Kia ora e te whānau. Haere mai ki te pānui tuatahi o te wāhanga tuawhā! Welcome to the first newsletter of Term 4.
The 2024 academic year seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye. In a recent meeting with our head students, they expressed surprise that we’re already putting steps in place to prepare and support the next cohort of 2025 leaders. It felt like only yesterday they were taking part in those same introductory meetings as incoming student leaders.
Last week marked our final year group assemblies for our seniors as they prepare to begin their NCEA exams next week. These assemblies covered essential information on how to make the most of their final assessments. This included practical details required for sitting exams, alongside a few words of advice on using the remaining time wisely. The night before an exam, I’d suggest whānau ask that classic question: “Do you have everything you need?” You might add, “NZQA paperwork? Equipment? Clear plastic bag? Double-checked the start time? Alarm set?” On the odd occasions, a grumpy response might be possible, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Our junior assemblies (Years 9 and 10) carried a different focus. For Years 9 and 10 students, it was about showing empathy and respect for those sitting exams this term and preparing for the new dynamics once seniors leave campus. Year 10 students were congratulated on a positive year and encouraged to step up as leaders. They’ve been tasked with positively influencing their peers by addressing behaviours that aren’t in line with our expectations. Year 9 students were given similar encouragement, with an emphasis on supporting one another to do the right thing. They were also reminded to listen to reasonable feedback and guidance from Year 10s, who will be the senior students after the Year 11–13 students depart.
We’re already in Week 3 of the final term, and the last seven weeks are packed with important events and celebrations. This may bring the temptation to ease off, but we urge students to keep their focus. For our seniors, this means making the most of the remaining tutorials, study leave, and the exams themselves. For our juniors, we’ll be encouraging them to maintain their momentum right through to the last lesson on the last day of this term.
Looking ahead, we’ll have more opportunities in the November and December newsletters to celebrate the many achievements of this year and announce some exciting changes for next year.
Mā te wā – until then!
Jason Reid
Principal