Massey High School
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Massey High School
| Motto | Seek the heights. Kimihia nga maunga tei tei. | |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1969 | |
| School type | Public school | |
| Principal | Bruce Ritchie | |
| Student Body | 2448 (2004 TKI data), 2750(expected 2007 roll) | |
| Location | 274 Don Buck Road, Massey, Auckland | |
| Publications | Massey High School Yearbook, Graduates' Magazine. | |
| Athletics | Over 35 sporting codes | |
| Colours | Burgundy and Gold | |
| Decile Rating | 6 | |
| Ministry of Education Institution No. | 43 | |
| Homepage | [1] |
Massey High School is a co-educational state secondary school in Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand. Massey High School was first established in 1969, initially based at Henderson High School, on Henderson Valley Road until the buildings on the current site at Don Buck Road were completed in 1970. Although located in suburban West Auckland, the school shares both a suburban and rural outlook adding to the school's unique character. It is now one of the largest schools in New Zealand.
Massey High School has experienced significant roll growth over the last few years.
It is also a very multicultural school. Ethnic Composition of School: European 43% Maori 20% Pacific Island 14% Asian 23%
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[edit] History
First established in 1969, the school was initially based at Henderson High School until the buildings on our current site at Don Buck Road were completed in 1970. It has produced many prominent New Zealanders who have become especially successful in the entertainment, science and sporting professions. Its alumni are now recognised around the world. The school has had its share of troubles throughout its history though, ranging from violence and gang problems to arson.
[edit] Role Growth
Starting in the late-nineties the school experienced extraordinary roll growth, and because of this was forced to expand and upgrade the campus facilities. Significant and sudden growth was put down to a flurry of new residential developments in the area as well as a rezoning of the school's area for accepting students.
[edit] Westgate Collegiate
In 2005 it was made public that the school had conducted research into the possibility of turning the school into a collegiate. The project, dubbed Westgate Collegiate, would split the school into a Junior College (year 9-11), to be located on the existing refurbished grounds, and a Senior College (year 12-14), to be based on an entirely new campus planned for land adjacent to the existing school. The Senior College will offer an appropriate blend of secondary and tertiary programmes. Massey High School, the University of Auckland and Unitec have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on the project. The school is currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Education for approval, funding and a timeframe for the project. Westgate Collegiate would be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
[edit] Community Values Statement
Massey High School acknowledges and supports the multi-cultural and diverse nature of its community. It strives to meet the needs of parents, students, tertiary educators and employers in providing an environment where students will not only achieve academically but who will leave secondary school well rounded and with good citizen attributes. Massey High School supports the principles of respect, honesty and open communication.
[edit] Organisation
Because of its large size, Massey High School has systems in place to ensure its students are looked after and organised.
[edit] Five Schools System
Because of the schools massive size, the decision was made in 2003 to split the school into five smaller, separate homogeneous groups. Each school is lead by two School Dean's and comprise a mixture of classes from Year 9 to Year 13. School Deans have their offices in the physical body of their school so that direct pastoral care can be delivered. The intention of the grouping is to improve pastoral care and encourage a sense of belonging, by providing a small school atmosphere within a large school. The role of the form teacher as the significant adult in a students school life is enhanced. Each school has an assembly once a week, and participates as a group for sporting, cultural and social activities. The schools also each hold a school senate, in which elected students represent their classes at forums to discuss issues relating to their school specifically.
The five schools are named after West Coast beaches of the local area:
[edit] Management Team
The management team oversee the general day to day running of the school. Principal: Mr B Ritchie
Associate Principal: Mr M Jones
Deputy Principals: Mr J Tinling, Mrs S Cranston, Miss P Evans
[edit] Board Of Trustees
The Board deal with special issues that arise in the school. They also oversee budgeting, development, proposals, uniform and special disciplinary situations. As of June 2006 the Board are:
- Mr B Barnes
- Mr T Forlong
- Ms S Haysom
- Mr S Lavasii
- Dr C Shanks
- Ms G Sinclair
- Mrs M Willi
- Mr Webster
- Mr K Goddard (Staff Representative)
- Mr Sam Jackson (Student Representative)
[edit] Campus Life
The Massey High School campus is undergoing major changes in an effort to catch the facilities up with the number of students currently attending the school, as well as being able to provide world class facilities. Students also have access to an on site Medical Centre, Student Support Centre, Careers Department, Tuck Shop, Stationary Shop, Uniform Shop and Physiotherapy Centre.
Recently completed facilities include:
- Bruce Candy Science Centre
- Jack Adam Gymnasium
- Student Support Centre
- Technology Centre Stage 1
[edit] Campus Development Strategy
Because of the school's unprecedented growth a campus development strategy was written to allow fluid and comprehensive new facilities to be constructed. The new facilities are very high quality, award winning buildings each for use by a specific department.
Recently refurbished facilities include:
- Two of three previously used school buildings now featuring teaching suites and departmental resource rooms. Clean, modern classrooms featuring high-speed internet access and SmartBoard display panels.
- New roads and paths have been constructed for better access to new buildings.
A summary of the school's development plan can be found below:
- Stage One Complete
Science Centre
- Stage Two Complete
New Gymnasium, New Sports Classrooms, Remove technology relocatables, New Technology Centre.
- Stage Three Planning
Refurbish existing technology block, New Management Suite, Remove English relocatables, New Health Centre, New School Cafe & Shop.
- Stage Four
Refurbish/expand Hall, Refurbish/expand Music/Drama Centre, Library extension/refurbishment.
- Stage Five
New covered outdoor performance space, Up to 8 new general use classrooms (Mathematics Centre extension), Remove all remaining relocatables.
