Hero photograph
Senior Girls Basketball Team - Christchurch Tournament
 

From the principal, Week 1 of Term 1

Andy England —

The holidays saw some great student successes and we have a big term coming up.

Tēnā koutou katoa

I was really impressed with our basketball senior girls who won the alternative Secondary Schools Basketball Tournament in Christchurch during the holidays. This is a major achievement, beating big schools from large populations who regularly compete against other quality teams. I think it reflects the healthy state of West Coast basketball, which is well led, and the amazing support of coach Cameron Birchfield who has committed five years to the team - thanks Cam, and Sharyn Rose as manager, and congratulations to this team.

Well done to our Head Girl Jenna Williams on her absolute victory in South Island Junior Sporting Championships (clay bird shooting). 

The pest control LOC / business students continue their amazing successes too, gaining national recognition and being invited to speak with Mayor Tania Gibson.

Term 4 is always a big term and the lockdown disruption earlier this year places even more pressure on. Exams are delayed to allow more study and work on internal assessments, which is needed as our year 11 students do need to gain more credits if we are to see a similar number of students passing to what we have in previous years. Parents can support by encouraging at home without adding too much pressure. 

With the decision to mix year 9 and 10 in mentor classes next year, we are planning for some leadership training for our current year 9s before the end of term so they are comfortable with their roles as tuakana next year. 

At the end of the year, Mr Julius Ndondo will move to Rolleston College. Mr Ndondo has not been with us for long but has made a great impact. I wish Julius and his family well. Ms Catherine Truter's fixed term contract expires at the end of this year and she will return to Christchurch. Catherine was our first "teacher apprentice" and has established herself as an effective teacher whose students really enjoy her style, so we expect that she will finish this year as a fully qualified teacher. Our best wishes to Catherine for next year and beyond.