Raphael House - Rudolf Steiner School

The needs of children and their learning shall be the focus of this charter.

By following the guiding principles of the charter, the Board of Trustees will ensure that all pupils are given an education that enhances their learning, builds on their needs and respects their dignity.  This Rudolf Steiner Waldorf education aims to challenge pupils to achieve personal standards of excellence and to reach their full potential.  All school activities will be designed to advance these purposes.

This will be achieved through a partnership between the Rudolf Steiner School Trust (Wellington), the Board of Trustees, the College of Teachers, its community and the Minister under the provisions of the Education Act.

The Board of Trustees will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the school meets the goals and objectives of this charter within the resources and time available to it.

Every year prepare policies that will:

a    Ensure the curriculum reflects Maori perspectives;
b    Make equitable provisions in the curriculum for the instructional
      needs of Maori pupils;
c    Provide opportunities for pupils to learn the Maori language and culture;
d    Develop programmes which will teach Maori language and culture;
e    Recognise Maori values in the provision of resources and facilities

STRATEGIC GOAL 1:
To fulfil the intentions of the Special Character Statement in the Integration Agreement and the Rudolf Steiner School Trust Deed.

Outcomes:
1.1    Pupils will value learning
1.2    Years 0, 1 and 2 children may have their first years of schooling
         together in the kindergarten
1.3    Pupils will receive an education with a special character, namely
         Rudolf Steiner/Waldorf education, as practiced in Rudolf Steiner/Waldorf
         schools world-wide


STRATEGIC GOAL 2:
To strengthen ‘salutogenesis’ (health and well-being) of the pupils

Outcomes:
2.1    Pupils will value learning
2.2    Pupils’ sense of health and well-being will increase
2.3    Incidents of bullying in the classrooms and on the playgrounds will decrease
2.4    There will be fewer stand-downs and suspensions
2.5    Raphael House pupils will become more compassionate and socially
         aware adults

STRATEGIC GOAL 3:
To deliver the Waldorf curriculum as indicated by Rudolf Steiner, whilst also addressing the requirements of the National Curriculum Statements and the National Education Goals

Outcomes:
3.1 Raphael House pupils will receive a broad-based education, and all pupils
      will take all subjects until they reach class 11 (Year 12)
3.2 Subject delivery and content will reflect Rudolf Steiner’s indications
      for learning
3.3 Subjects such as eurythmy and Bothmer gymnastics are included in
      the curriculum
3.4 Music (instrumental, choir and orchestra) will be strengthened in classes 3-12


STRATEGIC GOAL 4:
To establish Maori language and culture as part of the school’s daily life

Outcomes:

4.1    Pupils develop a relationship with Maori language and culture
4.2    Pupils develop a greater awareness for the diversity of
         New Zealand’s cultures


 
STRATEGIC GOAL 5:
To complete the school site

5.1    The lower school pupils will have access to fully completed, safe but
         challenging, playgrounds
5.2     The upper school pupils will receive their lessons in purpose-build
          classrooms and have access to good facilities for sports and recreation



STRATEGIC GOAL 6:
To develop a Financial Planning model for predicting budget requirements

Outcomes:

6.1    Budgets are accurately predicted
6.2    Special Character funding needs are accurately predicted and the parent
         community is informed
6.3    Administrative processes will be re-organised to be more efficient
6.4    Long-range budgets will be adopted and these budgets will reflect the
         strategic planning


STRATEGIC GOAL 7:
To increase the school roll to its maximum of 380 and to establish a 4th kindergarten

Outcomes:

7.1    The school roll will gradually be increased to its maximum of 380
7.2    Prospective parents will be fully aware of the school’s special character,
         and what this entails for the pupils’ learning
7.3    A 4th kindergarten will be established to ensure a full class 1 every year