It has been a pleasure this past two weeks to attend school camps, tramps, rowing and kayaking — activities that all form part of the broad curriculum on offer to our students. It is one of our strengths.

Last weekend I was at Lake Ruataniwha with our 20 strong rowing team at the South Island Secondary Schools Regatta. Eight crews made A or B finals which is impressive given that this is a young team with most rowers having only been on the water for 4 months. The team benefits from the great support and coaching they get from Maude O’Connell, Neil Garden and Brendon Scott and the commitment of a big group of parents. They were excellent ambassadors for our school and I was extremely proud of the encouragement, effort and team spirit.

Year 10 students have had a tremendous week at Kidds Bush, Lake Hawea. Settled warm weather has certainly helped with water based activities, water skiing, kayaking, biscuiting and swimming. They enjoyed their lake walk and Sawyer Burn Hut climb. The coped very well with this physical challenge and were rewarded with stunning views. Thursday was the group challenge Survivor Day which is always a highlight. The camp site is a popular location for campers and our students have been complimented for their courtesy and good citizenship. Thank you and congratulations to a large number of our staff and parents who willingly contribute to make this camp so valuable and memorable.

Kayaking on Thursday this week with our Year 12–13 Outdoor Leadership course was a real buzz. Part of that buzz was remaining upright after 7 years since my last trip on the Hawea River. But the real excitement was seeing the skill development and confidence of the 20 students after only 3 river sessions. I admired how they encouraged one another and pushed themselves to try new skills and take risks. Having top instructors is a key to building that trust and confidence. They were having a ball. Next week they are off mountain biking for further personal growth and adventures.

We have completed analysis of our 2014 National Standards results and a highlight was the improvement in combined Year 7 and 8 Reading from 77%, at or above the standard, in 2013 to 81% in 2014. Our goal this year is focused on further improving this high level of achievement in Reading.

Congratulations to Liam Robertson, Alex Pyper and Inia Logan on placing second in a strong field in the recent Otago Secondary Schools Golf Tournament. A Gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award group of 7 students head into the Earnslaw Burn for an expedition practice tramp this weekend. We plan to complete the Greenstone Caples loop later in Term 2 for our qualifying tramp. Next week we hold our NCEA Academic Assembly and award Business Sponsors Scholarship to 34 students who gained Merit and Excellence Endorsements.

Next week will also see 50 students off to Mt Aspiring College for the eagerly awaited QUAD tournament with MAC and Central Southland College. The event always brings out the best in our rangatahi and I am sure they will build on our reputation for sportsmanship, competitive spirit, fair play and school pride.

Mason Stretch
Principal