I would like to begin this newsletter by thanking our students and staff, past and present, who made our 60th reunion such a successful event. It was a privilege to connect with Mount Maunganui College's living history and meet so many people who have such pride in this school's past. Sharing some 'big picture' information about our school as it is today gave the attendees an opportunity to reflect on the changes that our school and community has undergone over this time. We celebrate our 60th alongside Tauranga Boys' College and Tauranga Girls' College, and as the three oldest schools in the region, it is clear that after speaking with attendees, our collective contribution to our city's past and present is a source of satisfaction. As we move forward, it is essential we recognise and celebrate our history, and Mount Maunganui College will continue to cultivate our heritage to strengthen our future.

I would like to acknowledge Sioux Clarkson and John Pringle for their tireless work in making this such a successful event.

As winter abruptly makes it presence felt in our city, it reminds me to congratulate all our summer athletes who have represented this school with such distinction over the previous six months. We have a number students who have made national teams and others who now hold national titles. There is also a much larger group who have placed well in national events and an even greater number who have represented us at these events. To all our athletes, coaches, managers and parents, congratulations and thank you for helping shape our school culture.

It has also been another successful term for our performing arts students who have participated and performed with distinction in a range of events across the region. As they qualify for national events later in the year, we wish them, their teachers and supporters all the best for the long hours of preparation ahead.

A key focus for us as a school is to contribute to a positive future for all. With that in mind, I would like to recognise our EnviroGroup who, under the guidance of science teacher Jim Critchley, recently won the regional EnviroChallenge which was hosted here at Mount Maunganui College. This week we also said farewell to a group of students who will be in Vanuatu rebuilding classrooms in schools still affected by some devastating cyclones over the past few years.

With so much happening it can be difficult to keep track of all the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students. As always, if there is anything you feel like we need to know, please don't hesitate to get in contact.

Next term students will continue the academic momentum from this term. As a community, we need to be mindful of the pressure many young people are under, balancing academic workload, co-curricular activities and employment can be a challenge. We are collectively responsible for supporting our students to meet their academic goals, therefore, talking to your child about their goals, effective time management, attendance and wellbeing is crucial. Equally, please support your child by keeping up to speed with their academic progress and attendance by logging on to the parent portal and attending our school interviews. If you have any concerns, please contact your child's dean in the first instance.

Thank you for your continued support.