community

McKenzie recognises the importance of working within the wider community and actively works to maximise the opportunity for this.  Pupils are involved in a variety of activities outside the school and interaction with local schools, especially in sporting activity which is a regular part of the programme.  Selected pupils also have the opportunity to be involved in the academic programmes of neighbouring schools.

Involvement with sports clubs and other community organisations bring considerable benefits to McKenzie pupils who participate.

Professional development for staff is on-going and opportunities for staff training, both on and off campus, ensure a balanced perspective is maintained.  The school provides limited training for College of Education, Early Childhood and Polytech students.  A variety of professional visitors are received each year and the feedback offered on these occasions is of real value to the school.


Parent Programme
The Programme involves a balance of observation, informal discussions and formal learning opportunities.

The aim of the programme is to:

• Increase the skills and confidence of parents in managing their child
• Improve the relationship between parent and child
• Increase the consistency of management between McKenzie and the home
• Enhance the opportunities for a child’s successful return to the home district.

McKenzie provides financial assistance to enable parents to participate.



Reporting on Pupil Progress
McKenzie recognises the importance of regular and accurate reporting to parents and others who play a role in the pupil’s progress beyond McKenzie.  To meet its responsibility in this vital aspect of the school’s operation the school provides:

• A weekly report
• A report at the end of each term
• A report at the time of leaving McKenzie.

Weekly reports are provided to parents and caregivers only. The pupil’s GSE psychologist receives a copy of each term report and the Leaver’s Report.  The school at which the pupil is enrolled after leaving McKenzie also receives a copy of the final report.

Parents and psychologists confer on these reports and the feedback  provided is very useful in adapting each pupil’s programme.  Parents and caregivers are also expected to give their perspective on pupil behaviour and progress during weekends and holidays at home.  Holiday report forms can be tailor-made in consultation with parents to target specific areas of concern.  This two-way provision of information plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the
relationships between home, McKenzie and others, and enhances the ability of all in working towards a successful transition to home and school.