"In partnership with parents and with the support of the whole school community, Silverstream challenges its students and enables them to strive for their full spiritual, intellectual and physical potential in a Christian environment and according to the Marist spirit and tradition"

Cherishing the past to create a worthwhile future

THE MARIST TRADITION

The Marist heritage ensures a united and continuing philosophy of education in the college. Lay staff share this Marist spirit and undertake a commitment to these same ideals so that the entire staff can dedicate themselves to the goals of the college and participate fully in all its activities. The Marist heritage gives emphasis to three characteristic features in education. It stresses the uniqueness and value of the individual person, the importance of the Christian community and the involvement of parents and family in the education of the students. The concept of personalism stems from the Christian principle that the child is unique, invaluable and created by God for His own purposes. All students, therefore, must be regarded as of positive and special value and the school must endeavour to meet their individual needs and develop their special talents. Teachers aim at formation of the total person so that each becomes fully free and responsible, a totally integrated human being. By experiencing the respect and genuine concern of the teachers in this regard, students will learn to love and respect others.

The major aim of the College is to encourage the development of Christian attitudes and values. Instruction is given in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and full participation in worship and liturgy is expected.

The College specialises in providing an individualised curriculum for each student. This results in excellent examination results and a superb range of subjects, both academic and vocational. Latest technological advances are fully incorporated into the teaching methodology and students are encouraged to keep abreast of technological change. St Patrick's College, Silverstream is at the forefront of curriculum innovation. Students' needs are carefully analysed and every encouragement is given for students to succeed.

SPIRITUAL AND PASTORAL

Nurturing the life within and living by our Christian beliefs: The life of a Catholic school finds its inspiration and guidance in the teachings of Jesus Christ which were handed down by the Apostles and are taught today by the Pope and the Bishops of the Catholic Church. The Catholic school aims to be a community in which the Gospel spirit of liberty and charity is the life force, a community which will provide the environment for students to develop as persons and at the same time learn to relate all human activity to the message of Christian salvation. Besides being academic, the Catholic school is concerned with the religious and moral development of its students. The student is taught to be a Christian first and foremost and learns to live the teachings of the Gospel which become his source of life and direction. It is fundamental to the philosophy of education of the Marist college that religious beliefs, values and practices should permeate every aspect of college life. Classes of religious studies form a principle part of the general college programme and all students are required to attend them. At times, the programme of religious education takes the form of extended periods of study, days of recollection and retreat and times of community worship. Christian values and the code of Catholic morality are respected by the entire college community, staff and students alike. Students are trained in the Christian virtues so that they will not only know the truths of the Catholic Faith but they will be equipped to live moral and Christian lives.

GUIDANCE NETWORK

A full-time Counsellor co-ordinates the Pastoral Care team which has responsibility for the guidance of students. Students have ready access to the Counsellor. Sometimes they may be referred for guidance by their teachers. A Form Teacher will take a personal interest in each student and, at each form level, there is a Dean who has responsibility for the welfare of all students at that level.

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

"A man's reach must always exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for?" (R Browning) Reaching for excellence: The academic aim is to bring each student to the peak of his potential by a curriculum designed to give as wide a range of subjects as possible, related to each other and to the realities of the outside world. Whilst the need for disciplined hard work and the mastery of fundamental skills is stressed, students are encouraged to develop their imagination and interests. The College maintains a very proud record in public examinations. Excellent study habits are fostered with every student encouraged to reach his academic potential.

FACILITIES

All teaching areas in the College have been rebuilt since 1988. A large auditorium with gallery and stage enables drama and musical productions to take place. The new library provides a wide range of books and a beautiful learning environment. The latest acquisition is the technology block, one of the first in New Zealand to be built to suit the new Technology Curriculum. The College has two large computer suites and reflects the latest technological advances.

THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

As well as standard academic courses being offered, the College is at the forefront of curriculum innovation. A wide range of opportunities is available to each student. Intensive individual counselling is given regarding suitable courses of study, and conferencing with the student and his parents is encouraged. Many students take tertiary courses whilst at the College. An extensive range of vocational courses is available and many students take advantage of the education/ enterprise links established by the College. Co-curricular courses can also, at times, be offered.

LEARNING SUPPORT

The College firmly believes in remedying weaknesses as early as possible. One to one tuition, small group tuition and directed options are available. Each student is individually assessed and progress is constantly monitored.

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES

An English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Unit operates full time. Students are individually assessed upon arrival at the College and a course is carefully selected for them according to their capabilities and aspirations. A special Dean of Overseas Students oversees their welfare.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

The College firmly believes in both diagnostic and summative assessment and regularly uses a variety of methods. Parents receive regular reports and have several opportunities to meet teachers to discuss their son's progress.

