RODNEY COLLEGE

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No school is likely to do everything right, all the time. At Rodney College we take the view that if people have concerns, they should express them without hesitation or fear. We believe that only by hearing from people can we hope to keep getting better at what we do for our students.

 

Most concerns are best raised early, with a phone call or a conversation. In our experience, a lot can be sorted out quickly once people are talking. Some matters are more serious, and there's a clear path for those too.

 

Parents and community members can get in touch in a number of ways, and often much will depend on the nature of the concern.

 

Read our full complaints procedure on our SchoolDocs website (rodneycollege.schooldocs.co.nz)

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Here are some options:

 

By phone

A phone call is often the quickest way to sort something out.

• Phone the school and talk to the receptionist, explain the problem and ask to be put through to the appropriate person.

• Phone and ask to speak with your son/daughter's Year Level Dean. The Year Level Dean knows your son/daughter well and has overall responsibility for his/her welfare. You can leave a message on the Dean's phone. Deans carry a teaching load, so they'll get back to you as soon as they're able.

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Year Level Deans

Year 9    Ms Lisa Te Haara  (Lisa.Te@rodneycollege.school.nz)

Year 10  Mr Wiremu Ngatipa (wiremu.ngatipa@rodneycollege.school.nz)

Year 11   Mr Michael Kingi (michael.kingi@rodneycollege.school.nz)

Year 12  Mr Steve Davie-Martin (steve.davie@rodneycollege.school.nz)

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• Phone and ask to speak with a particular teacher. Teachers are often teaching during the day, so it may take a little time to get back to you, but they will.

• Phone and ask for one of the Deputy Principals. Generally you'll want to discuss serious matters with them. You can leave messages on their phones.

• Phone and ask for the Principal. You're likely to talk with Mrs Jo Warahi, the Principal's Assistant, who'll make sure you're put through as needed. To email the Principal directly, you can write to principal@rodneycollege.school.nz

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In Writing

If a matter is more serious, or a conversation hasn't resolved things, it's best to put it in writing.

• When speaking with any of the above, they'll ask you to put the complaint in writing, dated and signed, if the issue is serious. You can also write directly to any of these people, and this is our preferred approach for serious matters. A written complaint will minimise misinterpretation.

• Serious matters can be directed to the Board of Trustees, in writing, via the Principal. The Board is unlikely to act on an operational matter unless the Principal has first been contacted.

• In cases of complaint against the Principal, a formal written complaint may be made to the Board of Trustees Chairperson in the first instance.

 

If you don't get an adequate response

• We very much hope you get responses that are appropriate. We work hard to be open and responsive. Sometimes, though, things don't work out as they should.

• If you phone or write and get no response (for example, calls not answered or letters not replied to), please write directly to the Principal. If the problem lies with the Principal, write to the Board of Trustees Chairperson.