
6 March 2021
Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa
Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou
(Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing)
This whakatauki refers to the importance of learning for it is key to your well-being. If you follow the path of learning, the world will be your oyster.
In the last newsletter, I wrote about optimism and my hopes for this year. Not long after, we had the COVID-19 Alert Levels raised. Not what I had hoped for, and I certainly feel for my colleagues in Auckland schools. Although the change was for a week, we did feel the impact. Our parents who normally attend our Academic Excellence awards assembly were unable to, dragon boating was postponed, several sports events lost their crowds and students travelling on public buses were required to wear facemasks. The good news is that with no community cases being reported in the last few days, maybe we will see the lowering of the levels shortly.
Leadership for students is one of the aspects of our school life that is valued highly. Over any given year students have the opportunities to promote and lead a wide range of activities ranging from academic, to sport, art, music and drama, well-being and the promotion of the school values. This year we went through the process of students standing for elected positions, voting by students, voting by staff and interviews and I am pleased to announce our Student Executive for 2021.
Head Girl |
Samantha Smith |
Head Boy |
George Shamon |
Academic Captain |
Laura Stone |
Arts Captain |
Rose Aldridge |
Sports & Active Recreation Captain |
Eve Bayliss |
Well-being Captain |
Paige Fairless |
Kowhai House Captain |
Georgia Lincoln |
Matai House Captain |
Corey Whitelaw |
Rimu House Captain |
Brayden Puketapu |
Totara House Captain |
Chelsea Reid |
Komiti Māori |
Paige Puketapu |
Komiti Pasifika |
Taupou Tauafiafi-Muagututi’a |
International Student Representative |
John Zhang |
BOT Representative |
Joshua Taefu |
Photo.
As mentioned each year we hold an assembly to present Excellence badges to those who gained an Excellence endorsement for NCEA. To be eligible students normally need to have at least 50 credits at the excellence level, although this was reduced to 42 last year because of the impact of COVID -19. This meant that 40% of our Level 1 students were endorsed with Excellence (nationally 20%) for Level1 and Level 2, 20% (nationally 17%). Also pleasing was that 80% of Level 1 students got either an Excellence or a Merit endorsement (nationally 52%) and for Level 2 49%, (nationally 42%).
Last Friday was one of the traditional highlights in the school calendar year, the Tabloids. A mix between fancy dress, unusual physical activities, and an inter-house competition it is always a great day. This year the day started out under a typical Newlands fog, which quickly burned off into a glorious late summer’s day. At the conclusion of the relays, Totara House won the competition, which had been close.
In previous newsletters, I have commented on property developments that occurring at the school. It is planned that by the end of July the staff room will be extensively rebuilt. Part of this work will include the development of a guidance centre that will accommodate, Deans, Guidance Counsellors, Careers Counsellors, and Learning Support Co-ordinators.
In the middle of next year, the Library will be demolished along with two science labs. It is planned to rebuild the library along with 4 science labs, 10 classrooms and an auditorium.
Also starting at the end of the term is extensive re-roofing of the school, which includes the hall, part of the Technology Block, as well taking the back wall of the Gym. AS you can imagine there is a lot of disruption to manage and we will be working hard to keep it to a minimum for our staff and students.
During this process, we will be losing our carpark, so the staff will be parking on the bottom field. There will be no other carparks available, so if you need to visit the school, please park up on the road as the congestion is going to be significant.
We are also about to publish our first Me Whakamātau Reports. An email will be sent to you advising when they are available.
Ngā mihi nui
Grant Jones