school bounds

AREAS “OUT OF BOUNDS” during school time include:

• Beyond the School Boundary lines
• Area beyond the trees at the estuary end of the playing fields
• The Tractor Shed and Car Park beyond the Sports Hall
• The Tennis/Netball Courts (except for organised Sports practice or games)
• Car Parks around the Language School and all Car Parks within the School
  

vehicle permits

Students in Years 13 and 12 must provide to the designated person, a contract signed by a parent/guardian to obtain permission to drive or ride to school by car or motorcycle.

It is stressed that the school consider this permission is a privilege and approval may be withdrawn where the behaviour of the driver or a passenger is considered unacceptable.

In cases of dangerous or careless driving, or driving outside licence conditions the School is likely to involve the Police.

Under no circumstances are students permitted to have passengers on motorcycles.

On occasion it may be necessary for other students to travel in cars driven by senior students. In such cases the written permission of parent/guardians of both the driver and the passenger is required in advance by the designated person.

Vehicles are to be used for the travelling to and from school and not for “joy riding”.

The school cannot be responsible for the safety and the security of student vehicles.

No student vehicles are to be parked in the School grounds during school hours.

Cars and motorcycles are out of bounds to all students between the start and end of the school day. They are not to be used as lockers.

valuables

It is recommended that students do not bring large sums of money, radios, walkmans and the such to school.

Should it be necessary to do so students should not leave them in bags, corridors, changing rooms or such. They can be given to the Dean for safe keeping.

cellphones

Cell phones brought to school are the student’s responsibility. They must be turned off before students enter/assemblies and remain off until the student is dismissed.

school discipline

Effective teaching and learning take place best in an orderly and purposeful environment. This is provided at Rutherford through the “Positive Behaviour Management” programme.

At the heart of this programme are two important ideas:

• No-one has the right to interfere with the learning of others
• We must all accept responsibility for our own actions

At Rutherford, students are taught clear, simple rules for appropriate behaviour, both in the classroom and around the school. Students are also taught that it is their choice to comply or not comply with these simple rules. However, whatever behaviour they choose they must also accept the consequences. Consequences can be negative or positive.

In the classroom, teachers acknowledge appropriate behaviour through a system of graded rewards. Typical classroom rewards might include:

• Positive notes/certificates to the student
• Positive notes home to parents
• Shared lunch
• Vouchers (can be used to enter a regular draw for cans of drink and bigger prizes. A monthly monster draw has a substantial prize. Anyone issued with a positive voucher in that given month has a chance to win).

Similarly, a system of graded punishment is in place for those who choose not to behave appropriately. Poor behaviour is usually dealt with by:

1. A verbal warning
2. A written imposition – home detention
3. A 20 minute lunchtime detention
4. Reported to Dean – an after school detention
5. Sent to Dean – further disciplinary action

Outside the classroom, a similar approach is followed. Staff acknowledge the many examples of positive, co-operative behaviour that often go unnoticed in a busy school. Teachers issue vouchers to students who demonstrate such behaviour around the school, e.g. picking up litter, helping another student or simply having neat and tidy grooming.

However, behaviour, which is not acceptable, will result in disciplinary action. This involces, again, giving warnings through to detentions and referral to Deans.

Good communication between home and school is an essential element of school discipline. Parents/caregivers will always be contacted if there is a serious breach of discipline, or if there is a consistent refusal to comply with the school rules.

Similarly, parents are encouraged to contact the relevant Dean if they have any concerns about the discipline structure in general, or their own child in particular.

school rules

“The aim of the School Rules is to create a purposeful, orderly environment in which student’s “learning can be enhanced.”

THESE RULES ARE GROUPED UNDER FIVE HEADINGS

• ATTENDANCE
• HEALTH AND SAFETY
• RESPECT FOR PEOPLE AND PROPERTY
• RESPONSIBILITY
• PRESENTATION

attendance

“Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for academic and personal development.”

1. Students must attend all timetabled, compulsory classes and activities.
2. Students must attend all voluntary activities for which they have given a commitment.
3. Automatic exemption for attendance is granted on the grounds of illness, family bereavement, medical and dental appointments. These absences must be covered by a letter from a parent or guardian.
4. Exemption for attendance may be granted in special circumstances. Application must be made by letter from parent or guardian at least two days before the required leave.
5. Unexplained absences and absences not covered by the exemptions listed above will be treated as truancy.
6. Students must arrive in class punctually
7. Students should arrive within the school grounds by such a time that ensures they are in class for the official start of the school day. Those who arrive after the official start time need to sign in by the appropriate procedure.
8. Students must not leave the school grounds before the end of the school day without proper authority (from Deans, Principals or Sick Bay).

A Leave Pass may be obtained from a Dean prior to 8.25am on production of appointment card/letter from parents. All students leaving the school grounds before the end of the school day must sign out at the Office.

health and safety

“The school environment must be safe and healthy for all members of the school community”

road Safety

Rutherford College expects all students to adhere to the Road Code and all traffic regulations.

