Principal's Welcome 

22nd September 2023

Kia ora kātoa

End of Term 3

As always it is hard to believe when the term has finished and that so much has been crammed into it. Events and student activities have been too numerous to list here, but I have been consistently impressed with the extent of commitment and the qualities shown by our students.

Years 12 and 13 students, as well as some Year 11’s, have completed their derived grade exams and will have received their results. As I commented in assembly last week, reflection is an important part of having these exams, not to see the exams as an end point, but rather an indication of where students are now in their learning and what else needs to be done to attain the desired results in the forthcoming NCEA exams.

Next term there are only three weeks of school for Years 12 and 13 before they go on study leave. Through their internal assessment and derived grade (external) exam results, students will have a clear idea of how they are placed to achieve NCEA this year and what they need to do to succeed. While it is important for all students to take some time during the holidays to rest, unwind and recover from the last term, it is also important that they are prepared for Term 4. If your child does not have a plan now, take time to talk with them about what they need to focus on and when they are going to do this.

Year 11 will have their school exams in Weeks 6 and 7 of next term. Entry into Year 12 is not automatic and is dependent on student performance this year, including in the forthcoming exams. Prior to that in Week 4, Year 10 and a number of Year 11 students will be undertaking the Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Activities that are replacing the current NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy requirements. Again, some preparation over the holidays is needed.

Haka and Waiata Competition

The college held the school inter-house haka and waiata competition on Thursday. This was a great event, and the students should be proud of their performances. While the competition aspect cannot be ignored, this has been a wonderful opportunity to grow house spirit and for students to take on leadership roles as the competition is largely student led. Congratulations to Tāwhirimātea house who are this year’s champion. Special thanks to Ruapōtaka marae for providing the judging panel.

Student Leadership

We are currently in the process of identifying our prefects for 2024. Students and staff have voted for the house prefects and Head Prefects. A shortlist of Head Prefect candidates will be interviewed in the first week of next term before appointments are made.

This year we had a team of four Head Prefects. Having a team collaborating and being equally involved is important to the type of culture we want at the college and so we will be continuing with this leadership structure.

Ngā mihi nui 

Gordon Robertson

Principal

Please click here for full newsletter.