Sewell Peak with our year 10s was a great day for those who came - why would parents let their children miss out? More key events coming as 2020 ticks down...and the big news is that our teacher band are WINNERS in Auckland!

Tēnā koutou

Last week's Sewell Peak Challenge was an amazing day out: the scenery was crystal clear and, despite the wind, we heard a great description of the region from Tony Kokshoorn and Māori perspective from Whaea Catherine. What most impressed me was the team spirit of the students, who really took on board the message about supporting each other. Most of the students had never been up Sewell Peak before and every one of them said they were very pleased they now had. 

The one disappointment I had was that only 80 students went. I'm appealing to all parents to make sure their children take opportunities that this school provides - education is not only in classrooms and we work really hard to ensure that everyone who does this challenge is supported to make it to the top, also to remove any  barriers such as costs or equipment. 

We're in the final fortnight of school and have lots to do, with exams for seniors nearly finished. Next Monday is our inaugural Māwhera Beach Sports (weather permitting) for all students, with a Blackball combined curriculum trip on Wednesday for Year 10. 

Last Friday, our staff band of Gordon Iafeta, Tealy Wood, Dan Hanson, Martin McDonald and Scott Bermingham travelled to Auckland to compete in the Faculty Rocks event (like RockQuest for teachers). Despite massive competition from many large city schools, it was our Grey High team who took out the Crowd Favourite. We should all be very proud of our band. 

I hope you all enjoyed Westland Anniversary and are making the most of the last two weeks of school. 

Ngā mihi nui

Andy England

Principal