1. Motor Vehicles/Motor Bikes

• These may only be brought to school if you have obtained the appropriate form from the designated person, and it is completed/signed by your parents and returned to the designated person
• The use of the vehicle is only for the names stated on this form – passengers must have written permission from their parents lodged with the designated person.
• Vehicles may not be parked within the school grounds.

2. Cyclists and Pedestrians

• Cycle helmets are compulsory
• No cycling is permitted on Te Atatu Road between the Te Atatu Shopping Centre and Royal View Road.
• Cycles must be wheeled in the grounds and parked in the cycle racks.
• Students must under no circumstances cross the motorway proper. The over bridge, the pedestrian tunnel and pedestrian crossings must be used.

smoking, drinking and drugs

1. Smoking

As a result of the mounting medical evidence, smoking is viewed as a serious threat to health and wellbeing. It is prohibited, to, from and at school and school functions. Hence possession of cigarettes is treated as an offence. Because of peer pressure and the difficulty of eliciting the truth, a student who joins a group who detach themselves from the student body in order to smoke will be detained and the parents informed, along with the smokers detected.

2. Drinking and Drugs

The consumption of alcohol or any other non prescribed drug is forbidden on school premises, at school functions and when students are going to and from school. These are regarded as a serious breach of school discipline.

THE SCHOOL LINKS WITH COMMUNITY AGENCIES SUCH AS CADS AND ODYSSEY HOUSE IN THE CASE OF PROVEN DRUG/ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE

conduct in classrooms and grounds

1. Friends and relatives who are not members of the student body are expected to report to the office before visiting students during school hours. This rule helps the visitor, gives the school some checks as to who is actually on school grounds and should be complied with as a matter of courtesy.

2. Weapons and dangerous substances must not be brought onto the school grounds. (“Weapons and dangerous substances” includes firearms, knives, live ammunition, poisons, fireworks, aerosol cans and anything that could be injurious)

3. Students must not make loud noise when moving between classrooms and should keep to the left in narrow corridors/stairways

4. Students must respect school property and must not interfere with heaters, windows, doors, curtains, fire hoses etc. Any damage should be reported immediately to the teacher. Reparation will be sought for any damage.

5. In laboratories, technical rooms or any other place where long hair could be a hazard, hair must be tied back.

6. Protective clothing and/or footwear must be worn, when required by the teacher in charge of any activity.

7. Students must use school equipment in the correct way in order not to endanger themselves, other students or staff

8. Proper sunhats(not baseball caps) may be worn outside when appropriate

9. Chewing gum or similar is prohibited because of the damage it causes to school and personal property when not properly disposed of.

10. Non essential items that could cause damage or disruption are not to be brought to school, e.g. water bombs, marker pens, aerosol deodorant cans, scent, eggs

respect for people and property

 “Respect for people and their property is essential in a large community”

1. Hands Off” Rule

• Students, as a rule, should not touch other people. Bullying, fighting or intimidation will not be tolerated.
• Acts of indecency and inappropriate intimacy will not be accepted
• Students should respect other people’s property. Discipline measures will be taken in cases of stealing, vandalism, graffiti and littering

 NOTE: Students are strongly advised

• To use identifying marks on all personal property
• To avoid bringing non-essential items of value, i.e. walkmans, jewellery or large sums of money. The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss of or damage to any personal property.

 2. Language and Gestures – Students will not use obscene or insulting language or gestures

3. Sexual Harassment – Students must not engage in any form of sexual harassment. The Board has a special policy on this matter.

4. Citizenship – Students should respect people and their property in the local community.

responsibility

“Reliability and effort are essential for academic and personal development”

1. Students will observe the classroom discipline plan
2. Students will bring the correct equipment to class.
3. Students will observe the school’s homework policy
4. Students must make a reasonable effort in class
5. Students must attend detentions which have been set. N.B. After school detentions will require at least24 hours notice, unless by mutual arrangement and with parents knowledge.
6. Items unnecessary to school activities, which could cause disruption must not be brought to school, e.g. aerosol sprays, raw eggs, skateboards, rollerblades, walkmans
7. Students will co-operate with instructions given by any staff member in the school grounds
8. Students must not incite other students to break the school rules
9. Senior students should set a reasonable example to junior students

Homework policy

It is the policy of the school to set homework and this work is an essential part of every course. Few children can work a school day, do the required homework, and take after school employment as well. The homework schedule for each night is:

Year 9: up to 1 ½ hours

Year 10: up to 2 hours

Year 11: up to 2 ½ hours

Year 12 & 13: up to 2 ½ hours

Homework includes: 

• Reading
• Completion of work started in class
• Learning vocabulary
• Revising for tests
• Preparation of projects or assignments
• Revision of practices exercises
• Learning important facts
• Background research

Parents can assist by:

• Taking an interest in homework
• Checking the student’s homework notebook or log book regularly
• Helping students to plan their time effectively
• Providing a quiet place or room, a straight chair, a table and a good light

presentation

“Correct dress and tidy grooming are important elements of the school-wide discipline plan”

Rationale

1. To encourage a sense of identity with the school

2. To provide a common standard of grooming on which to build positive attitudes of neatness and cleanliness

3. To provide a measure of security by identifying non-students on the school property

4. To reduce the unnecessary effects of peer pressure to buy costly fashion items for daily wear

General

1. Students must abide by the uniform/dress code regulations as agreed at enrolment. See section on School Uniform and Senior Dress Regulations

2. If, for some reason, it is not possible to wear correct dress, a permit for a specified time must be obtained from the designated person. A written note from parent/caregiver must accompany any request for a permit. The permit must be shown on request.

