Charter
Downloads
Contents
- School Charter
- Five-Year Strategic Plan
- Annual Plan
- 2009 Goals
- 2008 Analysis of Variance
SCHOOL CHARTER
1.1 Who We Are
Hillview Christian School was established in 1977 by the Evangelistic Church of Christ to provide a Christian education which they believed was vital for the balance and growth of their children, both academically and spiritually. For the first 15 years, the school was known as St Martins Private School and the school was open only to children from families that were part of the founding church.
The Evangelistic Church began to change direction in the 1990's and this brought many changes to the church, including a change of name to South City Christian Centre. In 1994 the school, for the first time, accepted pupils from outside of the church that founded the school. This precipitated a name change to St Martins Christian School in 1995 and then in 2001 St Martins changed to Hillview to avoid confusion with the nearby St Martins School.
Since integration there has been a substantial increase in the school roll. The roll is more than 450 greater than what it was in 1995. The school population is now much more diverse and the children come from a wide range of backgrounds - culturally, ethnically and socio-economically. Hillview is an average socio-economic school and the range and numbers of different ethnic groups is very reflective of New Zealand society. Approximately 14% of our school population is of Maori heritage and more than 5% are of Pacific Island descent. The school has a decile rating of 6 which means that we have a mixed socio-economic parent community. The school community is principally from the east and south of Christchurch city and a wide cross-section of Churches are represented by our school families.
The school is situated in St Martins which is located in the south-east of Christchurch. The junior School (the original site) is located on a picturesque and peaceful site near the foot of the Port Hills. The senior school is on the opposite side of Wilsons Road about 150 metres south of the original school and has excellent views of the Christchurch Port Hills.
1.2 The School Vision
Our Mission Statement
To provide a quality education in a Christian environment where children can develop their God-given abilities.
Our Vision Statement
To grow young people who love God and impact others through service and leadership.
Key words: Growth
Others
Action
Leadership
Our Values
Whanau - Through unity is strength
Excellence - We always give of our best
Humility - All our successes are due to God
Integrity/Respect - We value our differences
Compassionate - We put others first
Innovation - We always look to improve ourselves
Our Motto
We are an OTHERS FIRST SCHOOL....
Our motto is...
Thanking one another
Helping one another
Encouraging one another
Respecting one another
Serving one another
Provision of a Christian Environment
- Promotion of a balanced life-style fostering academic, social, physical and spiritual development through a caring, ordered and disciplined environment.
- Development of self-discipline which will equip each child to be conscientious, appreciative, co-operative, responsible, and above all to be actively supportive and caring towards others, and the creation around them.
- Ensuring the school policies reflect Biblical principles and Christian conduct.
- Employing teachers who share with parents the responsibility of nurturing children in their developing personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Endeavouring to develop pupils who discover the purpose for their life and work in partnership with parents and teachers to achieve this.
- Maintain an open and accountable relationship with the leadership team of South City Christian Centre in order that, where necessary they may assist in the spiritual development of children at Hillview Christian School at either staff or student level.
Provision of a Quality Education
- Developing Christian Character and life attributes in each pupil that will contribute to them making a positive, lasting contribution to their communities as well as providing a fulfilling life.
- Encouraging pupils to pursue excellence by seeking to fully realise their potential in all areas of their lives - spiritual, creative, academic, physical and social.
- Encouraging children to discover their talents so they can dedicate their skills and abilities to God's glory.
- Providing a balanced curriculum that encourages the learning of skills, knowledge and wise application of their learning.
- Promotion of individual responsibility in learning and behaviour.
- Developing a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of God's creation.
Provision of a Place Where People are the Focus
- The needs of the children are central and each pupil is respected and appreciated as a unique individual made in the image of God.
- Recognising that children are the responsibility of parents and therefore parents should be consulted and given every opportunity to be involved in their children's education.
- Staff are appreciated and valued for the commitment and contribution they make to the life of the school.
- Staff are consistent in demonstrating Christian service and leadership.
- Strong partnerships between home and school will be nurtured and encouraged.
Provision of a Safe Environment
- The safety of the children is paramount at all times.
- The policies of the school are adhered to fully.
- Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed.
- New policies are established as the need arises.
1.3 Special Character of the School
The Special Character of the school is broadly defined in the Integration Deed. Monitoring of the school's Special Character is primarily the responsibility of the Proprietors and it is evaluated as part of our five year plan of review as well as being monitored annually through a review that is undertaken by the Board of Trustees. The Special Character of our school forms the rationale for the school's existence and is central to the operation of the school. All learning, curriculum development, implementation of the National Education and Administration Guidelines, National Education Priorities and National Curriculum Framework is underpinned and impacted by our Special Character. The following is taken from our integration deed.
Hillview Statement of Faith
We believe :-
- The Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative word of God and that it is our standard and guide for faith and practise.
- In one, almighty, triune God who exists in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
- In the full humanity and deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father and personal return in power and glory.
- In the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity who among his various ministries regenerates, sanctifies, comforts, guides and empowers through his gifts, all believers.
- That all people are sinners and can only be justified by faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
- In the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- In the resurrection of all people to a final judgment with eternal blessing for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked.
1.4 Provision for New Zealand's Cultural Diversity
Hillview will work with our Maori and Pacific Island communities to plan, set targets and achieve the best outcomes for our Maori and Pacific Island pupils.
- Providing opportunities for all pupils to participate and succeed through the advancement of education initiatives, education in Te Reo Maori and advancement of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Promoting respect for the diverse ethnic and cultural heritage of all nationalities represented at our school.
- Promote acknowledgement of the unique place of Maori within New Zealand.
- Providing skilled teaching staff in the instruction of Te Reo Maori.
- Recognition that we are all New Zealanders, that God loves all people and that we are all equal in His sight.
- Te Reo Maori instruction, for all pupils, will be part of our school programme from Years 4-8. Te Reo will be an optional subject for Years 9 & 10.
- All Year 4 pupils will be part of a Kapa Haka group for the year. Joining a Kapa Haka group is optional for Years 5-10 pupils. There is also an optional group for Years 1-3 pupils.
- Provision is made for children to opt to join an immersion Te Reo class for one afternoon each week.