Administration Matters



THE SCHOOL DAY

The Kaipara College school day commences at 8:45 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM.

Daily Timetable


Pānui 2024


STUDENT DEVICES

BYOD at Kaipara College

Being a smaller, semi-rural school, we need to bring the world to our school and provide connectivity with worldwide culture, social, and political information.  Devices have been shown to improve student engagement when coupled with effective teacher pedagogy.  Students need to leave school digitally fluent if they are to operate effectively in the workplace in the 21st Century and the vast majority of students already bring a device (e.g. laptop) to school for use in class.

BYOD is compulsory for all students.

Broad Guidelines

Years 9 and 10: A Chromebook device is perfectly adequate, moderately priced, easy to use and has very few software costs. It has no on-board software and will have limited use if wifi is unavailable. Everything is stored in the cloud. 

Years 11, 12 and 13: Any device that meets the specifications below is useful. Senior students doing computer-intensive subjects such as DTG or Art and Design are recommended to upgrade to a Laptop. This is also the case for students wanting to go on to University or further study after secondary school. 

Day Loan of School Devices: The School had a small number of devices available for day loan when a student's device is being repaired, replaced or unavailable for another short-term reason. Caregivers need to complete the form below prior to the student requesting a device be issued to them. No device will be issued without the completion of this form.

Request for day loan of a device

Device Specifications

  • Screen Size: At least 25cms / 9.5 inches 
  • Keyboard: An onscreen keyboard or a separate keyboard. An onscreen keyboard should not take up more than half the screen. A physical keyboard is preferred. 
  • Ports:  At least one USB or USB-c port 
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11, Apple mac OS X 10.6 or better, Android 11 or better. 
  • Anti-Viral Software: Must Have
  • WiFi: 802.11ac (Wifi 5) or 802.11ax (Wifi 6) is preferred; the school currently does support older wifi technologies. 
  • Battery Life: 6 hours or more
  • Browser: The device must be able to run the latest version of the Chrome browser. Windows S devices do not support the Chrome browser.
  • Protection: Each device should have a protective cover or case.
  • Charging: We recommend having a device with USB-C charging as the chargers for these devices are universal, easy to find and replace or borrow from other students if they are accidentally left at home.

Device User Agreement

Security

The school will NOT accept any liability for the security of devices at school.  Devices are at school entirely at the student’s risk.  We have device lockers available for students to rent at $10 per term.  Payment and keys are available from the Student Centre.

Untitled Design

MOBILE PHONES

Students may bring mobile phones to school and they may be used during class time as a learning tool, at the teacher's discretion.  When not in use, they must be in the student's bag. Students who do not follow this policy will have their phones confiscated and returned to them at the end of the school day.

Parents and whānau can support this by not calling or messaging the students during the school day.  If you need an URGENT message given to a student, you can contact the school Student Centre on 09 420 8640 ext 810.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Kaipara College is a uniform school.

Students are required to wear correct school uniform at all times.  In rare circumstances, where students may not be able to wear a uniform item, whānau must write a note to the school explaining the circumstances and the school will issue a permit which is only available from the Kaitiaki/Deans office. The school reserves the right to require students not in correct uniform to wear loan items of uniform while at school.

The school will not grant permission for students to wear non-uniform items on an extended basis, unless approval has been given by the Deputy Principal in charge of uniform or the Principal. Permission will only be granted in medical circumstances where there is appropriate medical documentation provided.

 The Kaipara College uniform list is as follows:

  • Kaipara Trousers (2 styles)
  • Kaipara Shorts
  • Kaipara Skirt (long and knee length)
  • Kaipara Lavalava (wrap around)
  • Kaipara Shirt (long and short sleeve)
  • Kaipara Blouse (long and short sleeve)
  • Kaipara Ribbed Jersey
  • Kaipara Hoodie (whilst stocks last)
  • Kaipara Fleece Top
  • Kaipara Blazers
  • Kaipara Jackets (fleece lined and a lighter supporters’ jacket)
  • Kaipara Cap (not to be worn in class)
  • Kaipara Bucket Hat (not to be worn in class)
  • Kaipara Beanie (not to be worn in class)
  • Black Socks or Black Tights
  • Kaipara Tie
  • Plain flat-soled, totally black LACE UP shoes or high tops (no ankle boots)
  • Kaipara College Junior PE Uniform – blue shorts and navy/red top. Compulsory for Years 9 & 10
  • Kaipara Scarf
  • Kaipara Umbrella

Uniform Code

Some extra notes and guidelines on our uniform and personal grooming:

  • Only school sanctioned items (listed above) are to be worn as part of the uniform.
  • Year 13 students are permitted to wear ‘Number Ones’.  I.e. a matching navy coloured suit set (pants/skirt) with white blouse/shirt.
  • Extremes in personal presentation or adornment that might be considered incompatible with our uniform standards, or is considered a safety issue, is at the discretion of the principal.
  • Undergarments (eg. thermals) are allowed to be worn, but must not be visible.
  • When wearing the school hoodies the 'hood' must be down at all times.  The school shirt or blouse must be worn under the hoodie.  Students can wear either the school hoodie or one of the school sanctioned sports' hoodies.
  • Students may wear plain navy blue or plain black waterproof jackets to and from school.
  • Skirts (knee length) are to be worn at knee length.
  • One small nose stud is permitted or one nose ring is permitted.
  • Make-up is not to be worn.

