As you will see in a separate article, our Associate Principal, Ms Shelley Power has won the Principal’s position at Wairarapa College. Shelley has been an outstanding member of staff for the last 16 years and we will miss her greatly as she begins her new adventure in Masterton. More information about Ms Power’s appointment is in the article.

I would like to congratulate the Ball Committee for an outstanding ball held last Saturday night. Once again, a group of Year 13 students turned our school hall into an exquisite venue this year with a 1920's theme. Lots of parents and people commented on how classy and sophisticated the hall looked and what an amazing transformation it was. It was another enjoyable Ball for Katikati College and I would like to thank Mrs Lisa Corbett and Mr Hamish Carr for all their efforts in supporting the Ball Committee and also to all those who attended the Ball. The students made the night enjoyable so it is a credit to them. I would also like to thank the parents who ensured their children acted in a responsible manner and supported them to ensure that the evening went without problems. As you can appreciate the nature of Balls has come under increasing pressure in the busy life of schools so it is vitally important that these are successful events and that the students enjoy and respect the opportunity.

I would like to wish all of those people who have been involved in the Australian Mathematics and ICAS English competitions all the very best. It is great to see the large number of students involved in these external examinations as they provide an opportunity to explore their respective curriculums in a slightly different way. I would encourage other students to be involved as well in the future as it certainly is very good learning opportunity.

On Wednesday we hold the annual Waihi College Sports Exchange. This exchange has been going on for a large number of years now and it is the last remaining traditional sports exchange that we have. Given the increasing pressure in the schooling curriculum, these exchanges are now almost a thing of the past. However, it is important that we are able to honour this tradition and maintain our rivalry with our closest neighbouring school. Lots of our students know each other outside of school and this is a good opportunity for us to engage in some friendly, yet competitive, competition.

Term 3 is only 9 weeks long and while it doesn’t seem that much shorter than a normal term, so much happens this term. It is vitally important for every student that they really focus on their academic studies, especially those students continuing their NCEA internal assessments and preparing for their external assessments in November.

In Week 4 we have our ARC Assemblies where students will be recognised for displaying Aspiration, Responsibility and Citizenship throughout the school. You are welcome to attend – see separate article for dates and times.

Nāku noa

Neil Harray | Principal