Although I had hoped that we would have some form of normality last term, COVID, colds and winter sickness made it a difficult term for staff and students. It is very pleasing to see that this has been recognised by NZQA and that students studying NCEA have had learning recognition credits added to their assessment records.

Term 3 has started well and I am extremely proud of what our students have achieved already this term. This newsletter is full of examples of students at Katikati College making the most of the opportunities given to them. From the leadership courses with other schools, to engagement with local businesses, sports and technology competitions and national and regional selection. Congratulations to all involved and a huge thanks to the teachers, staff and whānau who support our students in all of these activities. I would like to make particular mention of the Waihi Sports Exchange and the Senior Music NCEA Concert. Sport and arts performances have been hit hard over the last few years. Even though we did not win the Sports Exchange overall, the students played with enthusiasm and dedication to their teams. At the Senior Music NCEA Concert, students overcame nerves and were able to produce polished performances that displayed amazing talents.

Congratulations to our Pasifika students who were stunning in their directing, producing and acting in the short film competition. As always they are supported and led by Mrs Vetekina Pekipaki - she is an amazing role model for our students.

We live in an incredibly supportive community - thank you to those community groups and businesses that go above and beyond to support our kura. We are immensely grateful for what you do for our young people. I would also like to thank all those parents who have been able to contribute to the College through their school donation. These funds are used to support additional resources above and beyond what we receive from the Ministry of Education.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to follow the Katikati College Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KatikatiCollege This is where we are sharing key information and most importantly celebrating the good stories that are happening every day at Katikati College.

A reminder that we have Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 24 August. Please take the time to connect with your child’s teachers. There is also a Teacher Only Day on Thursday 25 August. This is part of the preparation for the changes to NCEA.

I would like to wish all the best to our teams heading off to Winter Tournament and AIMS. Represent your school with pride, try your hardest, be a good sportsperson and thank the adults that give up their time to support you in all your endeavours.

I would like to welcome Leoni Kinton who is our new school nurse. Leoni will be in the Shac on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Finally, I will be away from school for the next 3 weeks. I am taking this time to visit my mum in the United Kingdom as she has been unwell. In my absence Mr Ian Nicholson will be Acting Principal. Thank you to Ian and the other senior teachers who will be leading the school in my absence.