Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou

Kia ora e te whānau

The beautiful whakatauki above refers to the importance of learning to our wellbeing. If you follow the path of learning, the world will be your oyster. 

As we reach the end of the school year we reflect on and celebrate what truly matters - the journey of growth and learning that everyone undertakes during their time here at MGC. 

I want to take a moment to reflect on the purpose that guides us as a school - to grow the whole person, which is captured in our school whakatauki.

Ma te kahukura ka rere te manu. Adorn the bird with feathers so that it may fly.

When we talk about “growing the whole person,” we mean growing many different types of feathers in order to fly. This means something far deeper than academic achievement alone—though that is, of course, a significant part of the picture. We believe that our tauira are more than just a test score or number of credits. Growing the whole person means nurturing the uara | values that shape us, developing the capabilities that equip us, and fostering the mindset that allows us to thrive in an ever-changing world.

At the heart of our purpose is character. Our values - Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga - are foundational. They guide how we interact with one another, how we navigate challenges, and how we contribute to our communities. Our school doesn’t just teach these values; we live them, and it’s inspiring to see our ākonga embody them, everyday here at school and in our community. 

We also celebrate academic success, the mastery of knowledge, the curiosity to learn, and the self discipline to achieve. Our school celebrations and awards reflect not only talent but also effort, determination, and a commitment to excellence. These qualities will serve our young people well, in every aspect of their future.

But growing the whole person doesn’t stop there. It’s about building the capabilities needed to thrive and lead. Whether it’s knowing who you are and where you belong, developing critical thinking, managing yourself, building relationships, collaborating, being creative, showing grit, communicating effectively or leading and taking action, we aim to equip ākonga to adapt, innovate, and inspire in whatever path they choose. We want them to have the confidence, vision and courage to make a difference in our world. This is what our MGC Connected and Pathways Curriculum is all about.

This time last year, many people were concerned about our decision to not offer NCEA Level 1 and to strengthen our Connected Curriculum from Year 9 through to Year 11. Our vision is to focus on everyone learning in readiness for success at Level 2 and beyond. We understand that change is hard, and many wondered what impact this shift might have on learners’ futures. 

The report released a couple of weeks ago from the Education Review Office (ERO) on NCEA Level 1 has supported and affirmed our research and our decision last year. The report highlights the challenges and issues with the structure and implementation of the new NCEA Level 1 assessment, it raises significant concerns about burnout in students from three years of high stakes assessments; it clearly states that the Level 1 qualification is not an adequate preparation for the workplace or pathway to further learning including NCEA Level 2.  

The ERO report confirms what we believe: that there are better ways to ensure our young people learn and thrive, and they deserve the best.

We are also very proud of the progress and achievement our Year 11’s have made in the Common Assessment Activities, often called CAAs. At MGC, we enter all students in Year 11 in these Literacy - reading & writing - and Numeracy assessments which are now required to gain NCEA Levels 2 and 3. Congratulations to everyone for your results, which were:

• Overall 

  • Literacy - 79%

  • Numeracy - 68%. 

• Literacy 

  • Reading - 85% 

  • Writing - 82%

The national results include students in both Years 10 and 11 and are based on schools’ entries with much concern discussed in the media. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535821/45-percent-of-ncea-students-fail-this-year-s-online-literacy-numeracy-tests

Most schools select who will sit these assessments. At MGC, we have a different view and enter all Year 11s who are working towards NCEA Level 2 and 3. Our great results are a testament to the hard work and effort from both our Year 11s and their teachers, and in particular Mrs Manpreet Walia, our Numeracy Leader and Head of Mathematics, and Mrs Angela Roberts, our Literacy Leader. We also acknowledge and appreciate the support from whānau.

Aside from ERO reports and national debates about qualifications and results, what we see here at school is that our MGC tauira have stepped into this year as focused and engaged learners with tremendous spirit. They’ve embraced opportunities, and have done so with energy, determination and heaps of fun. They are very ready for success next year, in all aspects of their growth and learning.

To our whānau: thank you for being our partners in this journey. Your support, encouragement, and belief in your children are central to their success.

To our teachers and staff: thank you for your unwavering dedication. You do so much more than teach; you mentor, guide, inspire and go the extra mile every day.

A number of staff are leaving us at the end of this year. We acknowledge and thank them for their fantastic dedication, energy and work every day. We wish them all the very best for their next adventures and they will always remain part of our MGC whānau.

Mr Ian Thomas is joining the team at MBC after 18 years at MGC and 17 years as Curriculum Leader of Health and PE. What a legend - go well Ian!

Ms Lynda Shanks is looking forward to a year ahead of adventure and travel. Thank you for your vision and direction in leading our curriculum changes over the last 6 years.

Ms Nicola Dow is heading to MBC to join the Science team. Thank you for your wonderful care and support for our students.

Mr Lee Macri is also joining MBC in the Technology Department, and Mr Danny Maloney is joining the Science team at Wellington High School. Mr Rowan Belcher, Mrs Jo Robinson and Mrs Ros Leov are all looking forward to spending more time with their mokopuna, and Ms Frankie Ogilvie-Lee is heading back up to live and work in Auckland. Mrs Leti Manu is moving to live with her whānau in Christchurch. Ms Amber Boyce has been on leave from the Health & PE Department this year, and has resigned to pursue opportunities outside education next year, including playing more golf. We thank Ms Rhyan Nadji for her support for our rangatahi over the last few years and wish her all the best for her future.

As we celebrate this year’s achievements, let us also look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Let us continue to nurture our shared purpose, to grow in ways that not only bring success but also meaning and fulfillment to our lives. 

We are all very proud of our school and the people who make it a great place to live and learn - ākonga, teachers, support staff and leaders, whānau, hapu and iwi and the wider community. You make MGC a great place to be. 

Have a fabulous summer holiday. Relax. Have fun. Keep safe, and adventure on!

Ngā manaakitanga

Mary-Jeanne Lynch

Principal | Tumuaki