Mauri ora ki a koutou

As we look forward to the end of Term 2, I continue to be amazed by the staff and students of Ellesmere College - Te Kāreti o Waihora.  There is always something interesting happening, successes to be shared and challenges to be overcome.

Time always seems to fly by and the latter half of this term is no exception. Since the last newsletter we have had the middle school quad tournament held at EC (where we placed a credible second place), a senior quad tournament at Mt Hutt College (that didn't go quite so well), senior careers presentations from The NZ Defence Force and Ara Institute, the Year 8’s have had a virtual reality experience. The Year 10’s enjoyed the Canterbury Museum Science Outreach program, while the Year 11’s had a trip to the Air Force Museum and a Japanese class trip. We had World Vision talk to the students at assembly to inspire them for the 40 Hour Challenge. Another successful (and loud) Junior Disco was arranged and led by the student leaders. ‘Happy Clothes Day’ was a huge success with over 550 cans of food donated that will go to support the Ellesmere Food bank. Well done team!  Thanks to Susie and John from Baileys Real Estate for encouraging our students to bring in their cans by supplying us with a free sausage sizzle.

The staff and students continue to be in a positive mindset. During my regular tours through the school, the classes are settled, while the students are focussed and engaged in their learning. In my observations of extra curricular and sporting activities, there is an increasing level of pride in the school and it is fantastic to see our students are really giving it their best efforts. 

On Friday last week, I had the opportunity to celebrate the sunrise on Matariki with students, staff and whānau from Rolleston College, Lincoln High school and Ellesmere College at a Whāngai o te hautapu ceremony. Congratulations to whaea Sandy and our ākonga who enjoyed te mānawatea o matariki with special thanks to Te Iti Pūhihi o Rangatahi - the combined kapa haka group for their efforts and Mrs Taylor for all her mahi leading up to the celebrations.. 

Recently there has been considerable media interest in a decision made by a NZRFU sub committee with regards to the ongoing eligibility of the Selwyn Combined 1st XV to remain in the Miles Toyota Premiership from 2025. I am very pleased to announce that after due consideration, The NZRFU and the School Rugby Advisory Board, voted in favour of retaining the Selwyn Combined 1st XV in the Premiership. The Selwyn Combined 1st XV is a great example of a community working together for our young people and it is one of a number of things that have helped to bring the schools in Selwyn closer together.  

Lastly, I would like to recognise the valuable contribution made to this kura by two staff who will be leaving us at the end of the term. 

Mrs Marceles joined us at the start of the year and took on the challenges of starting at a new school, building connections and developing educationally powerful relationships with staff and students . Her passion for teaching and dedication to get the best possible progress from every student is evident in everything she does. Her gentle, caring nature has been appreciated very much by staff and students. We wish her all the best at Marian College.  

Ms Wylie, has been part of the Ellesmere College whānau for 8 years. This time has absolutely flown by. She has contributed so much to the lives of so many.  During her time here she has grown from a classroom teacher into one of our most valued middle leaders. She has continued to evolve, develop and reflect on her classroom practice. She has managed the challenge of leading an essential curriculum area, while creating a localised and contextual plan for teaching and learning. She has grown, supported and mentored some of Ellesmere Colleges best teachers. We thank her for this. I know that the decision to move on was a difficult one, but family must always come first. We wish her all the best with her new role at Ashburton College.  

I wish you all the best for a safe and relaxing term break and I look forward to all the opportunities that Term 3 will bring. 

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa

Antony French

Acting Principal