St Michael's Church School

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that St Michael's Church School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in section 35C of the Education Act. 

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration.  The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools.  Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority.  Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body.  More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

The criteria for registration are that the school —

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and

b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years; and

c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school; and

d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and

e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and

g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

2 Criteria for Registration

St Michael’s Church School is a private, co-educational, full primary in Christchurch’s inner city. Its Christian special character is based on an historical connection with the Anglican Church. The relationship with the church and parish community is central to the virtues and values that the school promotes and models. 

The governing body supports the principal and staff to achieve the valued academic, cultural, physical, emotional and spiritual development outcomes for students. The values of Faith, Love, Hope, Respect, Integrity and Community underpin the school’s actions and define its moral purpose. The school’s vision is to empower students to be compassionate, responsible and resourceful citizens.

The site and facilities include heritage and newer buildings that reflect the history, traditions and identity of the school. The caring ethos is characterised by initiatives including before and after school care, school holiday programmes, a religious education curriculum component, and full school participation in the life and ceremonies of the onsite church.

The school continues to meet the criteria for registration as a private school.

Suitable Curriculum and Tuition

The special character includes strong alignment of the school’s values, religious education and the enactment of the broad local curriculum. Beginning in 2018, review of the curriculum has strengthened the coverage of learning areas, assessment processes, and reporting student achievement and progress. This includes high expectations of achievement for students and staff. There is a strong focus on holistic approaches to meet individual students’ wellbeing and learning needs. This is well resourced and supported by a nurturing and inclusive school climate.

The curriculum is flexible and responsive to the identified strengths and needs of students, and the aspirations of their families. The core learning areas are prioritised. Students are challenged and supported to develop skills to participate meaningfully in the wider world. There is an increasing focus on providing students with opportunities to develop personal excellence and seek leadership roles.

The provision of specialist programmes, such as languages, music, science and Years 7 and 8 preparation for high school, enrich learning opportunities. Processes for the enrolment and induction of new students are caring, individualised and thorough. Wider learning opportunities include sports, cultural events, community service and participation in significant church and parish events. The school utilises the services and amenities of the city as part of its educational programmes.

Students are engaged in their learning, show respect for staff and each other, and take responsibility for aspects of their own progress and development. Students with identified learning and other needs are sensitively included in all aspects of school life, with appropriate teacher aide and other resourcing support.

Communication and consultation with families are regular, and focused on the individual learning and wellbeing needs of all children. The curriculum reflects the shared vision of school and community. Staffing is appropriate to deliver tuition in relation to the age of students, curriculum levels and provision of specialist subjects. Teachers give students useful, personalised feedback with next steps that support their shared holistic goals. Small class sizes enable teachers to effectively monitor and manage these interactions. The curriculum and standards of tuition meet the learning, wellbeing and other needs of students. 

Suitable Staffing

The school ensures suitable staffing. Recruitment and retention of staff reflect well‑considered strategic and operational priorities. The needs of teaching, learning, administrative and other support functions are considered in relation to the achievement of valued outcomes. Clear guidelines for professional practice are provided in a comprehensive staff handbook. Leadership is collaboratively strengthening systems and programmes that support the capability of staff.

The current system for teacher appraisal meets the Teaching Council standards for professional practice. Leadership is proactive in coaching and mentoring staff to develop their practice and professional knowledge.

Suitable Premises and Equipment

The school’s governors have attested that they comply with the provision of section 35G in the Education Act 1989, with respect to being fit and proper persons to manage the school. There are robust, regular systems and documentation for monitoring, maintaining and reviewing facilities. This includes health and safety provisions, which have been strenuously reviewed in light of the city’s recent serious civic emergency. Site safety is of paramount importance to the school.

The governing body, as guardians of the school and church buildings and artefacts, is preserving the school’s history. Both modernised and heritage facilities are maintained to sustain the special character. Facilities meet the current and ongoing educational and other needs of students. Specialist learning spaces, church buildings and the environment beyond the school support the broad local curriculum.

Appropriate equipment for all aspects of the local curriculum enables teachers and support staff to achieve valued outcomes for students. The school is well resourced. Specialised equipment for science, music and the arts enhances opportunities to extend learning. Developmentally appropriate equipment for learning in the Year 1 class supports foundational learning for success.

The grounds are compact and well maintained. Students and staff take care of facilities in ways that reflect their pride in the school and their respect for the virtues of the church. The school ensures suitable premises and equipment.

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place to assure the governing body and school leadership that its other statutory obligations are being met.

4 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that St Michael's Church School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989. 

Alan Wynyard
Director Review and Improvement Services Southern
Southern Region

18 June 2019

About the School