Thank you so much for your support during an eventful but excellent first term. We were delighted that we were one of the most improved schools in New Zealand with a 15% increase in our University Entrance examination results. Some of you may have read about this in Sunday’s New Zealand Herald. Thank you to all students, staff and parents that were involved in this outstanding achievement.

As we look for improvements in our work at Massey High School - the broad evidence points to factors that are shown to make a difference to student achievement. Research has shown that the following 6 points, in order of importance, truly make the difference in education.

1. Attendance and punctuality. Students turning up every day and on time was the most important factor in getting students achievement and attainment up.

2. High Quality teaching and learning within a relevant curriculum.

3. Classroom environment where students can focus and learn

4. Student motivation

5. Positive teacher and student relationships

6. Better quality educational resources

We have been working on the first two points for the last 16 months. Quality teaching and the patterns of attendance both have an impact on outcomes and will significantly contribute to improved results. We also cannot underestimate the power and importance of strong leadership at Massey High School. We know this can be a defining factor in achievement. To this end you will have noted that we have an extended leadership team that includes new Assistant Principal positions. These school leaders have been outstanding and are making a significant impact on the leadership of our school. So, the support and development of our in-school leadership is incredibly important.

I am most grateful to our teaching staff who have been open and receptive to new thinking so as to embellish the current excellent practice. You may have noticed that we now publish our year group and whole school attendance on the front of our administration building. I am happy to report that you have all been a big part in increasing our attendance by over 12% more than the previous year. Punctuality has improved dramatically with the numbers of “lates” on many days being down to single figures. We have also had unprecedented interest in our Year 9 2017 enrolments with over 100 enquiries already this year.

Many of you will know that demographic figures in West Auckland have shown a decrease in the numbers of students that are school aged in West Auckland. I can attest to the excellent schooling that is offered across West Auckland in Primary and Secondary Schools. I feel very fortunate to be able to call on my colleagues in other schools. We, as a group of Primary and Secondary Schools in West Auckland are determined to provide you with the best education in New Zealand. We believe that you will find outstanding schools with outstanding results. I would urge you to invest in the west. If you are reading this and your child is entering Year 9 next year, make sure that you visit all of the Secondary Schools in your area. West Auckland students bus far and wide but I believe that we deliver a standard of education that is comparable to any area in New Zealand.

Thank you for supporting our students and staff and for your commitment to getting the very best outcomes for your children.