As we draw close to the end of Term 1, I would like to acknowledge our staff and students for the work they have done. Term 1 is always a very busy time, with Year 13 camp, athletics day, swimming sports, summer tournament week, curriculum trips and much more.

For our students, Term 1 can bring many changes and challenges. Year 7 students have navigated the move to a new school and Year 9s have taken their first steps into secondary school away from the base of their Year 8 homeroom classes. For our Year 11 students, the term has brought the first of many NCEA assessments, whilst for our Year 12 and 13s it is a continuation of this journey. I am always impressed with how our young people manage these changes with the support of the adults around them.

At our recent whole school assembly, I spoke to our students and staff about the importance of being in class learning. I reminded students that one of the most important things that we took away from our time in lockdown was the importance of the connection between students and teacher. Whilst we can be assured that learning does not just take place in the classroom, if our students are continually late to class or just not getting there at all, then important learning will be missed.

I would like to highlight the upcoming talk by John Parsons. This will take place on Monday 10 May. John is an Internet Safety and Risk Assessment Consultant who works with schools, the private sector and the health sector, providing specialist advice and direction on the safe and ethical use of Digital Communication Technology. He is a published author and a social commentator who works throughout New Zealand and internationally. John will be speaking to students, teachers and the community.

Finally, please take note of the information regarding the upcoming by-election for the Katikati College Board of Trustees. 

Louise Buckley

Acting Principal