As we reach the end of the first school term, there is a feeling of final madness around the school, as our teachers and students make a last dash to finish off those projects and assessments before our community go on a break for two weeks. 

Whea Danna, Matua Remi, Pete Graham and their team of staff and students are busy preparing the cultural learning centre for its official opening and the final stage of a two year project that has seen the school complete one of the finest whares in New Zealand, and one that has the extra special element of being built by our students, for our students. I believe it is an appropriate time for us to thank one last time our excellent Building teacher, Pete Graham, for all the hours, both in and outside of school time, that he has put into the centre; his students, for the many hours of their time, often at 6am in the morning, and those in the community who have provided goods and services, at either cost or free of charge, to create this very special building. So thank you all for what you have done for our school.

We have just finished our two Board meetings for the week. These Board meetings are where our Heads of Faculty report to the Board on the performance of their faculties, both in NCEA last year and in the movements and achievements of their Years 9 and 10 students. There has been a real culture shift to these reports over the last five years. Our Heads of Faculty focus on data-driven decisions and highlight issues and areas of concern, so that they can put in place concise strategies for improving student outcomes. The thinking around these strategies has shifted from being faculty-focused to whole school approaches that will lift the entire school, by working collaboratively within and outside their faculty. A great example of this is that our data has shown us that 30% of our incoming Year 9s' literacy skills are two levels below the standard. Rather than use this as an excuse for poor grades, there is a common theme from the Heads of Faculty as to how we can work together to lift the literacy rates across the school. Shared ownership of the strategies really creates high level and deep change within the school. It is just fantastic to see.

As you know, we have taken a relatively conservative approach to modern learning environments at Kaiapoi High School with the new classroom blocks (see photos below on their progress). We have opted not to go with the open style of four or more classes sharing the same space, but rather have a combination of both single cell classrooms and double classrooms. The more we visit schools, the more thinking and the more professional development we do, the more I believe that we have made the right decision. Schools are always looking to improve our outcomes for students and making sure the opportunities are there for each student to achieve their own personal excellence. Sometimes it means taking risks, however it is my responsibility to make sure those risks are not only well managed, but also that we have the confidence of the staff to be able to still deliver a robust educational outcome for the students in their care. Whilst some may say that we have not pushed the boundaries enough in the modern learning environment by going completely open, our staff believe that the steps we are taking are manageable and will produce the best results. This is not a process that we are implementing in a rush, so that we are ready for a building when it is completed. We have spent the last three years preparing for this shift in teaching and learning by taking it slowly, evaluating the evidence, watching it in practice, and then developing a professional learning plan that supports our staff, and has the buy-in needed to make this a successful endeavour. I can guarantee you that we have your sons' and daughters' best interests at the heart of what we are doing.

On another note… With the rebuild in full flight, and the weather beginning to turn as we head into winter, we are having a couple of issues that I would really appreciate the support of parents/caregivers over. Firstly, it is getting cold. At this time of the year we start to see some ‘alternative’ examples of our uniform enter the school. Our students chose our uniform. They wanted a uniform to be proud of and I believe we have that. Could you please make sure the hoodies and puffer jackets stay at home. The uniform has an excellent new jacket that is only $80 and not only will it keep the rain out, but it is a great deal more affordable than a puffer jacket, which provides no warmth when wet. Secondly, I know that you will be pressured by your children to bring them into school to drop them off. With the traffic from the rebuild and staff cars, it has made the start and end of school really hectic and the added traffic of parents/caregivers dropping their sons and daughters off makes it quite unsafe for those students walking into school. Can you please drop your children off at the gate.

I hope you have a lovely Easter break, and that you have time to connect and relax with your children. We love their company when they are here, but also enjoy the time when they are with you over the break!

Ka kite ano

Bruce Kearney - Principal