This past week our school community came together for an assembly led by Caverhill House where we celebrated student successes and reinforced the term’s core value—Self-Discipline. The assembly highlighted academic and extracurricular achievements and the importance of self-discipline in everyday life.

Students shared powerful insights on how self-discipline extends to shaping character and guiding personal growth. Whether it’s committing to study, balancing extracurricular activities, or simply treating others with kindness and respect, self-discipline plays a crucial role in helping students become the best versions of themselves. Through these discussions, we encouraged students to take ownership of their actions, stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude toward their goals.

Amuri School offers various academic and sporting experiences beyond the classroom, providing students with valuable opportunities to grow and develop new skills. Recently our students have participated in various events that enhance their learning experience, from sports competitions to academic challenges.

However, while these opportunities are incredibly beneficial, they also mean time away from the classroom. Students must take responsibility for their learning by catching up on missed work, staying on top of assessments and meeting the expectations set by their teachers. We encourage all students to manage their time effectively and make the most of their learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

We were privileged to host Kathy Wiltshire, the Otago University Liaison Officer, who met with a large group of Year 12 and 13 students to discuss university entrance requirements, course options, scholarship opportunities, the application process and halls of residence. This session was an invaluable opportunity for our senior students as they consider their pathways beyond school.

As part of our career programme, we will follow up with students throughout the year to support their transition into further education or the workforce. Keep an eye out for our Career Newsletters which will be released once a term and feature upcoming events and opportunities in the community that may be of interest to students and their families.

Congratulations to our mixed group of Year 10–13 students selected to represent Amuri School at the upcoming CASAfest! Students are preparing for various sporting and skills-based events and the highly anticipated social lip sync battle against other schools. Akaroa Area School will host this year’s CASAfest during the last week of term and we look forward to seeing our students showcase their talents and school spirit.

Supporting Student Progress – How Whānau Can Help

As we progress through the year, teachers are evaluating student performance to identify where additional support may be needed. As parents and whānau, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s success. Here are some key questions you can ask to stay involved:

·         Do you know what assessments are coming up?

·         Are they on track in each of their classes?

·         Do they understand the content they are learning?

·         Can you support them in completing work on time at home?

·         Have they received a class assessment calendar from their teachers?

·         Are you emphasising the importance of regular attendance?

·         Are you helping to limit external appointments and holidays during term time where possible?

·         If they miss class, have they caught up on work?

·         Can you access the school portal on Helix to view student results?

·         Have you connected with teachers regarding any concerns?

We encourage you to work in partnership with us to support your young person’s education and ensure they reach their full potential this year.

Ngā mihi nui
Nicole Peterson – Deputy Principal