pupils

The Academic Programme
McKenzie is first and foremost a school and is required to present the N.Z. National Curriculum just as is expected of any other school catering for pupils in the age range.  All pupils are thoroughly assessed in academic areas within a short time of being enrolled.  A number of pupils will have quite severe deficits in core areas such as mathematics, reading and language. 

While there is an emphasis on catching up in these circumstances where class sizes are smaller and specialist teaching is available, there is also a recognition that some pupils need a challenge at the other end of the spectrum as their considerable ability demands an extension programme.

The programme also recognises the importance of presenting pupils with a balanced range of cultural activities.  The academic programme operates between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm.  Homework is set four nights per week and is supervised by Residential Social Workers in the dormitory setting.  Where relevant, the school programme encompasses school trips and occasions where teaching and learning take place outside the classroom and in a variety of environments.

It is intended that while at McKenzie each pupil will develop a desire to learn, the knowledge that academic learning is achievable for them and a range of acceptable behaviours which will allow them to become worthwhile members of the school to which they will return.

There are four modern, well equipped classrooms with seven or eight pupils in each.  All teachers have additional training in the provision of programmes for pupils with special needs and each year there are further opportunities for additional staff development.
 

The Residential Programme
The residential programme is planned and supervised by the residential social worker team.  Within the routines required around meals and bedtimes, the programme aims to provide a balance between:

• Activities within and outside the school
• Supervised and free activities
• Instruction and self motivated development of skills and interests
• Passive and active activities
• Indoor and outdoor activities
• Attractiveness without ‘pampering’
• Staff-initiated and pupil-initiated
• Group and individual interests
• Challenge and safety considerations

The programme puts a high value on the development of acceptable social and behavioural skills in all activities undertaken.



The House Programme
This programme is an extension of the residential programme and provides for four pupils who are considered to be able to progress in an environment less structured other than full dormitory living.

This programmes is supervised by senior staff with day to day implementation being the responsibility of live-in caregivers.


The Evening Programme
Please click here to download a timetable.
 

Pupil Management
The real strength at McKenzie lies in the consistently applied pupil management system by trained, competent and dedicated staff.  The system operates throughout the entire day and across all sections of the school.  It provides clear boundaries for both pupils and staff and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of all involved.

The aim of the pupil management system is to allow pupils opportunities to make their own decisions regarding behaviour and effort.

Pupils are aware of the rewards for acceptable behaviour and the sanctions associated with poor decisions. 

Staff work hard to acknowledge acceptable behaviours and to create the environment which encourages pupils to make responsible decisions.

Consequences for reasonable effort include :

• Positive comments and praise
• Certificates and membership of  ‘The Privilege Group’
• Awards
• Access to preferred activities ‘on-site’
• Increased access to some resources
• Access to selected activities ‘off site’
• Increased opportunities for free choice

Consequences for unacceptable behaviour or a lack of reasonable effort include:

• Verbal correction
• Involvement in ‘The Standard Group’
• Limited access to some resources
• Limited access to some activities on or off campus
• Restriction to designated areas within the school
• Loss of free time
• Additional duties or chores during free time
• Regular reporting to staff

Consequences for acceptable and unacceptable behaviours are regularly monitored to ensure there is consistency of application.  Within this framework of consistency there is room for consequences to accurately reflect the behaviour and the age and stage of development of the pupil.  

Pupils receive regular feed back on their performance and are encouraged to set realistic and achievable social and academic goals.


Health
Pupils are best able to take advantage of the programmes offered when they are in good health.  Pupil health is closely monitored, with additional care being provided when pupils are unwell.  A local GP acts in the role of family doctor and responds quickly to requests for on-site or surgery visits.

In the event of accident, pupils are seen by the appropriate facility. This may be our GP, one of the after-hours medical practices or the Accident and Emergency Department of Christchurch Hospital.  A staff member remains with the pupil in these situations.

In the event that a child must remain in hospital overnight, a staff member stays until the child is settled.  Parents and caregivers are advised promptly in such circumstances and are kept up to date with developments.

When a pupil suffers from a condition which requires a lengthy recuperation, a return home for this period is usually in the pupil’s best interests.


Medication and Inoculations
Prescribed medication is administered meticulously according to the prescription.  Pupils on long term medication have this regularly reviewed.  All decisions on treatment are made in consultation with parents and appropriate medical personnel. 

Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for as many aspects of their own health and well being as is appropriate to their age and knowledge.

All pupils must have all the relevant inoculations prior to enrolment.  Parents and caregivers should inform the school of any special circumstances or conditions affecting their child’s health.

In the event of major illness or accident parents and caregivers are promptly advised of the situation.

The Public Health Nurse visits McKenzie from time to time and is involved in a
variety of ways.  In addition to monitoring hearing and vision, the Public Health Nurse may also take part in some health related programmes and staff training.  The Group Special Education psychologist or child psychiatrist may be consulted regarding the provision of individual programmes for specific pupils.  Parents and caregivers are involved throughout the process as their participation is vital for them to make informed decisions about recommendations for treatment.  The school has taken professional advice from a dietitian to ensure that menus provide high quality nutrition within the approved budget.


Travel
With pupils coming to the school from such a large catchment area, a variety of means are necessary to ensure that all make the journey as quickly and safely as possible.

All pupils from the North Island, Nelson, Marlborough, parts of the West Coast, Otago and Southland travel to and from school by aircraft.  The school meets this expense.

Pupils from towns such as Oamaru, Timaru and Kaikoura travel by bus - the school meets the costs.

All local pupils are transported by parents or caregivers.

The school makes all airline bookings and advises parents and caregivers of the schedules. The school books and pays for the tickets as early in the term as possible.  This enables us to get the best prices.

Where tickets are changed after they have been paid for, the additional cost is borne by the caregivers when they have requested the change.  In some instances, this additional cost can be considerable.


Pupil Mentoring
The board employs an independent, suitably qualified person to visit the school on a random basis and to be available for pupils who wish to speak to him.

The Pupil Mentor provides written reports to the board on the general well-being of pupils.

In the event there are any issues of individual or group concern, the principal is responsible for addressing these areas and for advising the Pupil Mentor and board of the actions taken.

The position is valued by the pupils and serves a useful role for the school.

Telephoning
While at McKenzie, parents and family are encouraged to keep in contact with their child through letter writing and telephoning.  The best time to phone is week days between 6.15pm and 8pm and mornings are preferable during the weekends as
often some activity is planned for the afternoons.