Other FAQ
1. Statement of Special Character
Context
Middleton Grange School is a non-denominational Christian School established for new entrants to Year 13 in 1964 by the Christian Schools Trust in Christchurch. The School was founded to establish the educational needs of Christian families and present the message of the gospel to children and the community within the context of Biblical truth and practice as recognised by adherents of the evangelical Christian faith. The same Biblical truth and practice encourages a mission perspective. Students are expected to support the Special Character of the School.
Who determines and safeguards?
The Special Character of the School is determined by Biblical principles and practice. The Christian Schools Trust, the Board of Trustees and all staff endeavour to work out those Biblical principles and practices in the School. All staff members are required to uphold the Special Character of the School and all members of the Board of Trustees are expected equally to acknowledge their willingness to support the Special Character. The Christian Schools Trust reserves the right to determine from time to time what is necessary to preserve and safeguard the Special Character.
Goals and principal features of Special Character
The School is a caring community built on Christian beliefs which permeate all aspects of school life. These beliefs recognise God’s purposes are revealed in the Scriptures and in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. They are dynamic and determine the purpose and content of the curriculum in a changing community. They were originally expressed for the School (in a summary form subordinate to the Scriptures) in the annexed statement of belief incorporated in the Trust Deed for the Christian Schools Trust when the School was founded.
Because these beliefs encompass all aspects of School and permeate the mind and heart of each staff member all staff must demonstrate unqualified commitment to the School’s Special Character.
The objective of the Christian Schools Trust is to pass onto students the truth that all creation is subordinate to the Will of God as expressed in the Scriptures; that all truth finds its meaning and centre in God and that God gives purpose and hope to individuals as well as His creation by virtue of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, communicated by the Holy Spirit operating in the human individual, that gives substance to intellectual, physical, spiritual, ethical, emotional, social and aesthetic development.
The curriculum, including all the New Zealand Curriculum Statements, is presented within a Christian world view. Such a world view gives perspective and meaning to all learning in the School.
Implicit in the curriculum is the development of character exemplified by the Decalogue and Beatitudes. Such character is the foundation for personal and social peace, just government, responsible citizenship, compassionate neighbourliness, wise parenting and a responsible attitude to creation. Such character also recognises that a life of self-renouncing love is one of liberty.
2. Statement of Belief
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- The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
- The Sovereignty of God in creation, revelation, redemption and final judgement.
- The divine inspiration and trustworthiness of Holy Scripture, as originally given and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
- The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since, the fall, rendering humankind subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.
- Redemption from the guilt, penalty, pollution and power of sin only through the sacrificial death (as our representative and substitute) of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.
- The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, His ascension, His mediatorial work and His personal return in power and glory.
- The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective to the individual sinner, granting repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.
- The indwelling and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
- The only holy, universal church, which is the Body of Christ, to which all true believers belong and in which they are united through the Spirit.
- The resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
3. Do you have a SCHOOL CATCHMENT (ZONE?
Middleton Grange Zoning is determined relative to the boundaries of the other schools in the Christian Education Network (CEN). At graduating year students from these schools are encouraged to enrol at Middleton Grange for their NCEA years.
Addresses on both sides of boundary roads are considered within the catchment unless specified otherwise – see Enrolment Scheme
Click below for the relevant catchment area (see Enrolment Scheme for Grandparent Clause):
Year 1-8 Catchment – Zone – Eastern Boundary
Year 1-8 Catchment – Zone – Southwest Boundary
4. Do you have OPEN DAYS?
Open Day Tours are advertised in local newspapers and are held in May. Bookings are essential and open at the start of Term 2. Please call 03 348-9826 and follow the voice prompt for enrolment information.
5. When can I enrol my child?
Enrolment application forms for the next school year open around May 1st. Closing dates are on the forms, but as a general guideline applications for Years 7-13 must be received by the end of May-mid June and for Years 1-6 close at or near the end of August. Enrolment Forms can be downloaded from the link above, or requested at reception.
If you have a pre-schooler you need to enrol them between May and August in the year before they turn 5. We do not have a waiting list for these children, nor are they given preferential entry if they attend Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centres (link is external).
6. Why is there an application process rather than an enrolment process?
Our maximum school roll is governed by the Ministry of Education and for this reason we must limit the number of new pupils accepted into the school. Because we have a full roll, this unfortunately means that for many year levels we are only able to offer any places if another pupil leaves. We also cannot guarantee that places will be available to all children from one family in the same year. For more information on the selection process please click the Enrolment Information link above.
7. When will I know the outcome?
Letters are sent out in /or after the school holidays following closure of the enrolment season i.e. July-August for Years 7-13 and October for Years 1-6.
There are three possible outcomes:
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- Your child is offered a place. To secure the placement the enclosed acceptance form must be signed by both parents (where applicable) and returned to the school; and the Direct Debit for Attendance Dues must be sent to the Proprietor.
- Your child will be added to the waiting list and we will be in touch with you if a place becomes available before the next enrolment season opens in Term 2. See Can I reapply? below.
- Your child is not offered a place for the next school year.
8. Can I reapply?
If your application has been placed on the Waiting List or is unsuccessful a new application must be made for every year you wish to be considered for a place. You may wish to keep a copy of your answers to the key questions on the application form in order to reuse them if necessary.
9. Do you offer Scholarships / Financial Assistance?
We do not offer curriculum scholarships. We endeavour to help families who are in genuine financial distress and for whom, because of circumstances beyond their control, need short term help to cover some of their attendance dues. Contact the office for details at the time of application.