Where to buy

The School Uniform Shoppe has a shop onsite at Kaipara College where uniform items can be purchased and ordered.  

The shop hours are:

Monday 8:00 - 9:00am (before school)

Wednesday 3:00 - 4:30pm (after school)

Tuesday & Thursday 1:15pm - 2:00pm (school lunchtime)

The uniform shop is located near the school reception.  Uniforms can also be purchased online at www.theuniformshoppe.co.nz and collected from the on site shop although visiting the uniform shop for a fitting first is recommended.


Uniform Shoppe Summer Holiday Opening Hours

January 2024 Uniform Sales (for Emailing)

Purchasing Online

Uniform can be purchased online at www.theuniformshoppe.co.nz and collected from the on-site shop, although visiting the on-site uniform shop for a fitting first is recommended.

Methods of Payment

Eftpos, Credit Card, Cash and layby with a small deposit, are available at the shop. Quotes for Income Support can be given. Please note, The Uniform Shoppe is an independent supplier, separate to Kaipara College so payment is made directly to The Uniform Shoppe and not to the school.



METHODS OF PAYMENT

There are several options for making any payments to Kaipara College.  If a payment is being made manually, this can be done by visiting the Student Centre in the main Administration building, between 8:00am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.  Cash and EFTPOS payments are accepted.

For electronic payments, please use the following account:

Kaipara College 12-3139-0002717-00

Please ensure you include your student's name and the activity, event or other purpose of the payment.

Financial Assistance

If you require financial assistance from Work and Income for stationery requirements or uniform costs for the following year, please make an appointment with Work and Income by calling 0800 559 009 prior to the start of Term 1, to avoid delays.


SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT

The Ministry of Education provides school transport assistance to help parents overcome barriers to education and meet their responsibility to get their children to school.  The Ministry may provide assistance where distance and/or accessibility may be a barrier for students attending the closest school they can enrol at.  School transport assistance is usually a place on a school bus and school bus transport in the Kaipara area is provided by Ritchies Transport.

Eligibility

Students must meet all three eligibility criteria in order to access school transport assistance.  Having met the Ministry’s eligibility criteria, students are eligible for one school bus route only, that which directly services the student’s residential address.  Students are not able to swap between school bus routes based on convenience or to travel to alternative locations.

Criteria 1

The school must be the closest state or state integrated school the student can enrol at.

Criteria 2

Students in years 9-13 must live at least 4.8 kilometres from the school, over the shortest public road or pedestrian route from home roadside gate to the school’s front gate.

Criteria 3

There must be no suitable public transport options.

“Suitable” public transport must travel within:

  • 2.4 kilometres of the roadside gate of the student’s home, and
  • 2.4 kilometres of the closest appropriate school.

The student:

  • won't have to be picked up before 7am
  • can get to school before it starts
  • can be picked up no later than 1 hour after school finishes
  • won't have to change buses more than once on a journey

Travel on School Buses

  • Students travelling on school buses are under the authority of Kaipara College.
  • At all times, students are required to follow, without question, the directions of the bus driver.
  • The school and the business operating the service have the right to remove travel on school buses from any student who misbehaves or puts themselves or others in danger through unsafe behaviour.
  • If a student is removed from the school buses, then it will be the family’s responsibility to transport the student to and from school.
  • The student will also NOT be permitted to board any chartered buses for the period set.  This includes exclusion from school trips due to inappropriate or unsafe behaviour.

All parents and caregivers are required to agree to the following school bus contract as part of their student's enrolment process.

School bus contract 

This contract is between Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd ('bus company') and the student and the parent or caregiver and Kaipara College ('School').

PURPOSE

A. The purpose of this contract is to keep students safe and to facilitate and efficient School bus service by Kaipara Transport Network. Parents/Caregivers and students should ensure they have read and understood this document, which is to be adhered to for the safety of the bus driver, all students travelling on the bus and other road users.

B. The parties have agreed to enter into this Agreement so that there is clarity around the respective roles and responsibilities of the School, Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd, parent/caregivers of students using the School bus service and students using the School bus service.

Before signifying that you agree to this contract, please ensure your child reads this agreement or read it aloud to them. Please discuss it with them to ensure they understand what is expected of them. The student will be required to sign this agreement during Year 9 'O' Week.

