Kia ora all and welcome back to Term 4.

During a major rebuild there naturally comes a pinch point where things are at their most difficult. As I walk around the school today I see this point has passed and we now move into a new phase where things begin to open up again, and the only way is up from here.

The new classes for 2024 are well and truly ahead of schedule and already into plasterboarding, painting and fitting off. The playground and courts are so close to completion and by the time you read this the demolition of the old science block will be complete. The sun is also shining giving us access to the field and we are ready for another great term with the opportunities this all provides.

We have started our transition process to welcome our incoming Year 7 students with student delegations going to each of our major contributing schools and before long we will be sorting classes ready for 2024.

Congratulations to Mehakpreet Kaur and Thomas Rankin on exceptional performances this week in the intermediate speech competition with Mehakpreet being awarded first place with her speech entitled ‘Embrace Your Culture’.

We have launched into summer sport, and, as ever, I thank Kate Henderson for the significant organisation and effort it takes to pull this together for 540 students. For those competing out of school, it is a good time to remember that representing our school is something that is earned through demonstrating our school values within school.

I am pleased to see so many students wearing sunhats outside so they can enjoy the nice days. Please continue to make sure your child has one each day.

Note some important dates this term

• 23rd October Labor Day
• 17th November Canterbury Anniversary Day
• 20th November Ministry of Education Mandated Teacher Only Day
• 14th December, Year 8s last day, 3.00 p.m. finish
• 15th December End of Term 4, Year 7s finish 12 noon

Have a wonderful weekend

Ngā mihi nui

James Griggs, Tumuaki/Principal