Here, Principal Nicola Jacobsen shares her thoughts.

Kia ora,

I’m really looking forward to the Festival of Colour next week, and in particular ‘Elephant Talk’ which will showcase the hard work of our performance and music students. It has been great seeing the rehearsals in action over the past weeks. The students (and staff!) have been really committed to developing this piece of performance work. I know that a number of students and staff will be involved in different performances and events for the Festival of Colour, and I wish them all the very best.

Next week’s junior and senior school assemblies will focus on celebrating success. Throughout Term One there have been a number of events where students have worked hard to achieve great results through academics, arts, cultural, service, sports and leadership opportunities. The Head Students will be leading each assembly and will be acknowledging students who have achieved well.

There is some mention in the media today about continuing industrial action by members of the PPTA, and in particular a strike day on Wednesday 29 March. Parents and whānau will be emailed on Monday 27 March to confirm whether or not the strike day is going ahead. The College has been informed by the PPTA that on Sunday 26 March schools will be notified about whether or not the strike action will go ahead.

Over the last week I have had the opportunity to spend some time in classrooms. It has been great to see the Year 10 English programme in action, and the focus on core literacy skills. The Pathways and Gateway programmes are working on health and safety and communication skills - all excellent skills needed for the workplace. The range of learning is impressive, and I think the skills students are learning sets them up well for their next step, and well as their future career path.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata

The land is strong, the people are fulfilled.

Ngā mihi,

Nicola Jacobsen