Talofa lava

Our second week of Term 2 has drawn to a positive conclusion and our young men have demonstrated through their actions they are embracing the rigour that comes from being a part of a high functioning High School. At the start of our week, we had the opportunity to have our prefect leaders present at our junior and senior assemblies, their thoughts on why Compassion is both important and necessary, from a King’s context.

It was both refreshing and insightful to hear from prefects Rocky Allen, Hugh Jack and Declan Viljoen about the difference we can all make in the lives of others by our Acts of Kindness, because showing that we care about others goes along way. As the term progresses, we will be communicating some of the school wide initiatives that our students will have the opportunity to be a part of and volunteer.

It will be exciting to see our Kingsmen embrace the gift of giving.

Over the last few weeks, it has been an opportunity for our staff to reflect on just how successful our young men were in their academic endeavors in 2023. A continuation of our students' NCEA success has been well documented through the ongoing growth of our academic ceremonies. For the record, with the exception of one category, our young men exceeded and surpassed the national averages, as well as the national averages for boys, in 2023. A reflection of the aptitude and approach to learning our young men possess.

These results are also evidence of the high calibre educators that our young men have the pleasure of working with, day to day. We are excited about the potential student outcomes for 2024, however, we are acutely aware, as are our young men that our ongoing collective approach, which includes the support of our parent community will ultimately determine their success.

A special congratulations goes to Lafa Tofiga (Year 11) and Isaac Kramers (Year 13). Both of these young men are the recipients in 2024 to receive Mana Pounamu Young Achievers Awards. A significant achievement for both Lafa and Isaac and we look forward to celebrating their achievements and successes later in Term 2.

Many of our Arts, Cultural, Music and Sports programmes have commenced or are about to commence this weekend. We wish all involved all the best for a positive and successful time ahead.

A reminder that on Monday, 13th May, teaching and learning will conclude early, at 12.35pm for the day as a result of the PPTA PUM for the Otago Region which will be taking place at 1pm off-site. Previous correspondence about this has been widely communicated, indicating the structure of the day. Provisions for students who have to remain on site are in place. Students will be required to head to the school Library until 3pm. Non-union members will be present to supervise students.

Lastly, and very importantly – this coming Sunday, 12th May is a very important day. It is a very important day because we will celebrate, and we will also remember, very important people who have and will continue to touch our lives. I would like to wish all our Mums and our significant females in our lives a very happy Mother’s Day.

We thank you for your continual support of our young men and our school.

Fa’afetai lava
Darin Smith
Acting Rector

In this issue

Otago Polytechnic Open Days