3. Uniform and dress code standards apply when travelling to and from school or on official out of school activities

GROOMING

1. Students are expected to maintain high standards of grooming, i.e. clean, neat and tidy appearance

2. Young men are required to be clean shaven with sideburns no lower than the ear lobe

3. No visible makeup or nail polish to be worn

4. Hats may be worn as a protection against the sun, i.e. plain, wide brimmed hats of any colour and no large or offensive logos. No baseball caps

5. Clothing deliberately chosen to be over or undersized will be regarded as not being neat and tidy

6. Raincoats, a proper waterproof raincoat of any colour, long enough to keep shorts or skirt dry, can be worn

7. Juniors may not wear jewellery, except for a watch and/or plain gold or silver ear studs (one per ear). Studs are worn at the students’ own risk. No other facial jewellery may be worn.

8. Garments worn under the school uniform must not be visible, i.e. T shirts, cycle pants.

junior uniform regulations

Year 9-11 Girls Prescribed Uniform

Skirt: Checked colours, straight terylene No. 193

Blouse: Sky blue. Rutherford College monogrammed polo shirt

Skivvy: Plain white, long-sleeved, suitable for winter

Socks: Plain white ankle socks. Black or beige pantyhose allowed during Terms 2 and 3.

Socks: Plain white ankle socks. Black or beige pantyhose allowed during Terms 2 and 3.

Shoes: Plain black leather lace-up, low heeled shoes (sports shoes and suede unacceptable)

Trousers: Somerset Brand “Naomi” or “Bromley Wear” dark grey

Year 9-11 Boys Prescribed Uniform

Shirt: Sky blue. Rutherford College monogrammed polo shirt.

Skivvy: Plain white, long-sleeved, suitable for winter.

Shorts: Wool worsted, action style, grey colour. Holeproof HT 961.

Socks: Grey with one blue ring (shade Total 1074) Mosgiel or Canterbury.

 Shoes: Plain black leather lace-up, low heeled shoes (sports shoes and suede unacceptable)

Trousers: Somerset Brand ‘Gamma’ No 717/25 or Somerset Brand ‘Brooke’. No Dickies

Both Boys and Girls can wear either:

Sweatshirt: Plain Rutherford Royal Blue, round neck (no hood)

Jersey: Plain Rutherford Royal Blue v-neck

Jacket: Rutherford jacket from local retailers. No other style or colour is acceptable.

Scarf: College approved only

P.E. Uniform: Students in Year 9-11 must wear the compulsory P.E. uniform. Please make sure that all gear and clothing is clearly named!

senior uniform regulations

The expectation is that Year 12 and 13 students will dress to a standard that is no less formal than the junior uniform and that the standard would be acceptable to a business, workplace setting. If you have any doubts over what is held to be correct dress code, please contact the Deputy Principal or Assistant Principal before purchasing.

Year 12 and 13 students wear items chosen from a set of specified garments. These include:

- White cotton polo shirt

- Navy sweatshirt (with logo)

- Navy tailored shorts (male and female styles)

- Navy tailored trousers (male and female styles)

- Navy skirt

(Note: Some students activities, e.g. recreation, workshop, art, dance, drama etc. may require special clothing. This is brought to school separately and is to be worn only for that activity).

Other Items: These may be purchased through any supplier. If there is some doubt about acceptability ask to have the item(s) on approval and check with Executive/Dean.

Shoes: Black, leather lace-up shoes. (Boots and sports shoes are not acceptable)

Socks: white or navy – ankle height

Pantyhose: Black/beige/tan

Woollen Jersey: Plain navy, no logos, no branding

Jacket: Rutherford senior jacket only. No other style or colour is acceptable.

Jewellery: One small stud in each ear or one stud in one ear. Sleepers (small ring-like earrings) are not permitted. A wrist watch worn on the wrist. A watch worn as a ring is not permitted. A taonga of cultural significance to our Maori students that has been blessed is permitted under our Treaty of Waitangi obligations. Convention requires this taonga to be worn on a long leather thong close to the student’s heart, therefore it should not be visible. A permit verifying authenticity is required. All other jewellery: necklaces, bracelets, nose studs, or any facial piercing, anklets, toe rings are not permitted.

uniform permits

If you come to school in incorrect items you must obtain a permit from the designated person at 8.25 am. Persistent wearing of non regulation items without suitable explanation will result in losses of school privileges.

cultural or religious consideration

Education in New Zealand is universal, compulsory and secular – and so is our school uniform. However, we recognise that some people may wish to depart from our dress regulations for cultural or religious reasons. In these circumstances would the parent/caregiver: (a) make written application to the Principal requesting special consideration, (b) support that application with a letter from an appropriate cultural or religious authority. Would students who have had such dispensation in previous years please re-apply.