He manako te kōura i kore ai - Wishing for the crayfish won't bring it.

As we welcome students and staff back to the start of Term 3, junior students are beginning their new semester courses and meeting new classmates, while seniors are preparing for the rest of the year and considering options for learning in 2024.

For senior students, continuing to talk about pathways with whānau and teachers is important. Our staff, including the Deans and Careers Team are all available for individual help. Students will be able to access courses online through SchoolPoint from next week and we encourage whānau to sit down together and explore the options available.

Thank you to the large number of people who came to our evening hui about Year 11 learning in 2024 and beyond. We value the feedback, suggestions and comments on the night, and have shared those with our curriculum leaders to support their planning ahead. We recognise that this change can be unsettling and concerning for some, while others are really excited about the future of Year 11 learning. We are working hard to ensure the new Year 11 courses are robust, challenging and will prepare all students for success in Year 12 and in NCEA Level 2 in the following year. Please don't hesitate to be in touch if you have further questions or concerns. School point is also open for Year 11 students and their whānau to explore the range of new Year 11 courses available.

We will be providing an opportunity for students and parents to find out more about senior courses next year before course selection closes. Keep an eye out for the information coming to you next week about this. 

Learning Hui for senior students are scheduled for Weeks 4 and 5 which will provide a good opportunity to talk with teachers about your child's progress and to ask any questions about courses for next year.

The other key ingredient for senior students this term is to be super organised in balancing school work and study, being involved in sports, arts, culture or other activities, managing a part time job if you have one, and spending time with whānau and friends. It's no small feat and plenty of help is available if needed. The key word is balance, and one of the best ways to achieve that and reduce stress later in the year is to plan a "little and often" approach to school work and study.

Kia kaha and thank you for your ongoing support.

Mary-Jeanne Lynch 
Principal | Tumuaki