This has been an extremely busy nine weeks so far and the finishing line for Term 3 is in sight.

One of the absolute highlights of the term was ‘School Spirit Week’. This was a new idea conceptualised by the Student Council and brought to full-energy life by the House Captains. The inaugural event included a week of lunchtime challenges and activities to engage a wide range of students, finishing in a fun costume day. The challenges were: Bum Shuffle, Pirates (a.k.a ‘the floor is lava’), an M&M race and 4 corner multi-sport. It was brilliant to see lots of student participation and some amazing moments of true sportsmanship. The staff were also excited to challenge the students and Mr Kearney showed his very competitive side in the M&M race (there is photographic evidence!).

Highlights of ‘Spirit Week’ include: Karl Meyer’s and Bri Stalker’s un-catchability during the ‘Ground is Lava’, Dylan Fahey and Sian Murphy’s incredible streaks in Bum Shuffle and Totara’s impressible co-ordination in the M&M race.

Angus Boyd (Rimu Junior House Captain) commented on the week:

"Spirit week was a lot of fun, with a good turnout for all the house challenges. Rimu did awesome all week, getting some good results throughout the week. Character day was a success, with lots of people putting heaps of effort in and making some awesome costumes!"

The standings for the House Shield at this moment are as follows:

1st - Matai on 450 points

2nd - Rimu on 375 points

3rd - Kauri on 350 points

4th - Totara on 315 points.

A big thank you to the junior and senior house captains for all of their leadership skills and energy over the term. They did an awesome job of running assemblies and house events, like the Kumara Mash and the Kaiapoi Kahoot.

Next term there are only three weeks before the seniors leave and the points for the House Shield are calculated before resetting for the junior competition. There will be one House Challenge each week for those three weeks - the last chance to change who is leading the board!

This term has seen a huge increase in the number of Manu cards handed in. Prizes have included Nerf guns, chocolate, canteen vouchers and even pizzas delivered to school. Keep handing them in to the Deans’ offices on Wednesday lunchtimes and look out for new prizes next term!