We expect that our students 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. We work closely with our parents to help grow good men.

The Marist tradition of treating each student 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, spiritual, 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. Our students love their College and are proud to be part of this special community.

The decision you make with your son about his secondary schooling will have far reaching effects for him and for you. I am 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, Ms Lucy MacLeod, or myself if you need further information or wish to discuss any aspect of your decision.

Yours sincerely

Neal Swindells RECTOR

St Patrick’s collegeWellington

Our VisionTo be a Catholic community that empowers our young men to become the best version of the person God created them to be.

Our MissionWe develop and educate our young men in a nurturing environment based on our Marist traditions and values. Each student is inspired to grow and excel supported by staff, parents, whanau, caregivers and our wider community.

Our MottoSectare Fidem - hold firm to the faith.

Our Strategic Focus AreasAn enduring Catholic and Marist character that embraces brotherhood, tikanga Maori, 1. community and faith.

Holistic education that prepares boys for tomorrow's world.2.

A flexible, creative and progressive learning environment.3.

A school that embraces modern practices and technologies4.

Our Core ValuesFaith - Kia Ū, Kia Mau. Live and teach the values of Jesus Christ in the way of Mary, showing our love for God and serving our neighbour.

Excellence - Ko te whai i te kairangatiratanga. Be the best we can in all aspects of College and personal life.

Learning - Ako. Strive for academic success and nurture a love of learning.

Community - Hapori. Build positive relationships with students and their families, staff and the wider community.

Wellbeing - Hauora. Foster self-discipline, resilience, integrity and self-esteem in a safe and caring environment.

Brotherhood - Manaakitanga. Show respect, care and support for each other with a commitment to social justice.

ViSion, MiSSion and ValueS

St Patrick’s College is a Catholic Integrated boys College owned by the Society of Mary (the Marists) situated on an attractive site near the sea at Kilbirnie. Students come to the College from every part of Wellington. 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.

HiStory

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. Current seismic strengthening, asbestos removal and modernisation work will ensure the College maintains its excellent facilities.

tHe SPecial cHaracter of St Patrick’S college

St Patrick’s College serves the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Wellington, and the Proprietors, the Society of Mary, as a major provider of Catholic education for young men. The primary reason for the College’s existence is to teach students to live the values of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.

This means, each student will

Participate in religious education classes from Year 9 to Year 13•

Experience unique opportunities for spiritual growth during retreats tailored to meet the needs of his age •group

Attend liturgies and Masses designed to bring faith alive for young people•

Have the opportunity to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist•

The College’s partnership with home is a fundamental part of the Marist approach to education and is realised in many ways including the Parents of Patricians programme, regular communication from the College, easy access to teachers and numerous opportunities for parents to become involved in the College community through the Parents' Association, the Home/School Partnership, the Women’s Group and Whanau Hui’s, or through supporting our sporting and cultural programmes.

The College’s Ministry team, led by our College Priest, Fr Pat Brophy, work to promote and enhance the Special Character of our College by encouraging our students to practise their Faith in their words and actions.

Throughout their time at St Patrick’s students share many experiences which develop a camaraderie and sense of belonging which leads to life-long friendships. At the same time as they are developing the skills needed for the 21st century, our students 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 132 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.

Our hope is that when our students leave the College, they will have a strong set of Christian values that will guide them throughout their lives. We want them to become the leaders of our Church and to serve the communities in which they live.

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. 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. All Year 9 students study the following subjects:

Art, English, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Social Studies and Technology. Students then choose two or three options from a choice of: Business Studies, French, Graphics, History, Te Reo Maori, Music or Samoan.

Both English and Mathematics classes are banded to provide opportunities for extension and additional support. We run one streamed class to better enable academic extension for those who require it.

The focus of Year 10 is to build on this foundation and prepare students to successfully undertake NCEA Level 1. Students continue to study their core subjects. Students select two options from a choice of: Art, Economics, French, Geography, Graphics, History, Te Reo Maori, Music, Samoan and Drama.

The streamed class have the opportunity to undertake Science at NCEA Level 1 and some students will do NCEA Level 1 Maths.

All Year 9 students are expected to have a Chromebook to assist with their learning.

curriculuM

Senior CurriculumThe majority of senior courses are assessed through NCEA Achievement Standards which contain both internal and external assessments. The focus of the senior curriculum is to allow pathways for all students to reach their full academic potential and gain relevant qualifications.

At Year 11, students study English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education and two other subject options.

At Year 12, students study English and Religious Education. They also select four other subject options. These options are selected in consultation with their Tutor Teachers, Careers Advisor and parents.

At Year 13, students study Religious Education and four or five subject options.These options are selected in consultation with their Tutor Teachers, Subject Teachers, Careers Advisor and parents.

