Both parents and prospective students must be clear about Waimea College’s standards and expectations before signing the enrolment form and agreement.

What the school & students can expect of each other

As the good name of Waimea College is largely in the hands of its students, they are expected at all times to conduct themselves in such a way as to bring credit on themselves, their families and the College.

All students have a right to learn without being disrupted by others. No student has the right to interfere with any other student’s learning or staff member’s teaching programme.

All students and staff are entitled to be treated courteously and respectfully.

All students and staff have the right to work in a clean and attractive environment. It is the responsibility of individuals and groups within the College to leave classrooms and grounds in a neat and tidy condition.

Waimea College is a friendly, helpful and caring school. The Waimea Code will help us to keep it that way. Students will gain a lot from the school and each other if they follow the behaviour code.

• Be thoughtful, cooperative and tolerant.
This makes it easier for you to learn and live together.

• Respect others rights to learn without interruption.
This ensures that all students have a chance to learn without disruption from others.

• Be well mannered, considerate and friendly to each other, to staff and to visitors.

This makes it easier to learn and live together and the whole school gains respect from the public.

• Be proud of your school and keep it clean, safe and attractive.
This helps confirm the community’s high regard for this College and ensures that everyone can work in a pleasant environment.

• Dress correctly and behave well at all times.
This brings credit to you and your school.

The most important things to remember are self discipline, common sense and respect for others. Please note:-

• Students attending or participating in any school activity outside normal school hours are bound by the school rules, e.g. trips, weekend or evening sporting or cultural events.

The Waimea College Behaviour Code is based on commonsense and respect. It provides good guidelines regarding acceptable behaviour.

Some types of behaviour are not acceptable from Waimea College students.

• Disrespectful behaviour.
• Rude or abusive language.
• Bullying, violent or threatening behaviour. Bullying is any type of deliberate behaviour that is harmful to others. It can be:-
- Physical (hitting, taking from, kicking)
- Verbal (name calling, insults, racist or sexist remarks)
- Indirect (spreading stories, excluding from groups)
• Damaging or stealing property, arson, possession or use of dangerous weapons,explosives or inflammables.
• Disobedience, dishonesty, disruptive behaviour, truancy.
• Possessing or using tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or substances.
• Inappropriate use of ICT resources such as email or the internet.
• Inappropriate use of cellphones and digital media devices.

Why? Because these actions are unfriendly and unhelpful. They harm you and your school.

The consequences of student involvement in any misbehaviour may include:-

Stand-downs and Suspensions

For repeated or serious offences, students may be given:-
A ‘stand-down’ from school for one or more school days, but not more than five days in any one term, or ten days in total for that year.
or
A ‘suspension’ from school. The Board of Trustees Discipline Committee is then required to hold a meeting within seven school days. This meeting considers the misbehaviour, and has the ability to;

a) reinstate;

b) reinstate with conditions;

c) extend the suspension with conditions;
d) exclude the student if under 16 years of age; or

e) expel the student if over 16 years of age.

Students who are stood-down or suspended may at the discretion of the Principal be required to attend school in the Learning Centre for guidance and counselling or to complete an individual education programme during the period of the stand-down or suspension.

Our discipline procedure has been developed to ensure acceptable standards of behaviour are maintained in the school. The procedure means that students know what the consequences of misbehaviour will be. The emphasis is on prevention, communication with parents/caregivers, appropriate support and guidance, and the development of a positive cooperative attitude resulting in progress and success at school.

Tutors, guidance staff and senior management staff are always available for consultation regarding student behaviour and discipline.

Failure to Meet our Standards and Expectations

When an International Student fails to meet these standards and expectations, a number of steps will be taken to help correct the problem. This will involve discussion with the student, college staff and homestay parents. Parents will be kept fully informed of any situation causing concern and should feel free to contact the College staff at any time.

If a student’s behaviour or attitude is still unacceptable, discipline action will be taken. This may include suspension from the College. If this action is taken, procedures as outlined in the Education Act will be followed.

If a decision is made by the College to exclude a student from the schools homestay arrangements, the following procedures will apply:

1. The agent and parents of the international student will be notified. 
2. A decision will be made by the College that: 
        - the student will return home. 
        - permission may be given to enroll with another education provider in New Zealand.