What is the Coll Way?
Values and Norms
The “Coll Way” is how we develop the school’s motto to receive the light and pass it on, and the values of Excellence, Manaakitanga, and Integrity, expressed through behavior and decision-making within the classroom and beyond.
Standards of Behaviour
We use the phrase to set expectations for how we conduct ourselves, emphasising things like wearing the uniform with pride, striving for academic success, or showing good sportsmanship.
Cultural Identity
It is how we build and reflect the identity of the school, incorporating traditions, tikanga, language, and symbols that make the school unique. We develop a sense of belonging by connecting with the culture, traditions, and stories of the kura.
Community Spirit
It is how we develop a sense of belonging and pride in being part of the school, with students supporting one another, and showing support for other schools which demonstrate our values, and taking part in school life.
We teach good character and good learning habits.
At Wellington College, we cultivate positive behaviour that reflects our school values and fosters an environment where students and staff thrive. Recognising that every student brings a unique story, we are committed to providing personalised learning experiences grounded in high expectations. Our goal is to empower every learner to achieve their academic aspirations while developing character that contributes positively to the world.
We teach good learning habits by embedding proven strategies into daily routines and classroom practices. Students are guided to set clear goals, reflect on their progress, and embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Through structured rituals and routines, we establish consistency that helps learners focus and help them in understanding how their learning brain works. By encouraging active participation, fostering curiosity, and promoting metacognitive strategies, we empower students to take ownership of their learning. These habits are reinforced through ongoing support from teachers, who model effective practices and create an environment where perseverance and effort are celebrated as key components of success.
As a school we know that consistent and timely attendance is an essential key to unlock student achievement and potential.
Therefore, we take this issue seriously, doing everything we can to work with students and whānau to ensure consistent attendance for all students.
Absences, Lates and Catch Up Time
- If a student has 3 Lates (without a justified explanation) or 1 unexplained absence in the previous week, they will be required for a Catch Up Time on Friday after school.
How this works
- Tutor Time (Tuesday), students will check their own attendance from the previous week (Mon-Fri) using the portal.
- Students to contact the teacher of the class of any Lates (L) or Absence (?) if the student thinks there is a mistake or justified reason for lateness or absence. Must be completed by end of Wednesday
- If teachers accepts the reason, the teacher makes change on the roll
- Students with remaining three ‘L’ or one ‘?’ from the previous week (Mon-Fri) notified along with parents on Thursday they are required to attend a Catch Up Time, held after school on Friday that week
Considerations
- If parents contact with justified reason saying the student cannot attend the Friday Catch Up Time, another time will be provided
- Lates will still be marked as L, but a note will be attached if this is for a justified reason
- Parents will be notified at the end of Period 1 by the Attendance Officer if their child is marked absent.
Signing in/out
- Any student arriving after 9:10am will sign in at Reception then go to class where teacher will change attendance accordingly
- Year 9-11 will not leave school grounds at any point in the day, without signing out for a justified reason, usually indicated by the parents. They must have a Leave Pass.
- Year 12 and 13 are able to leave school grounds at lunchtime, and are not required to sign out
- Year 13 students may leave school grounds if they have a study period. They must sign out and back in when returning, for Health and Safety reasons.
- Only Year 13 students who have signed out with a Leave Pass may leave school grounds during the day on a scooter
- Year 13 students who have study Period 1 may choose to not come in for tutor time, unless the tutor teacher requests their attendance. All students must attend Wednesday COLL Time.
We are a restorative school
We understand that every student is on a different learning journey and so it is essential we have a clear process that guides teachers and students through classroom incidents from minor disruption, to more serious misconduct. We follow the principles of restorative practice that requires students to ‘make it right’ when they have not followed classroom and school guidelines. We all have a part to play in learning from our mistakes.
