Kia ora koutou katoa
It is great to see students so engaged in the opportunities to learn and engage beyond the classroom.
The Year 9 & 10 and 11 & 12 retreats were a special event facilitated by the NET Team who hail from Australia. They are a group of young people who have given 10 months of their lives to spread the message of Jesus Christ. The retreats were based on stories, games, connection, and reflection. Thanks to our DRS extraordinaire, Joanie Roberson, for organising these events and our staff who were there to support the students. It’s been great to hear our teachers and support staff enjoying the retreats and getting something out of them personally, too.
Thanks to Marjan Sprock for arranging the penguin autopsy opportunity – the level of focus and fascination was amazing, and our year 12 & 13 biologists have contributed to the important work of the Blue Penguin Trust in determining the cause of death of these beautiful birds. Those who succumbed to dog attacks are a reminder to keep our canine friends on the leash in coastal habitats. While the photos are clear, they do not capture the smell in the room, so hats off to all who participated!
The Year 11 geographers have headed away for an authentic learning adventure in Kaikoura focused on the impacts of earthquakes on the land and sea. Thanks to Allan Porter for his organisation and Jude Smith for accompanying the group. No doubt we will have some spectacular photos to share next week with their scenic flight over the region. Allan spent several years teaching in Kaikoura, so they are particularly fortunate to have someone with local knowledge who lived through the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that has changed Kaikoura landscape forever. We wish them great learning and safe travels!
A reminder that Monday classes will be held on Wednesday to as to minimize interruptions to senior classes before exams.
Enjoy Labour weekend. Keep safe if you’re travelling and we’ll see all students back safely on Tuesday morning.
Yours in Christ
Renée Hutchinson
Principal