Policies review
For School Board members
Please read through your selected policy and respond on the form below using a separate form for each policy. You can submit more than one form per policy if you want to provide any after thoughts.
Please note that your first and last names, email address and the name of the policy you are reviewing are all required fields.
Please tick one of the two possible selections for each policy. You can submit further information if you select option 1, but if selecting option 2 please ensure that you provide your thoughts/suggestions . Be sure to submit your response before exiting the page and reviewing the next policy.
Responses will be received and collated by the school secretary, and along with the policies will be tabled for discussion at the next school board meeting.
PROPERTY CARE AND PROTECTION POLICY
In recognising the Biblical principle of stewardship enshrined in its special Christian character, the Matamata Christian School School Board shall care for and protect its property according to the following Biblical guidelines.
Divine ownership of the natural world – The earth is the Lords, and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it. Psalms 24:1
People as stewards, not owners – And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, “do business with this until I return”. Luke 19:13
Personal responsibility – Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of your inheritance. Colossians 3:23-24
Personal accountability – So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
Policy Purpose:
- To ensure that property care and management is carried out according to the Biblical guidelines set out above.
- To ensure that the conditions of the Property National Administration Guideline 4 are met.
- To ensure ongoing care and maintenance of all school property.
- To ensure provision is made for the timely replacement of old or worn property.
- To ensure provision is made for timely investment in new property as required.
- To ensure that all legal requirements are adhered to.
Asset Protection Policy
Preamble
Under the integration agreement, it is the responsibility of the Peria Christian Education Inc to provide adequate land and building resources. Expenses related to the ownership of those resources are the responsibility of the PCE. The School Board has a responsibility to maintain these resources and some funding is supplied by the Crown for this purpose.
Policy
Property of the School Board may not be unprotected, inadequately maintained or unnecessarily risked. The School Board is responsible to overview the programming and funding of general maintenance of the school grounds, buildings, facilities and other property to provide a clean, safe tidy and hygienic work and learning environment for students and staff, including those with disabilities. Accordingly, the Principal shall:
- Ensure adequate insurance cover of all such property and other assets.
- Not allow unauthorised personnel access to or the use of school property.
- Not subject plant, equipment or property to improper wear and tear, insufficient maintenance or inappropriate use.
- Maintain an up to date asset register of all assets including furnishings, plant, machinery, equipment and text and library books costing more than $1000.00.
- Ensure the implementation the 10 year property maintenance plan.
- Engage sufficient property maintenance staff, either voluntary or paid within budgetary constraints, for the proper maintenance and upkeep of the school and school property.
- Receive Board approval for maintenance contracts over $5000.00 annually or for any one contract.
- Conduct competitive tenders for all contracting.
- Protect intellectual property, information and files, both electronic and hard copy, from loss or significant damage, or unauthorised access or duplication.
Reporting
The Principal shall report monthly to the School Board, indicating compliance or otherwise with this policy. That report shall include reports of loss or damage to property covered by this policy, other than what could reasonably be expected as normal wear and tear.
Please note that the privacy policy below includes changes suggested by Spence. The original policy contains procedures which are the responsibility of the Principal. It is suggested that the Principal adds these to the schools procedures document.
The original privacy policy document is available below to download for your information.
PRIVACY POLICY
Rational
Confidentiality of personal information of any person associated with Matamata Christian School (MCS) is fundamental.
Purpose
To ensure that MCS meets the requirements of the Privacy Act 2020 and its amendments.
Policy Statement
The School Board (SB) has overall responsibility for the confidentiality of personal information held by MCS, but delegates responsibility to the Principal for the day to day management of all personal information and the privacy thereof and to act as Privacy Officer, therefore the Principal shall
- Ensure compliance by MCS with the information privacy principles.
- Deal with requests made to MCS under the Privacy Act
- Work with the Commissioner in relation to investigations conducted under the Act.
- Ensure compliance by the agency with the Privacy Act.
- Ensure all staff have received training on the management of information.
- Manage complaints and monitor any privacy issues
- Whenever required in order to maintain the privacy of an individual who may be discussed at a meeting, remind the Board that such discussions should be held in committee.
Reporting
The Principal shall report to the School Board Presiding Member, any breach of this policy within 48 hours of becoming aware of such breach.
CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM AND DEVOTIONAL POLICY
Basis
- Clause 15 of the deed of agreement between Peria Christian Education (The Association) and the Crown dated May 1998 headed “Special Character Agreement” charges the Association with the responsibility for the maintenance and preservation of the Matamata Christian Schools Special Character, declaring – That the school shall, at all times in the future, be conducted and operated so as to maintain and preserve the school’s Special Character and these presents (within the deed of agreement) shall be interpreted so as to maintain and preserve the Special Character of the school.
