Salaam Alaikum, Tena koe, Kia orana, Talofa lava,, Mālō e lelei, Bula,Nǐ hǎo, Namaste, Kumusta, Xin chào, salutations to all students and whānau.

What a busy few weeks it has been as we settle back into learning and focus on achieving NCEA Level 3. This can only be achieved by keeping your eye on the goal and staying focused and on task. Attendance is a major predictor of which students who will most likely gain Level 3 and University Entrance.

Coming to school to hang out with friends and socialise at Year 13 is not going to cut it but studying and doing the learning as well as having friends and socialising will reap results. 'When you choose the behavour, you choose the consequences'.

Last week we had an amazing Academic Honours Assembly for the students who gained Excellence and Merits plus those who gained over 90 credits at Level 1 and 2. We had a large group of recipients and a special mention to Matt Brown (ex Hornby High School student and now businessman - My Father’s Barber) who gave a moving and motivating talk to the seniors. Thank you also to his supportive wife who arranged this and Oceana their daughter who opened and closed the assembly with a karakia and sang a beautiful waiata after Matt’s speech. Congratulations to all the recipients, top effort.

Fundraising for the Polyfest uniforms on Athletics day was another successful venture, thanks to our wonderful cooks. The money raised will be so useful.

Many Year 13's have been representing the school in sport. A couple of Saturdays ago I went and watched the boys play Touch and saw some slick moves and great team spirit.

On Friday I caught up with the boys' Volleyball team and what fantastic sportsmanship they displayed. The girls played well too and it is wonderful to see so many Year 13's involved with sport.

The prefects organised a night of Ten Pin Bowling and I must admit it must be at least 10 years since I have been bowling. It was great fun but the next day my arm muscles were a tad tender. It was a great way for the prefects to bond and have some fun.

Last week, I attended the Pasifika awards evening. Congratulations to Emmanuel and Juanita for receiving two awards. One for academic achievement at Level 2 and the other for being leaders of our kura. It was a superb evening of celebration and acknowledgement.

Athletics day was a chance to see our sportspeople display their talent.

Saturday saw Jorja, Crystal, Juanita, Emmanuel, Xing, and Amy, volunteering at the Hello Hornby event. These prefects worked tirelessly for 6 hours and did an amazing job helping the local community with this event. Ben and Hannah Mae were part of the St John’s display.

Congratulations to Mya and Ashleigh for having leadership roles as Kahui Leaders.

Teaching and being a Dean is more than just turning up to school to work, it is also about supporting the students and local community whenever possible.

Dates to remember:

Friday 13 March - Mufti Day (gold coin donation, funds to St John)

Saturday 14 March - Polyfest (Red Zone - New Brighton Road)

Reminder:
School begins at 8.30am every day and all students need to be at school during study time except if they have study Period 5, when they may leave at lunchtime.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or queries.

Nga mihi nui
Chris McLaren
Dean