Newsletter - WE 26/06/20

Tēnā Koutou

It was great to hear of the good number of parents of senior students meeting the teachers via Zoom this week. Apart from the odd technology glitch, which seems to be an expected event at inconvenient times in our digital world, feedback has been very positive. I think the comment that people felt very “at home” using this format nicely sums it up. I am also sure that not having to wait around the school on a cold and usually dark evening was also appreciated. Currently we are surveying parents and gaining feedback so it may be that Zoom is the way of the future. Of course, we still want to assure parents that face to face meetings with teachers can be arranged where necessary and that regular communication by phone and email is still extremely important. 

Next week is the final week for Term 2 and the halfway point of the year. The holidays will hopefully feel like holidays this time round after the restrictions of lockdown so we hope our students get a chance to refresh and recharge in time for Term 3. That said, for our NCEA students, it is very important that a programme of revision, review and work completion is also planned. To do this effectively it is best to draw up a visual timetable for each week to ensure that each of the required subjects is allocated sufficient time. Teachers will be very happy to give students specific guidance as to what is required in their subjects – bottom line is that to be successful some revision is required. Students will be given a study tips handout before the holidays. 

 The challenge, particularly for our Year 9 and 10 students will be staying on task and focused through to the end of term. We are seeing a bit of disruptive and silly behaviour creeping in, so it is important that individual students make wise choices about what they know is the right thing to do. Thankfully, I am referring to a small minority but that is all it takes to disrupt learning for others. 

This week we had presentations from Otago University and the Defence Force where it was very encouraging to see good student turnout and quality questions being asked. Being well researched, proactive, planned and prepared for the first years beyond school are keys to a successful transition. 

Finally, we would like to acknowledge an amazing group of students – these are the ones that consistently strive hard to be the best they can be, they show us and remind us that success is achievable for every student, you just have to want it enough, work hard enough and get on and do it. These people inspire us every day and while there are too many to name, they will know who they are. These are the people who have our future in their hands and we can take heart from that. 

We had a very successful cross country on Wednesday, the rain stayed away thankfully. Full results and photos next week. 

Have a safe and happy weekend and be kind to one another. 

Penny Mossman