PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
As we move closer to the end of term one, I am reflective on the significance of the events that have taken place at our college. The array of successes and activities that have occurred since the beginning of February, has been remarkable.
Three-day learning events were a huge success. The opportunities on offer were significant and diverse. We know the importance of developing well-rounded students, and Mackenzie students get opportunities that develop them physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, that help set them up for life. I had the opportunity to see our students off in Omarama as they began their 150 km journey to Oamaru on mountain bikes. Observing the senior students mixing and encouraging our juniors is something we should all be proud of. It is wonderful to see!
I also had the pleasure of jumping in a kayak in Kakanui for the day and spending time with our senior PE students as they were challenged by the power of a large surf swell. Pushing boundaries and taking calculated risks gives our students skills in resilience and perseverance. I would like to take the time to thank our incredible staff, who go above and beyond to make these opportunities happen. We are so lucky to have the staff we have at Mackenzie College. I would also like to thank the parents that contributed to the success of 3DLE. Without parental involvement, these opportunities would not happen.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi – with your basket and my basket the people will thrive.
This whakatauki speaks to sharing of resources and knowledge to ensure the well-being of all people involved. 3DLE epitomises this!
The Mackenzie College Board has approved the strategic plan and annual plan that involved a significant level of community consultation. This now gives us a clear direction for our College for the next three years. The key areas of focus are Culture, Learning, Well-being and Community. The strategic goals and vision have been included in this newsletter.
School attendance has been an area that has received some attention in the media in recent times. Schools nationwide are moving from an environment of caution in regard to student sickness, to an expectation of improved attendance from the Ministry of Education. We have included some information about attendance in this newsletter. Please take the time to read it.
The Lions convention takes place in Fairlie over the weekend. Our student leaders are involved in the flag ceremony, and our Kapa Haka will perform on Saturday morning. Our PTA also provides catering over the weekend as a fundraiser for our school. We greatly appreciate the proactive, enthusiastic approach from our PTA to be actively involved in our community, which ultimately will benefit our students of Mackenzie College.
We will have a promotions site at the Mackenzie A&P show, so please stop in for a chat. It will be exciting to see the return of this event to the region, and we wish all the organisers well.
With four days to go this term, I would like to once again thank our community for their ongoing support of our college. Have a wonderful Easter with family and friends. We look forward to doing it all again in term two.
Have a lovely weekend.
Sam Nelson
Tumuaki / Principal