So many of our students show such great initiative.

I'm so impressed with the initiative shown by our students. The business students are an obvious example, with Raven Whatu-Joseph and the pest control crew carving an impressive reputation around the Coast. Raven has been invited to be an "Entrepreneur in Action" which is open to a small number of students nationally supported by the Young Enterprise Scheme. The team's adapted traps are in hot demand as groups try to control rats and stoats to support birdlife. In the face of increasing unemployment, these students are showing they can adapt and create opportunities. Their teacher is key, of course, and Lara Thompson who is doing great work would rightly acknowledge the support of Papa Taiao and the West Coast Trades Academy. 

Ittai Perchig, Henry Priebe, Byron Howard, Joel Dumelow and Kaia Beal continue to develop their impressive drone project. The capacity of their aircraft is as impressive as the science and technology that goes behind it. Their teacher, Aleta Chowfin, has created some amazing connections for them and constantly supported their creativity. 

Several lunchtimes per week, Shoshy Perchig is available to students to support them to develop their self-confidence, their pitch, in preparation for work. Students simply approach and have a conversation and Shoshy works from there. John DeGoldi, as Careers Advisor, is available at any time and we are starting to build a network of mentors to draw on. Our revised website is still in construction but will have a page for current students to connect with former students for inspiration and mentoring using software called Ambisie. 

For all the doom and gloom in the news, there are lots of inspiring stories out there. Parents and whānau are important guides for teenagers, although often not their inspiration for work, so encouraging your child to think creatively now is a good move.

Noho ora mai

Andy England

Principal