- Clause 16 headed “Special Character Definition” sub-clause ii) empowers the Association Proprietor Board to define the Special Christian Character of the School, declaring - The Special Character of the School is determined by the Christian beliefs and values held by Peria Christian Education Incorporated governed by an elected Proprietor.
- Clause 3.1 of the Objects of Peria Christian Education Inc Constitution gives the Association the responsibility to establish, conduct and maintain a school or schools, which will provide an education to children in the light of God’s word, and in which students are encouraged to develop Christian character and the abilities which God has given them as fully as possible.
- Clause 3.2 of the Objects of Peria Christian Education Inc Constitution gives the Association the responsibility to establish, conduct and maintain schools to educate children and adults in subjects normally taught in public and/or private schools in New Zealand. In particular, subjects from year one to year 8 grading, or any other grading level including early childhood as decided by the Association from time to time, so that all such education shall be also moral and spiritual and in agreement with the basic principles and creeds herein (the Constitution) set forth.
- Peria Christian Education Inc has developed a Special Character Definition Policy (Appendix 1) to which is annexed the Associations Statement of Faith, and the purpose of which is to provide clarity regarding Special Character, especially as it relates to Gender and Marriage.
- Peria Christian Education Incorporated has brought together the essence of it’s Christian Character in it’s Core Values Statement and Core Purpose Statement below.
- The BOT acknowledges that the Association has delegated to the BOT responsibility for the delivery of it’s Special Character within the school, which will be delivered according to the following policy
Core Values
- A caring, praying community united in Jesus Christ
- Enthusiastic and actively involved families
- A heart obedient to the Lord
- A spirit of perseverance, resilience and self discipline
- Respect for self, others and those in authority
- Quality, Christ centred, Bible based education
- A well maintained physical environment and resources.
Core Purpose
In partnership with parents, within an educational environment, encourage lifelong discipleship of Jesus Christ by providing opportunities to:
- Gain knowledge and understanding of all things based on the truth of His word. (Prov 1:7)
- Gain faith that transforms into the likeness of God (Rom 12:2)
- Gain hope in an eternal relationship with God through Jesus Christ that is firmly rooted in a deep reverence of Him (Eph 3: 17-20)
- Gain confidence to achieve all things through Christ who strengthens (Phil 4:13)
Policy.
The BOT through the Principal shall ensure that the school shall, at all times and in the future, be conducted and operated so as to -
- maintain and preserve the schools Special Christian Character
- provide an education to children in the light of God’s word, and in which students are encouraged to develop Christian character and the abilities which God has given them as fully as possible
- provide education which is also moral and spiritual and in agreement with the basic principles and creeds contained within the Associations Constitution, in particular the Associations Statement of Faith
- be consistent with the Associations Special Character Definition Policy
- carry out the Core Purpose of the Association
- incorporate and encourage the practice of the Core Values of the Association.
The BOT understands that “the fruit of all Christian education depends on the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit” and that it is only “that He may so bless their (teachers and parents) work that the children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord”.
Therefore the Principal shall ensure that parents and teachers understand that “parents and teachers are to perform their task with constant prayer that the Spirit may enable them to be good instruments in His hands for bringing the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Clause 11.4.6b of the PCE Constitution)
Further the Principal shall ensure that each child will grow to understand what is required to be able to –
- recognise that the Bible is the Divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God, and the only absolute rule of faith and conduct. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- explain the Christian faith .1 Peter 3:15
- understand their identity in the arms of a faithful, loving and providing God. Psalm 139
- understand that God has a purpose for their lives Jeremiah. 29:11-14
- develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Recognise sinfulness. Requirement for Repentance. Seeking forgiveness). Romans 6:23, 10:9 1 John 1:9
- lead others to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:16-20
- pray for others and themselves 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ephesians 6 :18
- offer praise and worship through dance, music, movement, silence, stillness etc. Psalm 149:3
- understand what living a Christian life through a heart that is obedient to the Lord means. Romans 12:2
Peria Christian Education Special Character Definition Policy
Basis:
Clause 15 of the deed of agreement between the Peria Christian Education (The Association) and the Crown dated May 1998 headed “Special Character Agreement” declares – That the school shall, at all times in the future, be conducted and operated so as to maintain and preserve the school’s Special Character and these presents (within the deed of agreement) shall be interpreted so as to maintain and preserve the Special Character of the school.
