Good Practice

Enhancing relationships between New Zealand Catholic Primary and Secondary Ideas and examples

• Orientation/Transition – many and varied methods – principals need to take the initiative to make these events more than just data gathering
• Sharing technology resources
• Senior pupils as sports umpires/coaches
• Teachers and pupils spend time in each others schools
• Curriculum initiatives – shared professional development e.g. establishment of writing exemplars
• Recommend secondary schools make more holistic appointments. Subject orientated but other attributes which would contribute to Catholic Character
• Sharing staffing resources
• Social interaction between staff and pupils
• Parent meetings – Why choose Catholic Education?
• Combined Book Week – Interschool Buddy Reading
• Computer Club – availability of computer after hours for secondary pupils to use
• Assist with Kapahaka and other cultural activities
• Hobbies Club
• Senior pupils assist with EOTC – not just on camp but also with junior pupils on site e.g. tent pitching
• Buddying pupils (special learning or behavioural need) where distance is not a problem
• Buying technology from secondary
• Secondary pupils and teachers spend time in primary with Year 8 pupils
• Primary be aware of secondary staffing re areas of strength e.g. visual arts, drama etc
• ICT suites available for staff training – two way
• St.Peters College Palmerston North Ambassador programme. Year 10 students – one lunch hour per week in primary schools for organised sports, tabloids etc
• Primary schools not seen as “sitting ducks” for future enrolments but as part of the bigger picture of Catholic Education in New Zealand
• Combined Art project in community e.g. murals
• Formalising of relationships – formal discussion on structure of our schools
• St.John Bosco School. 7th formers plan, organise and teach Year 5 & 6 how to light a campfire, make shelter etc – creates relationships prior to secondary
• Shared Choir

The key – open and honest communication between local principals initially and then involving all staff. Communicate to each other our common vision.