Introduction

These policies guide the operation of the school in our pursuit of the National Education Goals and the objectives outlined in the Hataitai School Strategic Plan & Charter. They provide the framework within which the school’s procedures and practices will be formulated and carried out.

These policies show our commitment to the National Administration Guidelines for sound school governance and management practices involving curriculum, planning and self-review, employment, finance and property, health and safety, and legal compliance.

Responsibilities

While the board is responsible for school policy overall, the principal is responsible on a day by day basis for what happens in the classroom as well as for the ongoing smooth organisation and administration of the school.[1]

Under section 75 of the Education Act 1989, boards control the management of schools:

"Except to the extent that any enactment, or the general law of New Zealand provides otherwise, a school's board has complete discretion to control the management of the school as it thinks fit."

Section 76 of the Act outlines the principal’s role:

1. "A school's principal is the board's chief executive in relation to the school's control and management.
2. Except to the extent that any enactment, or the general law of New Zealand, provides otherwise, the principal-

a. Shall comply with the board's general policy directions; and

b. Subject to paragraph (a) of this subsection, has complete discretion to manage as the principal thinks fit the school's day to day administration."

Supporting documents

The Hataitai School policies should be read in conjunction with the following supporting documents:

• Hataitai School Management Procedures
• Hataitai School Charter & Strategic Plan
• NZSTA Trustee Handbook

Status

These policies shall remain effective until the date of their next amendment by the board. The policies contained in this document supersede all previous Hataitai School policies.

Hataitai School Board of Trustees

Acknowledgements

In codifying these policies the board acknowledges the contributions of others including:

· Members of staff and the school community;

• The New Zealand School Trustees Association and the Ashhurst School Board of Trustees for their advice and policy examples.