Noa’ia ‘emauri, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Fakatalofa atu, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Mālō nī, Talofa lava, Tēnā koutou katoa and warm Pacific greetings to you all.

Welcome back to Term 4 - a year of indescribable challenges and opportunity. 

Term 4 is one which moves us to celebrate who we are as a kura; a term that moves us to prepare ourselves for a positive 2021; and a term that provides us with the gift of learning so we can flourish and live out our dreams and aspirations. 

We welcome Tamahae Keelan  (PE, Health and Te Reo Māori), Ollie Aikman-Nordon (Teacher Aide) and Ana Montgomery-Neutze (Life skills, Transition) to Mana College this term. It is exciting to see these amazing people join us and know they will make a strong contribution in the time they are here. 

I have had the opportunity of speaking to students in various year level assemblies and to staff on our return to Term 4, and to communicate our ultimate goal for finishing off this year well, but more importantly, to look forward to 2021. 

Of massive importance is the shaping of a beautiful plan for every young person for 2021, so they can fulfill their potential, not worrying about credit counting or failure. With the right input or process, including strong attendance, engagement in learning, completing homework and assessment, looking after their body, they will achieve. 

A special part of Term 4 is celebrating who we are as a school. Please note the dates for the various celebrations, and join us where you can. 

• Sports Prizegiving - Wednesday 21 October 
• Senior Prizegiving - Tuesday 10 November
• Service Academy Graduation - Thursday 12 November
• Te Whare Ako Prizegiving - Thursday 10 December 
• Junior Prizegiving - Friday 11 December 

Apologies, also to parents who have found the drop off or pick up difficult due to the resurfacing of the road by the Marae. This was due to be completed by the holidays and ran into problems around the surface. This is due to be completed next week. 

A reminder to, that if you have a Year 8 child that will be attending Mana College in 2021, we will be holding interviews on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October.  Please book your appointment through the online booking link in this newsletter or on the Facebook page. You can also make time to fit and order your uniform on these dates. If you are yet to enrol, please check with Cheryl in reception re enrolling now for 2021.

Other dates to consider for new entrants are:

• New Entrant Parent Evening - Thursday 12 November
• Open Day for Year 8 Students - Friday 13 November 

Let's make this the best Term of the Year!

Ngā mihi

John Murdoch

Principal