Motto: Know God, Grow Character, Achieve Potential, Make a Difference
Parents who have a particular or general philosophical or religious connection with an integrated school shall have preference of enrolment for their children at the school.
Parent/Guardian
A parent is a biological parent who is responsible for the upbringing and care of a child. A legal guardian is an adult who's responsible for the upbringing and care of a child. Guardians have the same responsibilities as a biological parent.
Guardians also include Whāngai. Whāngai is an informal Māori customary adoption recognised by the Justice Department. It usually involves a child or children being raised by grandparents, whānau, or extended family. Whāngai arrangements are managed directly between the birth parents and the mātua whāngai (the family who are raising the child).
Preference
It is important to note that Preference is not the same as Enrolment.
The legislation makes it clear that Preference of Enrolment is given to parents of the child, not the child.
Renew Church as the proprietor is responsible to determine the criteria to be used in making a judgement on a parent’s claim for preference.
The Private Schools Conditional Integration Act says that preference shall be given to the children of parents who have a particular or general philosophical or religious connection with the integrated school.
Connection
'Connection' is deemed to be the relationship or partnership that exists between the parent/caregiver applying for the child's enrolment and the beliefs, values and standards that define the 'special characteristics of the school . Evidence of this partnership is best demonstrated in the home where the parent/s caregiver demonstrates the values and characteristics of the school and the child/children are prepared to make a positive contribution to the school.
The Proprietor or a designated person working on behalf of the Proprietor will assess a parent’s claim of preference.
Please note: Renew School is required to take reasonable steps to verify parents commitment to the Special Character of the school. This is normally done by requesting a reference from a recognised church before providing awarding 'preferential status'. However further questions may be asked during the interview process.
Non-Preference
'Non-preference' denotes an applicant who for whatever reason has elected not to complete the 'Preferential Enrolment' form in the enrolment application.
Non-preference applicants will be considered for enrolment in accordance with the Proprietor's criteria and where department roll numbers have not yet been filled.
The proprietor has the right to determine what is necessary to preserve and safeguard the special character of the education provided by the school. During the interview the Proprietor will seek to establish that the 'special character' of Renew School is mutually acceptable to both the child and the parents / guardian, and that the beliefs, values and standards upheld in the school will not lead to conflict in the school or in the home.
For example: If the applicant's family is of another philosophical or religious background the special character of the education provided by the school may lead to conflict and disruption at home or in the classroom. In this case the application would be declined.
Non-Preference Criteria for School Enrolments
As state integrated school Renew School has a maximum of 5% non-preference places for non-preference students on the school roll.
Non-Preference places criteria
The applicants understand and accept that they will be attending a 'special character' school and;
- That the beliefs, values and standards upheld in Renew School are mutually acceptable to both the child and the parents/guardian and;
- That their place in the school is conditional on their participation in the program.
Non-preference students are accepted on a 'first come first placed' basis; however those who cannot enrol immediately may choose to be placed on a waiting list. Students on this list are waitlisted by date and number and will be contacted if places become available within the calendar year.
