by Dio Communications
From the Principal
Mary Curran — March 18, 2024
Unlike other Hamilton state-integrated schools that primarily draw students from the state education system, we welcome many students from private contributing schools. This distinctive feature sets us apart by fostering a rich blend of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences within our student body. As such, we actively promote an ethos of respect, understanding, and collaboration among students, regardless of their educational background – celebrating diversity and empowering students to appreciate and learn from one another's unique perspectives.
We thought it would be useful for our community to understand the distinctions between the different types of schools.
While integrated and private schools offer alternatives to the public education system, their funding, ownership, governance, legal status, and admissions processes differ. Dio has a unique legal status established through an integration agreement as a state-integrated school. We are recognised as part of the state education system and must adhere to certain government regulations and standards while maintaining our special character and ethos.
Unlike private and public schools, integrated schools have two governance boards - the School Board and the Proprietor’s Board (reports to the Waikato Board of Diocesan Schools), which look after the property and special character of the school. We receive funding from the government for operational costs, including teacher salaries and some administration. We also charge attendance dues and ask for donations to cover additional expenses, staffing and facilities. These are essential to maintain the standard of education provided at Dio and to support the site's ongoing development. The Anglican Church owns our land and buildings, and we are responsible for maintaining and developing the site and its facilities.
We give admission preference to students who share the school's special character and Anglican affiliation. This means applications that align with the school's ethos receive priority in the admissions process.
In contrast, private schools have more flexibility in their admissions criteria and can select students based on academic, sporting, or other criteria. They may also have more control over their enrolment process and can set their own admission standards and requirements.
Private schools are governed by their own board of directors or trustees and are subject to fewer regulatory requirements regarding curriculum, admissions, and governance. They rely primarily on tuition fees, donations, and endowments for their funding, although they do receive government grants from the private school subsidy funding pool. This funding is distributed between schools at a set rate per student.
State-integrated schools are partially funded by government sources, ensuring that all students have access to essential resources regardless of their financial circumstances. This can help level the playing field and provide opportunities for students who might not otherwise afford a private education. We are also subject to public scrutiny, accountability measures, and standardised testing requirements. This transparency helps ensure that we are accountable for student outcomes and provide equitable educational opportunities for all students.
State-integrated New Zealand schools offer a compelling alternative to private schools. They provide high-quality education with a unique character and values-based approach at a much more affordable cost.
We are grateful for the parental support that enables us to provide the level of education we do. Recognised as the best-performing NCEA school in our region and one of the top-performing girls' schools nationally, it is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence, student support, and holistic development. Our dedicated team of educators employs innovative teaching methods, personalised support systems, and rigorous academic programs to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Our outstanding NCEA results reflect not only our students' academic achievements but also their resilience, determination, and readiness to excel in an ever-changing world.
Blessings
Mary Curran
Principal
