Kia ora, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Bula, Salaam Alaikum, Nǐ hǎo, Namaste, Kumusta, Xin chào

This year we have a record number of Year 13 students, 93 in total.

Our team of prefects are motivated and will keep me on my toes. This year's prefects are Juanita, Xing, Jorja, Jayton, Spencer, Amy, Emmanuel, Crystal, Kiah, Lyrical, Te Rama and Oceana. Unfortunately, Oceana was not at school for the photo but we will remedy that soon. These may be our prefects but all Year 13 students are leaders of the school, not just the prefects. As leaders they must be showing the CARR values at all times as the younger students look up to them.

Every morning, school starts at 8.30am and all students need to be here by then. I am monitoring student lateness and attendance and before the end of the term, I will be asking students to discuss their purpose for coming to school. As a Year 13, school is optional and it can not be used as a safe haven to hang out with friends.

In the past students have been permitted to go home when they have a study period but this year the school is trying something new, in the hope that our pass rate will increase and attendance will improve. There is plenty of learning that the students can do at school during their study periods. Study periods are designed to assist students with their learning so that they have an hour each day (some times two hours) to work on their learning. It is not supervised but I have made permanent bookings in the Learning Commons and career area for students to work. They can also ask their teachers if they can work in a particular area such as working on their art folio.

From our perspective we are offering all students a chance to develop good study habits, complete unfinished work and support each other with their learning. I have been so impressed to see the diligent students working hard during these times.

Laptops or chromebooks: Students in Year 13 should have a device otherwise it is very difficult for them to keep up with their learning. I am doing what I can to assist students who do not have a computer. If you need assistance, please let me know via email.

This is the final year and I want every Year 13 student to leave with qualifications but it is up to the students to do the learning and ask for help if they need it.

If you want to make an appointment with me to discuss your young person’s progress, please do so.

Ngā mihi nui

Whãea Chris McLaren

Phone: 03 349 5396

Email: ml@hornby.school.nz 

Photo: Left to Right: Amy Woermann, Juanita Fifita, Emmanuel Fa'avae (Head Boy), Xing Zheng, Crystal Edminstin (Head Girl), Jorja Woodgate, Kiah Uri, Jayton Lawrie, Lyrical Robinson, Te Rama Kerr, Spencer Drummond. Absent: Oceana Olsen