Tēnā koutou katoa parents, caregivers and whānau

Last weekend was an amazing celebration of culture, as our Polyfest students represented our school with pride. Whilst it was not a competition, the standard of dance, music and singing from all schools was outstanding.  The superb organisation and weather certainly contributed to a successful day.

As we come to the last few weeks of Term 1, it is clear that our students are working hard, with some students feeling the effects of a busy term, particularly if they are new to the school or are studying for NCEA Internal Assessments, and may have been involved with extracurricular activities. Most students manage their studies and their commitments well, but for some it can become overwhelming. Please ensure your daughter speaks to her Dean or subject teachers if she needs support, or to the counsellors if she would like guidance. An opportunity to discuss their work challenges, workload pressures or time management,  makes a big difference.

As I write this, my husband and I are heading cross country to Twizel to watch the rowing. The Maadi Cup is a highly competitive and prestigious event for schools, held alternately in the South and North Islands. Christchurch schools are well renowned for producing great rowers and there is certainly evidence of that in the performance of our Maadi Squad with rowers competing in A and B finals over the next couple of days.

It has been an amazing week for all our athletes. Our A Volleyball team has reached the National Division 1 final in Palmerston North. The B Volleyball team have won the Bronze medal in the Division 2. Our Water Polo team are playing locally at Jellie Park and Taiora QEII in the South Island Tournament. The 1st XI Cricket team had a successful regional tournament in Hagley Park winning the Regional Gillette Cup and will compete at Nationals later in the year.  Last weekend our Basketball 3x3 team competed in the Regional 3x3 tournament in Ashburton and came away with 4th place. Our Kī-o-Rahi players are competing locally today and next week we have three teams in the Canterbury Interschools Dressage competition at McLeans Island. 

Also next week we have a large squad of 32 athletes competing in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Athletics Championships.  Christchurch Girls’ High School/ Te Kura o Hine Waiora has one student competing in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Golf Championships at McLeans Island Golf Club on Monday.

All sports at our kura have a very large number of participants and we can be incredibly proud of the successes they gain.

Cantrices choir is preparing for Big Sing and we have over 30 students rehearsing for a joint production with CBHS. The more I get to see of the school and connect with our students activities, the more I realise there are so many more avenues I have to explore. I encourage all of our students to find their passions by trying new things.

Wishing you all the best for the weekend ahead.

Ngā mihi nui

Helen Armstrong

Principal/ Tumuaki