A huge thank you to all the players, staff, coaches, and parents who have represented JPII so well during the national winter tournament this week. We’ve had over 30 students representing our school, including the senior boys’ basketball team playing in Nelson, the hockey teams in Greymouth, and the under 15 rugby boys in Alexandra. A big shout out to Jasmine Dodemaide, our sports coordinator extraordinaire, who has organized all the fundraising, travel and accommodation bookings, risk management, and kept everyone informed throughout. You’ve done an amazing job, Jasmine, thank you! At the time of writing, our basketballers were through to tomorrow’s final against St Kevin’s Oamaru, the rugby team came fourth in their competition, and the hockey girls’ team came third in their competition. Well done to all our players for representing JPII and the West Coast so well! To the parents and coaches who have travelled to support them – thank you. We appreciate your commitment to our students, and for using your annual leave and leaving other children and your partners at home so ours can compete on a bigger stage.

Next week our senior students in Years 11-13 sit the derived grade exams in preparation for NCEA in November. Senior students are only expected to be at school for their exams, though they may book tutorials with their teachers or study in the library. Students not sitting exams should use this week to work through internal assessments and assignments and clear the decks for the next few weeks. Results will be posted in KAMAR by the end of week 9. Option selection for Year 10-12 students will open after exams, and we will be holding an NCEA information evening in week 1 of term 4. Further details will come in the week 10 newsletter.

We wish you all a safe and restful weekend.

Ngā mihi

Renée Hutchinson

Principal