Hero photograph
 
Photo by Nigel Vernon

Senior School News

Nigel Vernon —

Taking Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio ka mārama - Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened.

Key events

  • 11th March - Year 11 TAM welding course at SIT
  • 11th March - Otago Uni Visit (lunchtime)
  • 12th March - Victoria Visit - Lunch time F2
  • 13th March - 12Geo Trip - Ashley River
  • 14th March - 12Geo Trip - Ashley River
  • 26th March - Defensive Driving
  • 28th March - Defensive Driving

How to engage with teenage boys who do not want to be at school

Engaging with teenage boys who are reluctant to be at school can be challenging, but it's essential to create a positive and supportive environment to help them feel more connected. Here are some strategies you can try:

Build Relationships:

  • Establish a trusting relationship by being approachable and non-judgmental.
  • Take the time to get to know the students individually. Show genuine interest in their lives, hobbies, and concerns.

Open Communication:

  • Create a safe and non-judgmental space for open communication. Encourage your son to share his thoughts and feelings about school without fear of criticism.

Listen Actively:

  • Listen actively to your son's concerns and frustrations about school. Validate his feelings and show empathy towards his struggles.

Identify the Root Cause:

  • Try to identify the underlying reasons why your son doesn't want to go to school. Is he struggling academically, socially, or emotionally? Understanding the root cause will help you address the issue more effectively.

Seek Support:

  • Reach out to teachers, counsellors, or other school staff for support. They can provide valuable insights into your son's academic and social experiences at school and offer strategies to help him overcome any challenges he may be facing.

Set Realistic Expectations:

  • Set realistic expectations for your son's academic performance and attendance at school. Avoid putting too much pressure on him to excel academically, as this can increase his stress levels and resistance to attending school.

Establish Routines and Structure:

  • Establish consistent routines and structure at home to help your son develop good habits and time management skills. This can include setting regular bedtimes, meal times, and study schedules.

Encourage Extracurricular Activities:

  • Encourage your son to participate in extracurricular activities or hobbies that he enjoys outside of school. This can help him develop new interests, build confidence, and make friends with similar interests.

Provide Academic Support:

  • Offer academic support to your son by helping him with homework, studying for exams, or seeking additional resources such as tutoring if needed. Show him that you value education and are willing to support him in his academic endeavors.

Promote Positive Peer Relationships:

  • Encourage your son to build positive relationships with his peers both inside and outside of school. Arrange playdates, outings, or social events where he can interact with other teenagers in a supportive environment.

Celebrate Achievements:

  • Celebrate your son's achievements, no matter how small. Whether it's getting a good grade on a test or participating in a school event, acknowledge his efforts and accomplishments to boost his confidence and motivation.

Role Modeling:

  • Be a positive role model for your son by demonstrating the value of education and lifelong learning. Share your own experiences and successes related to education to inspire and motivate him.

Professional Help:

  • If your son continues to struggle with attending school despite your efforts, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in working with teenagers. They can provide additional support and guidance to help your son address any underlying issues affecting his school attendance.

Remember that each student is unique, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works best for individual students. Consistency and patience are key as you work to create a positive and engaging learning environment.




NCEA Senior School Milestone achievements

Image by: NZQA

Day in the life of a Senior Student

  • Year 11 - At school all day and no study periods. 
  • Year 12 - Supervised study period provided. Can drive a car to school and must obtain a car permit. Cannot leave school during the day.
  • Year 13 - Non supervised study, can leave school on foot, and must sign out. Can drive to school and must obtain a car permit.

Rules Specific for our Senior Boys

Cars cannot be accessed during school hours (unless for an appointment or end of day study).

Mobile Phones 

  • Cannot be accessed during the day.
  • Students that need to call home or work can do so at Student Services
  • If phones are needed for special reasons e.g. Learning support, an application via letter can be made to the Headmaster.