Kia ora koutou, Welcome back to school for 2022; I trust you all had a great break and are ready for the year ahead.

By the beginning of March it is fair to say that the nerves that often accompany students at the start of the year have begun to fade, but this year is a little different. On top of the usual first year of high school, beginning of NCEA, or entering Year 13 anxieties, we are living in an environment characterised by uncertainty around COVID-19, Lockdowns, and isolation.

I would like to ease some of these anxieties by assuring our community that we are well prepared for the year ahead. We have health and safety measures in place to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in school, and should our school become adversely affected by the virus, we have multiple online and distance learning platforms available to students so that they do not miss out on their education. While many of our students already own their own device, we do not want this to become a barrier to accessing education, so we have a number of devices available for loan to students who are are in need. As always, please communicate with us if you have any problems or concerns where you feel we can be of assistance.

COVID-19 aside, we have made a positive start to the school year in 2022. Our new Junior model provides many of our students with the stability and familiarity that is needed in the current environment. Our senior students, likewise, have been enjoying some of the freedoms that having independent study breaks provides them. The move to a 4 period day has given students options that they have not had in previous years and this has led to the emergence and growth of several subject areas within the school. Environmental Studies and Commerce have proved to be popular options in Year 11, while the Social Sciences have also seen a revitalization in 2022.

Education outside the classroom remains a priority for us, and something we feel is important, even in the COVID era we are now facing. I would like to reassure you that we have made adjustments to our EOTC plans to ensure that they can still continue as planned. Our Year 10 camp is an experience that many of our students fondly remember after they leave school, and our staff feel that with a few adjustments, we can still safely provide this experience in 2022. Likewise the Government’s announcement around inter school sport is timely, as we prepare for the 2022 winter sports season. We will be putting measures in place to ensure that these events can go a head as safely as possible, but it is also important to remember that sport has many benefits, both physical and social for our young people. Anything that increases opportunities for them to participate in these activities safely should be pursued.

I hope you have had a great start to the year and look forward to seeing you thrive throughout 2022.

Ngā mihi

Kenny Diamond