Tena koutou katoa. Māori is an official language of Aotearoa and it is only through practise that we become more confident at using it. When I started as Dean and greeted students with a simple Kia ora, many students were surprised but now most are far more comfortable being greeted in this unique language.

The prefects raised money for Child Cancer by having a very successful 'Wig Wednesday' mufti day where students and staff wore wigs and mufti to raise money and awareness for children with child cancer. Thank you to all those students who supported this worthwhile cause. They raised $470.10. 

Car Wash: Next Tuesday, the prefects are having a car wash and the money raised will go towards the City Mission to help whānau affected by Covid-19.

Bring a Can day: The prefect team are also planning a 'bring a can' day where students can donate a can of food and then food parcels will be made up and delivered to whānau in our kura. If you would like a parcel or you know of another whānau who are doing it tough at the moment, please send me an email.

School Formal

It is unfortunate that the formal could not proceed last Friday but waiting until Level 1 is a much safer option. The new date is Friday 6 November and it will be a fun filled evening. If your teenager no longer plans to attend, please let me know as soon as possible.

NCEA

Students still have 6 weeks of learning and need to stay focused on this. If students are not at school, it makes it harder for them to be successful academically.

A few students are feeling under enormous pressure and are concerned that they will not achieve the qualifications they need for university or their future career. Please encourage them to study at home and complete any unfinished work. Teachers are often emailing me with their concerns about students who are struggling to finish assessments or who don’t hand in their assignments even after being given an extension.

Exams

Not all Year 13 students will have end of year exams but for those students who are sitting externals, here is the link - Exam Timetable 2020

Please ensure your teenager is well prepared for their end of year exams.

Life after Hornby High School

Please ensure your young person has a plan for the future. Most students have already enrolled in courses for 2021 which is fantastic as they have a goal for the future. It is important that all students and their whānau have a plan, whether it is continuing with their education or an apprenticeship or full time work. If there is anything I can do to help with this, please let me know.

My time as a dean is coming to a close and I have learnt so much from doing this role and am very grateful for all the support I have received from students and their whānau. The five years have gone by so quickly and I have decided not to apply to do this role again as next year I want to focus on my teaching as well as my other roles.

Any concerns or questions you may have, please feel free to contact me at any time. ml@hornby.school.nz

Ngā mihi nui
Whāea Chris