Despite the disruptions the PPTA industrial actions are having, school life has continued and over the past week, in addition to timetabled classes, we have had ...

... student organised and run assemblies; the Air Force landing on our field; students away on the Spirit of Adventure; our Choir Cantrices performing at the Big Sing - we are all now hoping that they will be invited to the National Big Sing in Auckland; our Year 10 students getting their first taste of NCEA assessments; and all of our extracurricular activities and sports continuing. Our teaching staff, while fully committed to getting improved working conditions (which will ultimately be beneficial to the students), are working hard to ensure continuity in learning and maintaining a positive school experience for your tāmariki.

One of our long serving teachers Robin Brown, was this week, acknowledged by Secondary School Sport New Zealand for her contributions to sport. Nicky Paterson from SSSNZ presented Robin with her award at our assembly this week. Robin has, for 26 + years, been dedicated to school sport, in particular sport here at our school. Robin has been instrumental in organising sport for literally thousands of students. She is involved in virtually all sports here at school organising teams, practices, transport, entries, coaching, and liaising with the Netball, Hockey and Rowing clubs. Robin is most deserving of this recognition and award and I would like to thank her for all that she has done.

Have a pleasant weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Peter Sawyer, Acting Principal/Tumuaki