Principal's Welcome 

3rd July 2020 (Friday)

Kia Ora Tātou

This is the last newsletter for term 2, with both staff and students looking forward to a break from school. It was interesting to observe how being in lockdown and then returning to school impacted on students. Most students got on with the business of learning. Everyone is now feeling tired because it seemed though we did not get a break at the end of the first term. We went straight into lockdown. The holiday wasn’t really a holiday, and then the start of the new term tended to be like “Groundhog Day” when week days and weekends merged together as one and we were all concerned about work missed.

We surveyed Year 13 students immediately on their return to school and then again a couple of weeks ago. The latest survey confirmed that the levels of anxiety have decreased and that students know what they need to do to meet their academic and career goals for the year. As a college, we track the NCEA achievement of all our Year 11, 12 and 13 students. With the changes teachers have made to courses plus the modifications to credit thresholds and NCEA timetables made by NZQA, we are confident that our students will not be disadvantaged. Actually, when compared to other New Zealand secondary students, ours have been able to access a lot more resources and support.

It is important that students use the two week break to relax and recover. There may be some assessments due early next term, but it is important that they look after their wellbeing and recharge their batteries. Next term is going to be full-on, especially for senior students, so being refreshed and up to date is important.

While academic work is important, it is also great to see students involved in the wider life of the school for life balance. Winter sport is now well underway and there is the Drama Festival and Music Gala Concert early next term. For Year 12 and 13 students, it has been possible to arrange the School Ball for Friday 18 September. The ball is a privilege and we require students to meet certain attendance and behavioural requirements in order to attend. As it takes place on a Friday night, we also expect the students to be available to meet their team sport obligations the following day.

School Reports

Due to the circumstances this year, we have made some changes to our reporting to parents at the different year levels. The college provided an extra report on 29 May which showed achievement to that stage of the year as well as students’ engagement during lockdown. Another report will be put on the college portal at the end of Week 3 next term.

For Year 9 and 10, this will be a full MYP report with comments. We are unable to hold a Year 9 and 10 parent interview evening this year, but if the report highlights any concerns, please contact the relevant Dean or teacher to discuss them.

The senior report in Week 3 next term will provide a further update of NCEA results as well as key competency grades. We are planning to hold a Senior parent interview evening on Tuesday 15 September. As we have moved senior exams to 14 – 21 October, we decided this was the most suitable time to discuss the priorities and focus for the school exams and the subsequent NCEA exams starting in November with students and parents. More information about reports will be shared with parents next term.

Ngā mihi nui,

Gordon Robertson
Acting Principal

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