Clause 16 headed “Special Character Definition” sub-clause ii) The Special Character of the School is determined by the Christian beliefs and values held by Peria Christian Education Incorporated governed by an elected Proprietor, empowers the Association Proprietor Board to define the Special Christian Character of the School.
Clause 11 of the Constitution of the Association contains the Statement of Faith (Appendix 1 to this policy) upon which the Associations beliefs and values are based.
Clause 12 of the Constitution empowers the Association Proprietor Board to decide on the interpretation of any clauses contained in the Constitution.
Policy purpose
This policy is intended to provide clarity regarding the Special Christian Character of Matamata Christian School.
Definitions:
Marriage:
Marriage is Biblically defined as being between one man and one woman (Gen 2:24, 1 Cor 7:2-16, Eph 5:23-33, Matt 19:5-6). It is recognised as being one person united to a person of the opposite sex as husband and wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognised in law. Homosexual, lesbian or any other relationships or partnerships are seen as the outworking of mankind’s rebellious nature (Lev 18:22, Rom 1:26-27, 1 Cor 6:9) and therefore are not consistent with the school’s Special Christian Character.
Gender:
The Bible is clear that in the beginning God created mankind as male and female (Gen 1:27) and this portrayal is based on, amongst other things, the physical ability of the male and female together to procreate (Gen 1:28). As gender is God given (Psalm 139: 13-16) and there is nothing in scripture to indicate any difference between the anatomical and any other type of identity, the term “gender” is limited to the two separate and distinct sexes, the masculinity of the male and the femininity of the female. Therefore the inclusion of any type of identity other than the two separate sexes is not consistent with the school’s special Christian Character.
Policy:
The basis of the Associations beliefs and values shall always be the Statement of Faith contained in the constitution of the Association (Appendix 1 to this policy).
The definitions contained in this policy shall constitute sacredly held values and beliefs, and shall add clarity to the above mentioned statement of faith.
Statement of Faith
Holy Scripture and Education
By faith we confess the books of the Old and New Testaments to be the divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God (2 Tim. 3: 16,17), the only absolute rule for all faith and conduct, and therefore also for the education of our children at home and at school.
Christian Parents and Education
As believing parents we have Christ's comforting assurance for our children that theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven and that He will bless them when we bring them to Him (Mark 10: 13-16). Expecting the fulfilment of His promise and obeying the command of His apostle, we endeavour to"bring our children up "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph.6:4) :
Since the responsibility for this task has been placed on our shoulders as parents, we gladly accept responsibility for that part of the education which takes place outside our homes in the school. We consider the establishment of Christian Schools, which are to assist us in the work of Christian nurture and education, to be our duty and God-given privilege.
Christian Schools
As Christ is the Saviour and Lord of the whole human life (Matt. 28:18_ Eph. 1:20-22 Co. 1: 16, 17), we understand by a Christian School such an educational institution as one in which not only is Christ honoured by prayer and study of the Bible, but in which all subjects are taught by the light of God's revelation in Jesus Christ contained in the Old and New Testaments.
For such a Christian School, we, as parents, claim all freedom in the field of education as long as this education takes place in obedience to the requirements of God's Word and in adherence to legitimate governmental standards and provisions.
God and Creation
All things were created by God so that "what is seen was not made out of what was visible" (Hebrews 11:3). God created them in, through and for Christ, (Col. 1:15-17), by His word and Spirit, (Gen. 1; Psa, 33:6), to the glorification of His Holy Name (psa. 8; Psa, 19:1-4; Rom. 11:36). It is also by God's hand, power and care that all created things are preserved and controlled (Psa; 99; Matt. 6:24f; Acts 17:24f). In order to understand world, man and history, we must see them in their relationship to God as the Bible speaks of them.
The Bible and Sciences.
Creation as well as Scripture has been brought forth by the one God of Truth. Therefore, any seeming discrepancy between the Bible and Science can only be due to human error either in science or in the interpretation of Scripture. Science is truly scientific when both nature and Scripture are taken seriously.
Man.
Man was created in the image of God to enjoy true communion with his Creator (Gen. 1 :26f; Acts 17:26f), Man was instructed to exercise dominion over the world in strict and loving obedience to God, to interpret all reality in accordance with His design and law and to reflect in his person and works the excellence of his Maker (Gen. 1:28f; Psa. 8:4f; Rom. 1:20).
Sin.
