Almost $10,000 in academic scholarships has recently been presented to senior students who achieved Excellence and Merit Endorsements in NCEA last year.

These scholarships have been in place since 2010 and are only possible through the generosity of local businesses who support our kura. The mana and prestige of these scholarships mean a lot to our students, thank you. Ngā mihi to parents who were able to attend the Academic Prize Giving to acknowledge the achievements of our students.

Strengthening the walls of Te Whare Tapa Whā for each student in Year 7 to 10 was the main objective of the Prevent Team through their delivery of the ASK programme. There was a mix of physical challenges, a greater understanding of places that uplift us as well as information on the impact of cellphones and social media. Having a wellbeing programme tailored to the needs of our students is very special and is only possible through the insight and funding support from The Highlands, a sincere thank you.

Ngā mihi to parents and students who attended our Fono Hui recently to hear from the Pasifika and Māori liaison officers from The Otago University. They gave an encouraging and informative kōrero around support, pathways, and funding. We are grateful for the feedback provided on where to next for our hui this year as we aim to tautoko and support our students. Thank you to Karen Gallagher for leading this mahi in our kura and facilitating the connections that are so important in working together.

Term 1 is the culmination of the summer sports season and students have been making the most of the many opportunities. We have recently hosted the QUAD exchange with Mt Aspiring College and Central Southland College. This exchange has been running for almost 30 years and the year-level team concept, the variety of sports, and friendly rivalry make it memorable. Thank you to those who welcomed students billeting from Central Southland and ngā mihi to parents who supported with managing, coaching or refereeing. A big thanks also to Greta Mason our Sports Director for mastering the complex organisation of this event so early in her tenure in our kura.

Our 15-strong rowing team represented our kura with pride at the national Aon Maadi  Regatta held at Ruataniwha. Thank you again to coaches Maude O’Connell and Brendon Scott for giving so much to our students throughout this season. There are also a number of staff and many committed parents who enable this opportunity for our students, ngā mihi. Rowing is so much more than what happens on the water. There will have been many life lessons learned about teamwork, effort, dedication, and manaaki. Well done rangatahi mā.

Interim reports are due out next week. In Term 2 we will move to live reporting with assessment results and comments reported as they happen in the term rather than waiting until the end of term report. The aim is to provide students and families with feedback that will support further next steps for learning.

We have recently appointed three Kāhui Ako in-school roles who will provide leadership in three core areas of mahi over the next 18 months. Louise Haig will support staff and students with initiative around numeracy across our school, Karen Gallagher is our lead for culturally responsive practices working with Pasifika and Māori students and whānau and Aimee Ross is appointed to a relational cultures role to support wellbeing through our whānau group structure and also restorative practices.

Sharyn Jenkins resigns from her Year 8 teaching position at the end of this term to focus on her health. Over the past 10 years, Sharyn has been a dedicated and caring teacher while also contributing through lead roles in the junior curriculum and our Kāhui Ako. She will be missed by students and colleagues. We wish Sharyn all the best over the coming months with a return to full health. Tania Henderson, who currently teaches junior technology and science, will take over the whānau class and Year 8 class early next term.

There is disbelief and sadness amongst staff and students with the tragic death of Kelan Stroud as a result of a car accident in the Cromwell Gorge last week. Kelan left last year from Year 12 having been selected for a position with Fulton Hogan based in Alexandra. We know that Kelan was excited to have recently started his career with them. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Kelan’s family and also with his friends and wider whānau. Kia tau te rangimārie me te aroha, haere atu rā, moe mai rā Kelan.

Mason Stretch

Tumuaki - Principal