Sancta Maria College .::. ERO Comments

In mid November 2005 Sancta Maria College was reviewed by the Education Review Office (ERO). ERO is an independent, external evaluation agency that undertakes reviews of schools throughout New Zealand.

The Board of Trustees is delighted with the outcome of the Review. The comments reflect a school where staff and students are working together in a safe environment in which the school’s Special Character facilitates a cohesive culture based on explicit values. The report also reflects the significant contribution made by the Board of Trustees and the wider community in the Establishment of Sancta Maria College.

A selection of quotes from the report reflect the over all impressions that the Review Team gained from their time in the school.

Already the Board and staff have achieved a great deal in establishing a culture that is focused on learning and supporting achievement
The Principal’s keen interest in and respect for the achievement of students and staff has established a school tone of mutual esteem and courtesy
Staff and students respond positively to clearly documented high expectations for behaviour and achievement
Good documentation of school systems, inclusive decision making and collaborative planning have been important strategies in developing a learning culture
Students are articulate, confident and motivated to achieve. They enjoy positive, respectful relationships with their teachers and other students. They are proud of their school and respond positively to teachers’ high expectations. They regard teachers as approachable, friendly and able to provide appropriately challenging and relevant work experiences
The Board of Trustees and staff are committed to providing a safe and caring environment for students and staff
There are strong, positive and supportive relationships among students and between students and teachers
Students make good use of the school’s attractive facilities and classrooms are purposeful, focused learning environments.

SPECIAL CHARACTER REVIEW

In the same week as the ERO Team were at the School a representative from the Auckland Diocese conducted a review of the School’s Special Character. This report is also outstanding and is summarised by the final paragraph in the Executive Summary.

“Sancta Maria College is already demonstrating a superb sense of community and Catholicity and is proudly working to ensure that students who enter as the school grows have the opportunity to become part of a truly Catholic school. The overwhelming impression of the visit to Sancta Maria College was of a school living out its Catholicity in the best interests of the community. It was a privilege to become part of the community for the days of the visit”.

These reports are a most encouraging step in the development of Sancta Maria College. The Board sensed that the school was being established on sound values and high expectations. To have this confirmed by external reviewers is a wonderful and highly satisfying outcome to our vision. Parents can have a great deal of confidence in the education that their children are receiving.