Guidelines to be safe when using a School bus

- Sit down straight away and remain seated for the whole journey.

- If they are standing, they will stand behind the driver, where the driver tells them to stand, stand quietly and not push or move around the bus.

- Not throw objects inside or out of the bus.

- Not poke their arms, legs, or head out of the bus window.

- Not vape or smoke on the bus.

- Not eat or drink on the bus.

- Follow the School rules and treat both the bus and everyone on it with respect.

- Listen to the requirements and instructions from the bus driver and duty teacher at all times.

- Not do anything that could put other passengers, the driver, themselves, or other road users at risk.

- Speak at a volume and in a way that does not distract the driver.

- Only travel on the bus they are entitled to be on.

- Wait in the designated place for the bus, or in a clear zone (with no hazards like power poles, trains or trees), off the sealed road and well back from the road.

- Carry their bag in front of them as they get on and off the bus.

- Sit with their bag on their lap when they are on the bus.

- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door is open before moving to get on.

- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door is open before standing to get off the bus.

- Wait well away from the bus after getting off until the bus has moved away.

- Cross the road in a safe place after the bus has moved away.

- Cross the road in a safe place after the bus has moved away and when they can see clearly up and down the road.

I have read and understood this agreement, I have had the opportunity to take independent advice, and have had the opportunity to ask questions.

I/We agree with the School and with Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd that I will:

- Advise the School of any permanent changes to my child's bus travel arrangements in writing prior to the change or if not possible, as soon as possible afterwards.

- Ensure my child waits for the bus in a safe place, away from the road, at least 5 minutes before the bus is due.

- Teach my child about safe behaviour on and around buses and crossing the road.

When terms and conditions are broken by me or my child: If a student does not follow the bus terms and conditions he/she/they may be subject

- to disciplinary action, which may include a verbal or written warning, being removed from the School bus for a period of time or permanently.

- Any damage to the property of Ritchies Bus Transport may result in an invoice to the parents/caregivers to cover associated costs.

Kaipara College School Bus Routes

On enrolment, students will be assigned bus routes, based on their primary residential address.

On the first morning of the school year, any students in Kaipara College uniform will be picked up by the Ritchies Transport school buses which travel the routes identified over the page, whether students are standing at a designated stop or not.  After school on the first day, students are assisted to their correct buses by staff.

Late or Delayed Buses

Please make sure you are at your bus stop at least five minutes before the expected arrival time of your bus.  Breakdowns and delays are rare, but they can happen.  Ritchies Transport advise the College as soon as they can.

If you are concerned about the late arrival of a bus, or have any questions about school bus services or eligibility please contact the school in the first instance.

Bus Bay Map


Kc Bus Bay Map Website


Click here to view bus routes


STAYING IN CONTACT

Keeping parents and caregivers and our wider school community is extremely important to us and there are a number of ways we do that. As much as possible we will stay in touch with you electronically. Your student's mentor, dean or teacher may contact you directly and the school will send out emails and other information to the details we have on file for you. It is vital that you advise us if your contact details change for any reason, whether you change addresses or update your mobile number or email address. You can send new or updated contact information to [email protected] at any time.

SchoolAppsNZ

SchoolApps is a simple, effective and convenient mobile app for communication between school, students and whanau. You can receive school notifications directly to your phone, let us know if your child is going to be absent, access the parent portal, daily notices and the school calendar, as well as contact staff directly.

There are three easy steps to access School Apps:

School Website

On our site you will find useful information from across the school as well as contact details, access to the parent portal and information for parents of senior students on senior course selection.

Caregiver Portal


Caregiver Portal

Real time information about the College, your child’s progress and the school’s daily notices as well as electronic permission slips can all be located through the parent portal, accessed via the school website. It is our way to communicate immediate and accurate information home.

Parents and caregivers will be issued with a logon and password to the portal. These will be made available to all new parents at the start of the 2024 school year.

Caregiver Portal Password

Social Media

We utilise Facebook extensively as well as Instagram to communicate with our school community about events, successes and important details about day to day school life.

Kaipara College Facebook page (designed for family, whānau and community)

Kaipara College Instagram page (designed for students)

There are also a number of Kaipara College sports, cultural and other extra-curricula activities that communicate through Facebook. Just search Kaipara College in your Facebook search bar.



COVID-19 RESPONSE

We recommend that staff and students follow the official Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidelines.

Current Ministry of Health Guidelines  


  2024 KAITIAKI (DEANS) 

Year 9Mike Graham (Lead Kaitiaki)Click to email Mike
Year 10Alison HowieClick to email Alison
Year 11Sarah-Jane HoltonClick to email Sarah-Jane
Year 12Samantha PilkingtonClick to email Samantha
Year 13Susie GarlickClick to email Susie