Kia ora koutou katoa

The 2024 school year has started with an air of excitement at Mackenzie College. We have a 20 percent increase in our roll with families outside the bus catchment joining the Mackenzie College whānau. I wish to express gratitude to our loyal community for their ongoing support. It's heartening to note that all Year six students from 2023 in our contributing schools have opted to remain local, reaffirming our vision of being the 'College of Choice'. Supporting our local schools creates a ripple effect, benefiting our entire community. Our sports teams thrive, clubs expand, and the opportunities available to our students diversify.

3-Day Learning Event forms have been distributed, offering a wide range of options for our students. There's something to be said about students exploring new avenues and stepping outside the traditional curriculum spaces to connect with peers of various ages. I strongly believe this contributes significantly to the well-rounded students at Mackenzie College. I would also like to extend gratitude to members of our community who have volunteered to organise events, as well as our teaching staff who have co-ordinated these activities.

During a recent assembly, our head students unveiled their theme of celebrating diversity within our school community. I'm excited to witness this theme unfold throughout the year. The senior student leadership team has commenced the year with commendable energy and a proactive approach, setting a positive tone for the months ahead. I am also very excited about the introduction of the Student Volunteer Army Award that has been initiated by Mr Smith and our service captains, Poppy Geary and Lexie Biggs.

In a remarkably short span, our students have excelled in various areas, many of which are highlighted in the newsletter. Yesterday's athletics sports showcased the vibrant house spirit among our students. Congratulations to Godley for emerging victorious in the first of many house competitions. From my observations, this year's house competitions promise to be fiercely contested and closely fought.

We have another exciting week ahead with Book Week and a character dress-up day scheduled for Friday. I extend my best wishes to our Equestrian teams, and country athletics team for their upcoming events next week and the senior Physical Education class who will be completing the 10km Hadlow to Harbour run on Sunday.

Have a great weekend

Sam Nelson