Tēnā koutou katoa parents and caregivers

The school is quieter with Seniors gone and Juniors filling the spaces. The Year 9s and 10s are preparing for junior examinations and after that will be busy with camps and the junior curriculum project. During these two weeks the students have the opportunity to drive their own project work in relation to different aspects of the United Nations sustainability goals. The focus of learning is real world problem solving and relevant issues to real life with a high degree of student agency. This type of learning represents many of the features of what can be termed 21st Century Learning. It would be valuable if you could take the chance to discuss what they are learning – you may be amazed by what they come up with!

School life is very busy with a great deal of planning for 2020 staffing, classes, budgets, calendar and curriculum, not to mention completing an Education Brief to inform the solution for our rebuild. The Brief is essentially a blueprint for teaching and learning into the future for our school. At the same time we are working on a new vision, values and strategic plan which we will ask for your feedback on early in the new year. I am excited by the work we have done as a staff on this over these two terms. The thinking is courageous and progressive while being embedded in a Christchurch Girls’ High School / Te Kura o Hine Waiora context. We have a deep and rich history and tradition here. It is important that that tradition is not used as a handbrake on delivering a relevant and engaging curriculum for our students but is a touchstone which both anchors us and challenges us to remain relevant and adventurous.

Today at a staff function after school we recognise a significant number of staff who have given long and exceptional service to the school. Their memories, institutional knowledge and experience is important. They have seen many girls pass through these gates and shared their successes and tears. It is always of great pleasure to staff to hear how our students are flourishing after completing their education here. School is not the ultimate context for success and there are also students who go on to stellar careers and lives after struggling here. Teaching is one of the last true vocations – hugely challenging, hugely rewarding and a long game of investment in the future. Much like parenting!

Ngā mihi nui

Christine O'Neill