INFORMATION SHEET FOR NEW FAMILIES 

MISSION STATEMENT


St John’s College provides a high quality education for young men grounded  in  Gospel  values  within   the  Catholic  and  Marist  traditions. 
 

St John’s College was founded by the Marist Fathers in 1941.   It is a Roman Catholic Boys’ School with a maximum roll of 475.  Special features include:  

• Caring family atmosphere
• Strong emphasis on Catholic faith development
• Commitment to academic excellence
• small classes
• structured and disciplined learning environments
• Opportunities to excel in a wide range of sports
•  Diversity of cultural activities
• dedicated staff
• Great facilities
• Concern for individual students

 Our students, staff, parents, Board of Trustees, old boys and the wider Catholic community are all part of a special St John’s College Community.

UNIFORM

Summer Uniform (Terms One and Four)     

• Pale blue knit shirt
• Navy shorts
• Black long socks
• Black lace up shoes or brown Roman sandals or plain black reef sandals
• St John’s jersey/jacket

Sports Uniform 

• School singlet and navy blue shorts                                                           

Winter Uniform (Term Two and Three)

• long sleeved grey shirt 
• Navy shorts/seniors may wear grey uniform long trousers
• Black socks 
• Black lace up shoes                      
• St John’s jersey/jacket 

Dress Uniform

• White long - sleeved dress shirt
• College Tie - purchased from School office
                   
• College Blazer (optional)
•  

·         Students are expected to wear their uniform with pride from the time they leave home until the time they return home.

All uniform can be purchased from Posited plus Hastings or Napier. The school also sells some second hand uniforms from the office.  Please ensure uniform is clearly named.

COSTS

Parents need to be aware of the following costs:

1: Attendance Dues.  These dues are set and collected by the Catholic Schools Board Ltd.  This money is used for new buildings, major maintenance and servicing the debt of all Catholic Schools in the Palmerston North Diocese.  In 2011 these dues are $179.00 per term or $716.00 per year including G.S.T. 

2: There is a Special Character Levy of $110 ($160 per family) to cover Special Character expenses, an Activity Fee (Voluntary Donation) $130 per year to help cover the cost of Information and Communication Technology, cultural activities.  There are also additional charges for sport.

3: Subject Fees. There may be subject fees in some practical subjects.  Year 9 students pay a $40 levy for the four Technology modules.

4: Music tuition is available in many instruments.  Costs are $120.00 for tuition, $100.00 for instrument hire.

ISSUING OF REPORTS

Reports for students will be issued at the following times:

April:                            Interim Assessments

End of term 2:             Junior & Senior Reports

November:                  End of year Senior Reports

December:                  End of year Junior Reports

SUBJECT CHOICES

Year 9 students currently complete courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Religious Education, Physical Education and Health.  They complete four technology modules of one term in a combination of Materials Technology, Electronics, Production and Processes and Food Technology.  They choose four options from Graphics & Design, Art, Business Studies, French, Te Reo and Music.  Extra assistance for students with reading difficulties is provided.

SCHOOL RULES

The school rules will be discussed with parents and students at enrolment.  They will be clearly explained to students in the first week of school.

START OF YEAR 2012

The first school day for Year 9 students for 2012 will be advised.  On this day students will be involved in an Orientation Programme to enable students to become familiar with our College.

PUNCTUALITY

Students must be in class by 8.35 a.m. and the bell rings at the end of the day at 3. 05 p.m.  It is necessary to gain permission from the Assistant Principal to leave the property between these times.

ABSENCES

Please telephone the College office before 9.00 a.m. if your son is to be absent on any day and send a note to the House teacher on your son’s return to school.

BUS SYSTEM

This will be explained at the time of enrolment and at Open Day.

STATIONERY

Stationery is sold through Office Max shops in Hastings and Napier. They will hold a stationery list.  A St John’s College HOMEWORK diary is compulsory.

SPORT

All Year 9 pupils are encouraged to take part in a College team for summer sport.  Participation in a College winter sport team is compulsory for juniors.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

A range of end-of-year activities are offered in Year 9 and in Year 10.

HOMEWORK

It is School Policy that homework is set on a regular basis for all students.  The Policy is to set small amounts of homework regularly in preference to setting large amounts occasionally.

Regular homework teaches students’ self-discipline and concentration, it reinforces work done in class and prepares students for exams.

Year 9 students should expect approximately one hour per night.  This will increase to approximately two hours for seniors.