Over the past few months we have seen our college grow tremendously, which is very exciting to witness. At the same time it has forced me to check whether we are staying true to our initial vision to ensure we keep the feeling of a community college. By ‘community college’ we mean a college where the staff know the students, the families know the staff and open communication is encouraged so that our students receive the support they need and deserve.
Last week we held an Open Day, with over 60 people in the room I was reminded once again that our intention is still on track. Our goal to provide an environment where balance is embraced is a realistic one that appeals to many families.
I thought it prudent to re-visit some of our college’s specific goals regarding our approach in the classroom and within our sporting programs. I am pleased to say that our program structure has not changed since we started the college and we have no intention of making any drastic changes, although we are constantly looking at how we can improve and refine what we do.
So to some specific points to consider, which have been part of our Master Plan from the outset:
In the classroom:
- Our teacher-to-student ratio is 1:25, that is, for each group of 25 students we have approximately one full time teacher. When this ratio gets close to 1:30 we start the process of employing extra teaching staff.
- Our students are grouped in stages, i.e. Years 3 and 4 are grouped together and referred to as ‘Stage 2’, Years 5 and 6 are grouped together and referred to as ‘Stage 3’ etc.
- Our opening learning spaces will cater for up to approximately 100 students, if that were the case we would have four teaching staff within a space.
- Our target for each year level is 50 students with approximately 100 students within a stage (i.e. 100 students across two year levels).
- We have a plan to upgrade each of the classroom spaces over the coming years with improvements in progress such as new updated furniture, installation of projectors and screens and improvements to the physical spaces such as painting and carpet for some classrooms.
- Our goal is 500 students spanning from Year 3 through to Year 12.
On the football fields:
- Our coach-to-player ratio is 1:16, that is, for each group of 16 players we have one coaching staff member during session time. Our head coaches have 32 students within their group and also an assistant coach to assist during sessions.
- Players are placed into training groups based on physical attributes, emotional development and technical capabilities.
- We are working to develop the fields across the entire site, having already made major improvements with much more work to be done.
- Some exciting news regarding our football program competition structure and game play opportunities for 2015 will be announced in the coming weeks.
On the tennis courts:
- Our coach-to-player ratio is 1:8, that is, for each group of eight players we have one coaching staff member during session time. Our head coaches have 32 students within their group and also a number of assistant coaches to assist during sessions.
- Players are placed into training groups based on physical attributes, emotional development and technical capabilities.
- We have some very exciting news regarding our tennis facility to announce in the coming weeks – watch this space!
In the Café:
- Ash and Jodi have been doing an amazing job in our café over the past 12 months. We serve over 250 healthy meals, prepared onsite, at lunchtime everyday!
- Our morning tea service is very popular. At a set price of only $3, the students can count themselves lucky with the incredible range of food that is on offer.
- We are currently working on plans to complete a major upgrade of the kitchen over the coming summer holidays to cope with the increased student numbers in 2015.
Transport to and from college:
- We currently have five buses servicing six private bus routes.
- Over the past few months we have been working with the Ministry of Transport with a view to increasing the transport options to our college by ensuring safe and reliable buses cover more areas of the coast.
- We will continue to own a few large buses for ongoing use for excursions and short trips but hope to transition to government run bus services freeing up resources for other essential college services.
I could go on and on about all the things that we already have done, however, the list of things still to do is just as long. I want to share with all families that our vision and our goals remain unchanged, our focus on the students is ever present and we look forward to supporting your child over the coming terms.
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