College Charter

 
DESCRIPTION
St Dominic’s Catholic College for Girls from Years 7 – 13 in Henderson, West Auckland is founded in the Dominican Tradition which underpins all that we do as a school community. It is central to the ethos of the College and provides a solid foundation from which to plan and to move forward as a learning community that values its tradition and accepts the challenges of the future.
 
 
MAORI DIMENSION
The College recognises the National Educational Priorities and is committed to improving the learning outcomes for Maori students.This commitment includes taking reasonable steps to meet any request of parents for instruction in Te Reo Maori by utilising appropriately qualified staff and / or the Correspondence School.
 
For our students this means:
 

• An opportunity to study Te Reo Maori to senior level
• An expectation to achieve to high standards
• An expectation to attend regularly

 
For management this means:
 

• Analysing achievement related data for Maori students
• Setting specific targets related to improving achievement levels of Maori students
• Working with Maori / Pasifika teachers and parents in establishing action plans to meet the above goals

 
For all staff this means:
 

• Understanding basic Tikanga Maori
• Having high expectations of Maori students

 
School Community (As at  1 July 2011)
 

 

 
 
Part 2:  THE SIX STRATEGIC PILLARS
 
 

1.  Promote a  culture of academic excellence

A focus on achievement which challenges each student to reach her potential and succeed as a lifelong learner.
 
Strategic Initiatives:
 

• Ensure that all girls are goal focused in their learning
• Wide use of achievement data to target learning needs and to inform effective teaching practices
• Raise attainment levels for Maori and Pasifika students aligning with the general College cohort levels
• Prepare students in their learning programmes to adapt to a changing world
• Ensure all students in Years 7 and 8 attain national standards
• Lifting NCEA pass levels annually to set targets so that at least 95% of Year 13 leave with Level 2
• Ensuring levels of literacy and numeracy across the College at all levels exceed expectations of national norms
• Provide programmes for students who are gifted and for those requiring special assistance

2. To have the highest quality staff and leadership

To  recruit, retain and develop high quality and effective staff who inspire and motivate ongoing growth
 
Strategic Initiatives
 

• Policies and practices that encourage the appointment and retention of high quality staff
• Strengthen practices that develop and maintain a professional learning community, effective and current best practices and overall organisational efficiency that maximise positive outcomes
• To continue to develop the College’s Student and Learning Management Systems and ensure that the staff use it to its fullest capabilities

3. Maintain and enhance the Special Catholic Character

Provide an authentic and meaningful Catholic education within the Dominican tradition
 
Strategic Initiatives
 

• Focus on the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Nurture and strengthen the Dominican Charism
• Ensure a faith filled community that espouses the Gospel values that are part of College life
• Develop the concept of the St Dominic’s College student
• Develop the concept of a St Dominic’s College teacher
• Integrating excellent pastoral programmes based on the philosophy of restorative practice (Dominican Dialogue)

4. Provide a wide range of co-curricula opportunities

Lift student participation and levels of excellence in co-curricula activities which contribute meaningfully to an holistic educational experience
 
Strategic Initiatives
 

• Encourage all girls to be involved in the wider life of the College
• Build the strength of Maori, Pacific and other ethnic groups in terms of  cultural understanding and activities
• Offer a range of co-curricular activities
• Celebrate and experience international student cultures

5. Provide excellent College facilities and organisation

Maximise resources, respond to current and emerging needs, to enhance learning in the 21^st Century. 
 
Strategic Initiatives
 

• The College will be well organised, well managed and well resourced.
• Allocate funding and resourcing to maximise their potential
• Implement the building and development plan which encompasses a 21^st Century learning environment
• Enhance the provision and use of information technology
• Be responsive to ongoing review of systems, policies and programmes

6. Maintain and enhance meaningful community partnerships

Strengthen our community connections within and beyond the College to enhance learning
 
Strategic Initiatives
 

• Broaden community connections with contributing schools, the parish communities and the Catholic network
• Strengthen the understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, bi-culturalism and multi-culturalism
• Promote an understanding of the St Dominic’s way within the community
• Actively embrace diversity
• Build school/business/tertiary  links and connections
• In partnership with the parent community, extend the concepts of restorative practices

Students are encouraged to value:
Excellence                                        Aiming high, perseverance in the face of challenges
Innovation                                       Inquiry, curiosity, thinking critically, creatively and reflectively
Diversity                                          Different cultures, languages and heritages
Equity                                               Fairness and social justice
Community and participation  Includes Whanau, family, friends, wider community, striving for the common good
Ecological sustainability            Caring for the environment, stewardship of the earth
Respect                                             Valuing self and each other
Gospel values                                                Love, accepting others for who they are judge don’t condemn
Truth                                                 Honesty, integrity, being true to oneself, supporting friends, moral behaviour, acting ethically, living your values