Subjects currently offered within the senior curriculum include:

Programming Technology Religious Education Samoan Science Technology Te Reo Maori

Accounting Art Art Design Automotive Engineering Biology Building Chemistry Classical Studies

Digital Technology Drama Economics English English Language Food and Nutrition French Future Careers Gateway

Geography Graphics History Mathematics Media Studies Music Outdoor Education Physics Physical Education

actiVitieS outSide tHe claSSrooMA wide range of activities are available for students to participate in outside the classroom. As a College, we strongly encourage students to fully engage with the extra-curricular life of the College. These activities are run by staff, parents and members of our wider college community and encourage students to challenge themselves individually as well as strengthen their teamwork skills.

SportSt Pat's has an extensive sporting programme and encourages all students to play sports. We place a strong emphasis on fair play and true sportsmanship. In recent years our teams have excelled in Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Futsal, Rowing, Rugby and Volleyball, to name a few.

For a full list of sports offered at the College, please refer to our College website.

MusicThe College has a strong and proud tradition of musical success. We provide individual music tuition for those wishing to learn singing or to play particular instruments. Opportunities are provided for students to form their own music groups or participate in the Jazz Band. Choral activities include solos, barbershop quartets and choirs, with entry in major choral competitions being a feature of the year. Our students are encouraged to perform.

CultureWe provide a wide variety of opportunities for students to participate in cultural activities. Dramatic and musical productions take place every second year, we have a strong debating club at the College and public speaking has been a strength of the College for many years. We participate in O’Shea Shield each year with consistent success. This year we competed in the Shakespeare Festival

The Kapa Haka and Pasifika groups are open to all students. Students also have the opportunity to learn Sasa each year as part of the College House Competition.

ServiceWe have an active Young Vinnies group at the College who organise multiple appeals each year. This group also provides opportunities for students to participate in outreach programmes such as Rest Home visits and Home of Compassion Soup Kitchen duties.

Outdoor EducationAll students participate in camps in Years 9 and 10, held at the College’s property at Waiohine in the Wairarapa. During these camps, students learn skills in tramping, river-crossing, kayaking, abseiling and rafting. We also provide opportunities for students to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh programme at all levels.

In Year 12 and 13, Outdoor Education is a subject option and as part of this course, students are offered an extensive range of outdoor skills.

PaStoral careThe College recognises the importance of providing good guidance to its students as they progress through the College. The House system helps build relationships between students, staff and parents. All students 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.

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. 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 students 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.

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.

Careers AdvisorThe Careers Advisor helps students to identify and clarify their strengths and interests, and from this to determine what occupations may suit them in the future. They are able to work out what courses students 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.

learning SuPPortThe SPC Learning Support Department provides assistance for students in mainstream classes. This support ranges from teacher aide guidance in classes, reader/writer assistance for assessments and monitoring of numeracy and literacy needs. Learning needs are identified by way of testing in Year 8, feedback from contributing schools, teacher observation and professional assessments provided by parents.

Students with Specific Learning DifficultiesSt Patrick’s College recognises that dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, aspergers and those with auditory and visual processing delays can have a significant impact on school life. Our school is committed to helping these students achieve to the best of their ability. Usually these students do not receive any extra support or funding from the Ministry of Education. They are fully mainstreamed and are supported by the Learning Support Department and in some cases also receive teacher aide support.

Junior SchoolYear 9 and 10 students who are having difficulties with numeracy and literacy will be in classes with extra learning support. The curriculum is adapted to the students needs, the classes are smaller and some classes have a teacher aide to support the teacher.

Senior SchoolThere are a number of alternative classes that focus on students who have difficulties learning. The intention is to keep class numbers down for greater individual tuition and in some cases provide teacher aides to support students in small groups. Time spent in preparation for assessments will be based on the learning styles and abilities of the students.

Special Assessment Conditions (SAC)Special Assessment Conditions may be given for students with recognised learning difficulties, physical disability, sight or hearing impairment, or a medical condition. To be eligible for SAC, data to support the application is needed from a registered assessor and from school-based evidence.

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coMMunicating WitH ParentS and caregiVerSCommunication 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 realized.

Formal communication includes newsletters which are distributed at regular intervals during the year, and weekly emails. Information regarding students’ academic performance is communicated to parents electronically through the Parent Portal on KAMAR.

Early in Term 1, Year 9 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.

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 available from the KAMAR Parent Portal each Friday so that parents can see how well their son has worked during the week.

“We contribute with God to forming a man. When a man leaves the hand of his nurse, he is only a rough sketch. We must make a man of him: form his heart, his character, his virtue... This is what education does. Nothing is more exalted. You give

him, as it were, a second creation.”

Father Jean-Claude Colin,Founder of the Society of Mary, 1838