As I write this, students are running around the school on a scavenger hunt organised by our outstanding Sports Captain, Mya Mahuika. While it sounds like pandemonium, the level of engagement is high, and you can see and hear students having a great time. With house points up for grabs, it’s neat to see students getting involved in their school, and the revival of house spirit and competition! Thank you, Mya and your colleagues, in the student leadership team for making this happen!

Covid numbers remain low at JPII, and I thank students and families for isolating when necessary and staying home if sick. We currently have 5 positive cases with all expected to return early next week. There is no transmission in school. You will see the update of the latest numbers on the Coast in this newsletter. School attendance is still sitting high at 91.6% for the term so far. We are fortunate that all staff are present and all hands-on deck.

You will no doubt be aware of the changes to the covid settings, and next week will have our first full school assembly for over 8 months. In term two, we will begin the week gathering as a whole school for prayer. We are all looking forward to being able to get together as a school whānau once again. This means the school ball is on, Year 10 camp can go ahead regardless of student vaccine status, and sports can resume as we are used to. All students will be able to access the Polytech café from 11:59am on Monday 4th April when vaccine passes and mandates lapse. The mask mandates remain, and this is really important for limiting the spread of covid in our school and community, so ongoing student and visitor cooperation is appreciated.

School reports for all students will be emailed out Friday next week. We have made the decision to hold off parent interviews to early term 2 so we can meet kanohi te ki kanohi (face-to-face).

Have you got a spare 15 hours a week and would like to work with us? We have two roles for a positive, organised and forward-thinking candidate: Trades & Gateway Coordinator (10 hours per week, term time only) and Science Technician (5 hours per week), term time only. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, please let us know!

Take care and enjoy the weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Renée Hutchinson

Principal