Nau mai haere mai!

We are coming into the last couple of weeks of the term and we are not slowing down. 

This week we have seen our senior students start their NCEA external examinations. Early reports from, our examination manager is that our students are putting their best foot forward and doing their best. Senior students are allowed onsite (in uniform Year 11,12) to study in the library or attend tutorials. A reminder that they need to sign in and out of the school for health and safety reasons. 

Also this week the Year 9/10 students are participating in a variety of sports. So far we have had students competing in Handball, Dodgeball, Ki o Rahi, Basketball, Renegade Hockey and Touch with Pool and Cricket to come. 

The Year 7/8 students are participating in a beach education day today at Warrington. It is so important in this country but particularly Otago (with our beautiful beaches and rivers), that we have an understanding of how to keep ourselves safe in the water. Knowing where a rip is on the surf and what to do if we get caught in one, are super important and could save our lives. Learning does not and should not only exist in the classroom and the more we have authentic learning experiences in our local environment the better. Thank you to all the parents that give up their time

On Wednesday we had our orientation day for our new students for 2022. This was a great chance for these students to meet their teachers for next year and familiarise themselves with the school and classrooms. Our Year 7/8 students that were guides for these students were amazing and great role models for our new cohort.

Next week the Year 7/8 girls will be participating in a self defense course while the boys get to tramp up Puketapu.

On the 6th - 8th of December our Year 10 students will be going on camp. The boys will be experiencing a three day tramp through the Silverpeak Forest while the girls will be off to Waihola for an activity packed three days. This will see these Year 10 students completing the two year Rite Journey course with a bone carving for those students presented at prize giving for completing all aspects of the course.

Teachers are currently writing school reports for all Year 7-10 students. These will be sent out electronically (via email) on the 10th of December. If you would like a paper copy please let the school office know and one will be prepared and sent home with your student.

Although we are close to the end, teaching and learning is still continuing for all students until the final week. On Monday 13th December, students will be selecting a fun activity to do. Information for this day will come in the form of a booklet with costs and a description of the activity. On Tuesday 14th December we will be practicing for our Prize-giving. This will be available online through a link on Google Meet. This will be available to our community by visiting our school website, by email to all families and a post on our facebook page.

Enjoy the next couple of weeks as we race to the summer holidays.

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper