Figure 1.-- New Zealand has one of the smallest private sectors of any modern democratic country. This is in part because many private sector schools and the Catholic system have been integrated into the state system.
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Figure 1.-- New Zealand has one of the smallest private sectors of any modern democratic country. This is in part because many private sector schools and the Catholic system have been integrated into the state system. |
There are several different types of schools in New Zealand. The basic division is the state and private sectors. There are other types based on gender, residential arrangements, and religious affliliation. New Zealand has one of the smallest private sectors of any modern democratic country. This is in part because many private sector schools and the Catholic system have been integrated into the state system. This was done with the understanding that the schools could retain their traditional character such as the religious affliliation and program.
There are several different types of schools in New Zealand. The basic division is the state and private (independent) sectors. New Zealand has one of the smallest private sectors of any modern democratic country. The private sector prefers to be called the independent sector. The Government has incouraged private schools to integrate with the state system. While the Catholic schools did integrate, most private schools deccided to remain independent of the state sector.
Ine of the 'special relationships' of our school is that with our old friend and rival Christ's College. This treasured scroll symbolizes a relationship going back 110 years to the time when we were neighbors in town; the ties built up in sport (especially the 'School-College' match); and the ties in service (the Headmasters of our two schools together introduced Volunteer Services Abroad to New Zealand). This 'special relationship' with a school with which we share many ideals will continue to thrive."
Graeme Ash, "The school we magnify," (1991). Christchurch Boys' High School
One of thec reasons that New Zealand has a relatively small private sector is in part because many private sector schools and the Catholic system have been integrated into the state system. The Goverment saw private schools as devisive and inequitable. The schools deciding to integrate were mostly schools finding it difficult to finance their operations. This was the primary reason, for example, that the Catholic schools integrated. This was done with the understanding that the schools could retain their traditional character such as the religious affliliation and program.
A review of the special Catholic character of the school ws held in August 1995. Sister Teresa Hanratty and Marcia Morrison from the Catholic Education Office in Palmerston North carried out the review. The process took five days and staff, students, and parents were involved. The report back by the review team to the Board of Trustees was very positive and supportive. Recommendations and suggested developments were made. I believe this was a very good process highlighting the positive awareness of staff and the caring attitude that flows from the staff to the boys and amongst the boys themselves. As a result of this review a lunch time school Mass is now part of the college timetable and this is well attended by the staff and students. In addition to this Brother Mark McKeon has set up a Campus Ministry programme involving the training of students to minister and help out the younger members of the College.
Francis Douglas Memorial College, 1996
