Community Consultation

Guidelines                                                                                                                                 

1. Consultation by the school staff and the School Board will take a variety of forms: newsletters, meetings, committees, questionnaires, surveys etc.

2. All groups within the community will be consulted. This does not mean involvement in decision-making, but rather, having the opportunity to have different views taken into consideration by the decision-makers.

3. The principal will report to the School Board and community on curriculum achievement, professional and school-wide developments.  This will take place at each Board meeting.

4. Dates for meetings will be publicised to parents as specified in legislation.

5. The purposes of each form of consultation will be clearly defined and difficult areas handled with sensitivity and honesty.

6. Procedures will be provided to enable staff, parents, board members and students to voice their concerns, comments and questions in a manner which respects the dignity and confidentiality of all concerned.

7. Consultation may provide information for further action, share vital information, pose questions and seek answers, clarify issues, provide motivation, follow a sequence, inform, involve one group or a combination of groups from within the community or the wider educational community.

8. The process that will usually be followed in consultation is as follows:

   • identifying concerns or issues;

   • involving a working party to explore solutions;

   • making a decision about a solution;

   • asking for feedback from the rest of the learning community;

   • re-examining the decision in the light of the feedback, and making adjustments as appropriate

9. Parental/Community participation at Southland Adventist Christian School will be actively encouraged by:

   • inviting parents to participate in all school activities where possible

   • providing the community with opportunities to view displays and curriculum activities where possible

   • developing networks with corporations/businesses/organisations to lift the profile of the school and to promote cooperation between them and the school

   • allowing, where appropriate, the community to hire the hall and grounds for community activities

   • developing networks with other schools and preschools for the improvement of student achievement and staff professional development

   • providing opportunities for discussion, communication and information with Maori community leaders, parents and whanau 

10. The Annual Report will cover the implementation of local goals and objectives as set out in the Strategic Plan.  As part of the community consultation required to compile the Strategic Plan, there will be a review of local goals and objectives, and these will be updated and revised if necessary.