Approved by the Tawa College Board of Trustees 2008.  Next review 2011.


Rationale

To ensure that the College consults effectively with the community.

The "community" means the students of Tawa College, their parents/whanau, the staff, users of the community education programmes and others who have an active involvement with the College.
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Purpose

The Board will communicate and consult with the community so that:
1.  the College is aware of the expectations of its community; .
2.  the community has a sense of involvement in the College; .
3.  the obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi to Maori and iwi and hapu are met; .
4.  the expertise of the community is used to the College's and community's mutual advantage; .
5.  the community is informed of relevant educational information. .
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Guidelines

1.  The Board will provide information/consultation opportunities via newsletters, parent meetings, surveys and annual meetings and reports.

2.  On important issues, as determined by the Board, the Board will:
   a.  communicate with the community at an early stage in the decision making process;.
   b.  consult with the community;.
   c.  consider the opinions of the community in making decisions;.
   d.  communicate its decision to the community.

  Important issues include but are not limited to the following:
   - major changes in the philosophy and direction of the College, including strategic planning; .
   - development or changes in policy affecting students and their parent/whanau, such as discipline, enrolment
     and significant change to uniform;
   - development of facilities that would be used by the community and the College.

3.  The effort and resources applied to consultation will reflect the importance of the issue.

4.  Dates of any consultation meetings, important issues to be discussed and decisions reached will be notified.

5.  Consultation with members of the Maori community is also outlined in the Maori Achievement Policy.