Tēnā koutou katoa – Welcome to Term 2!
Nau mai ki tā tātou pānui tuatahi mō te wāhanga tuarua. Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 2!
First of all, please accept my apologies for the delay in getting this update to you – I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath! To make it easier to read, I’ve broken this into sections so you can jump to what interests you most. That said, I’d like to think it’s all worth a read.
Open Evening – Tuesday 13 May, 5 – 7pm
It’s that time of year again when schools begin supporting the transition of Year 8 students into high school with their open days or evenings. These events are invaluable for easing the uncertainty that often surrounds the move to secondary school – a time that can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing for students and families.
We warmly invite you to our Open Evening next Tuesday from 5 to 7pm, where you can meet our wonderful staff and students, explore our kura, and see our departments in action. I’ll be giving my much-anticipated Principal’s Address at both 5pm and 6pm, so you can plan to attend – or strategically avoid – as you see fit! We look forward to welcoming anyone curious about what makes Kaiapoi High School special.
Thank You for Your Support
A huge thank you to all our whānau for your continued backing of the school’s expectations. Your support around uniform, phone use, attendance, punctuality, equipment, and positive behaviour helps create an environment where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. When these expectations are consistently supported at home and school, it makes a real positive difference to the tone of the classroom and the experience of our learners.
Planning for the Future
The success of students at school is too important to be left to chance. Therefore, schools across the motu invest a great deal of time into strategic planning to ensure we’re focusing on the things that matter most to our school community. While it may feel like we’ve just started the 2024–2025 strategic plan, it actually concludes this year, and we’re already turning our minds to the 2026–2028 plan.
Over the next few months, you’ll receive a survey inviting your input. We know life is busy, but we would deeply appreciate you taking a few moments to share your thoughts. Your feedback will be vital in helping shape the future direction of Kaiapoi High School.
Engagement, Engagement, Engagement
Whether it’s tutorials, clubs, sports teams, CACTUS, performing arts, leadership, music, coaching, committees, or cultural groups – there is something for everyone. If your child is not involved in something beyond the classroom, we encourage you to challenge them. My grammar checker suggested I use the phrase ‘gently challenge’, but I’ll let you, the expert, decide what best motivates your child.
Strong evidence shows that positive social involvement boosts well-being and academic outcomes. And it’s never too late to start – whether your child is in Year 9 or Year 13, there’s always room to try something new. There will always be a hundred reasons not to give something a go… but it only takes a moment of courage to dive in, commit, and make it happen.
Looking Ahead
As Term 2 unfolds, we know it will bring moments of challenge, celebration, and growth – for our students, our staff, and our wider community. Thank you for your ongoing support, your partnership, and the trust you place in us to walk alongside your rangatahi on their learning journey.
Kia pai tō koutou wāhanga tuarua – may this term be a rewarding one for you and your whānau.
Jason Reid