SPORT

The attractive playing fields and the splendid sporting facilities at Silverstream offer wonderful opportunities for recreation and for the development of sporting skills. Good sportsmanship, team spirit and a high standard of physical fitness are encouraged through participation in sport. All students, whatever their abilities, are catered for in team or individual sports. In the Winter season, all students are required to play for a College team. They are not permitted to play by preference for an outside Club nor will they be exempted from attendance at sports practices which are held after school. Sports offered to students include: Cross Country Rugby Athletics Basketball Soccer Swimming Volleyball Squash Softball Waterpolo Tennis Cricket Badminton Golf Fencing Orienteering Hockey Shooting Table Tennis Skiing Yachting As well as the beautiful and expansive playing fields, there is a gymnasium, squash courts, tennis courts, swimming pool and handball courts. Weight training facilities are also available. Coaching is provided in most sports and College staff take a continuing interest in the performance of teams and individuals. Parent assistance with the managing or coaching of teams is always welcomed. Building a storehouse of unforgettable experiences and friendships.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES MUSIC

The College is fortunate to have a well-appointed Music Suite in the Evatt Block. It provides a facility for class music, individual tuition and practice. In addition to the Core Music programme, special tuition is available in piano, organ, classical guitar and all strings, woodwind and brass instruments. This tuition fulfils the necessary requirements for those who wish to extend their Music course to the Senior school level. Instruction is given either individually or in small groups. Lessons take place during the school day and there are facilities for private practice outside of school hours. There are opportunities for students to play in bands and instrumental groups. The College also encourages students to take the Trinity College, Associated Board and the Australian Music Education Board grade examinations. Special entrance fees are charged.

ARTS

The Father Thomas George Art Suite provides an excellent facility for developing artistic talent. A full course in Art commences at Year 10 and leads to examinations in Practical Art for Year 11, Year 12 and to University and Polytechnic pre-requirements at Year 13 level.

SPEECH

Students have an opportunity to take Speech lessons as an optional extra. These lessons are conducted during the school day by trained Speech Teachers in groups of 4 or 5 students. The Speech Teacher sends an account for 10 lessons each term. Students taking Speech lessons are encouraged to sit the various grade examinations conducted by the NZ Speech Board and other examining bodies. The fee for these examinations is separate. The College enters teams in inter-school debating competitions at each year level. It has a proud history of success in debating, oratory and public speaking.

CHOIR

Choral singing is popular at the College. There are opportunities at junior and senior level for students to join choral groups for sacred song and for popular singing.

DRAMA

The College enters groups for inter collegiate competitions in drama and theatresports. In the junior school there is competition in drama between classes and at least one major dramatic production occurs at senior and junior level each year.

CULTURAL GROUPS

Both a Kapa Haka Group and a Pacifica Group perform in the College and enter local competitions. The Arts and Performing Arts are powerful forms of personal, social, cultural and spiritual expression.

THE BOARDING HOSTEL BOARDING HOUSES

The boarding students at Silverstream have the opportunity to benefit from full participation in the activities of the College. They enjoy the major advantages of study in a supervised environment, regular periods of study and ready assistance when study problems occur. The Dowling and Redwood boarding houses are in the care of the Dean of Boarders and his assistants. Their interest in the welfare of each boarder ensures that help is close at hand when needed. Friendships, community activities, and special opportunities for personal development make boarding an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Modern dormitory and study areas mean that both the boarding houses are comfortable and attractive. Sleeping accommodation is provided in dormitories of 8-10 beds, which are partitioned into individual cubicles. A full catering service operates in the Gill and Parker dining rooms. Meals are appetising and substantial.

SPECIAL ADVANTAGES

Boarders have full access to the Chapel, computer rooms (by arrangement), the library and all of the sporting facilities after school and at the weekends. They have frequent opportunities to attend Mass and participate in community worship. Common rooms, TV lounges and other facilities are provided for recreation.

MEDICAL CARE

The College medical service is in the care of the College Matron. A Doctor is in daily attendance and is on call. New entrant boarders must ask their family doctor to complete the College medical card and return it with the other documents to the College at enrolment. It is important that new entrants seek the advice of their doctor before joining the community life of a boarding school if there is a medical condition. This information and any form of medication must be handed to the Matron. Arrangements can be made for dental care to be carried out by the College Dentist. Before this is arranged, parents need to give their written permission and forward it to the College.

VISITING BOARDERS

Parents may call at Silverstream at any time and may visit their sons in their free time, especially at weekends. There is a reception room for parents. It is not advisable, however, to visit new entrant boarders in the first three weeks of the year. Boarders are expected to write home as regularly as they can. Parents who wish to contact their son by telephone should ring the numbers available. Students also have access to two card phones after school and during the weekends and evenings and a growing trend seems to be students with mobile phones.

GENERAL INFORMATION
ENROLMENT

Students can enrol at St Patrick's College at any Year level. A completed Application Form for Enrolment can be obtained from the College Secretary at any time. New entrant Year 9 students should apply no later than the end of April prior to the year of entry. Prospectus documents will then be forwarded before the end of May. These should be completed and returned to the College by the end of June. Parents will then be advised whether or not a place is available or will be invited to leave their names on a waiting list. The Rector and senior staff will interview parents and new entrant Year 9 students in the early part of October. Parents of new entrants will be contacted by the College Secretary at the end of Term 3 with an appointment time and date.
Please note that an Enrolment Scheme is now in operation for students wishing to attend St Patrick's College, Silverstream. To find out more please click here.

DISCIPLINE

A spirit of friendship and mutual respect prevails between staff and students. Every effort is made to create an atmosphere in which students can reach their full potential. A firm but fair system of discipline operates under the supervision of the Deputy Rector (Pastoral). Prefects are appointed to support this discipline system and to encourage respect for the rules. Smoking is forbidden at all times while the student is under the jurisdiction of the College and at all other times when the student is wearing the College uniform. The possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs at College, at any College associated function or in any circumstances that can be related to the College is strictly forbidden. The written permission of parents and the permission of the College are required before any student may drive a car or motor bike to or from College or to or from a College sporting fixture or travel as a passenger in a vehicle driven by another student. Damage to property caused by carelessness or by accident is charged to the student responsible. The full co-operation of parents is required in order to support and maintain the highest standards of discipline.