By disobeying God's law and forsaking his office, man estranged himself from God and his neighbour and brought God's curse upon himself and upon all creation (Gen. 3:16-19;,Rom. 8:19f). He also became blind to life's true meaning and purpose, misused his knowledge and abilities, adhered to man-centred philosophies, and made himself false gods of his own imagination and desires (Rom. 1: 18f).
Christ.
Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, is God incarnate, the Word became flesh (John 1:1-14). Laying down His life for His sheep (John 10:10-15), He paid the penalty of sin for them, being a ransom for all who truly believe in Him (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 5:6f; 1 Tim. 2:5-6).
Risen from the dead in His physical body (Luke 24:36-43), and having ascended to the throne of Heaven, He is the King of the Universe (Matt. 28:28, 1 Pet. 3:22). By His Word and Spirit He rules in grace over all true believers. Redeeming their life in its entirety, renewing them after His image and restoring them to fellowship with God and their fellow men, He seeks to make them obedient to God's will in all spheres of life (Rom. 8: 1-17).
The Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Holy Trinity (2 COL 13: 13), the divine source of all created life (Gen. 1 :2; Psa. 104:30), is also the source of Faith in Christ, the true, spiritual knowledge and of a new sanctified life in grateful obedience to God's will (John 3:3f; 1 Cor. 2:9f; 12:3; Eph. 3:14t).
Since, therefore, the fruit of all Christian education depends on the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit, both parents and teachers are to perform their task with constant prayer that the Spirit may enable them to be good instruments in His hands for bringing the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and that He may so bless their work that the children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, whom to follow and serve in all spheres of life as their greatest privilege and joy.
COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION POLICY
Conflict Resolution
"If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that 'every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says” – Matthew 18:15-16.
Personal Response
“Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry” – James 1:19.
“Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you” – Ephesians 4:32.
Rationale:
A goal of Matamata Christian School is to be the first choice for parents of the Christian community. The school is constantly striving to improve what it does and feedback is an important part of that. Complaints are an opportunity to resolve any issues that may stand in the way of the school achieving its goals. Therefore all who may have a complaint about any part of school life should be encouraged to bring those complaints forward.
Policy Purpose:
To provide a clear and Biblical path through which all complaints can be quickly, properly and fairly dealt with.
Definitions:
School personnel:
- Any employees of the school, while involved in any activity that is related to the school
- Any volunteers, including Board Members, while involved in:
- any school activity on the school property
- any curriculum related activity (for example; school camps)
- any activity where the school children involved are expected to wear school uniform
School operations and activities:
- any school operation or activity taking place on school property
- any curriculum related activity (for example; school camps)
- any activity where the school children are expected to wear school uniform
- any extracurricular activities carried out under the name of the school
Activities or actions of a Board member:
- any activities or actions of Board members while carrying out the normal business of the Board
Policy Statement
All complaints will be responded to:
- in a fair, consistent and timely manner
- in accordance with the Biblical principles noted above
- in accordance with the relevant employment contracts, legislation and codes of conduct included in the school’s Charter, Deed of agreement and Constitution
And the process will:
- include the substantiation of complaints
- lead to the resolution of complaints
- aim to lead to the reconciliation of all those concerned
Complaints regarding school operations, activities and personnel excepting the Principal, are the responsibility of the school Principal who shall implement an appropriate complaints resolution procedure that recognises the principles and purposes of this policy. Such procedure shall provide that in the event that any complaint cannot be resolved then it may be taken to the Board for resolution. In order to hear the complaint, the Board shall utilise its “Procedure for Hearing of Complaints” which is annexed to this policy (Annexure 2).
A complaints register will be maintained recording brief details of the date, nature of the complaint, action taken and by whom, and the resolution result. The register will be maintained by the Principal, and perused by the Board of Trustees Chairperson only, who shall report to the Board on findings if they feel the need to do so. In purpose, the register will provide a tool for self review / collection of feedback, in order to improve what it does to achieve its goals.
Complaints regarding activities or actions of the Principal or Board members are the responsibility of the Board and shall be dealt with through the Boards complaints resolution procedural chart (Annexure1) and if necessary heard according to the “Procedure for Hearing of Complaints” (Annexure 2). Such procedure shall provide that in the event that any complaint cannot be resolved then it may be taken to the Chairperson of the Proprietor Board of Peria Christian Education Incorporated for resolution. In order to hear the complaint, the Proprietor Board shall use the Board of Trustees “Procedure for the Hearing of Complaints”, choosing the complaints resolution committee from amongst its own members.