Tena koe,

I hope you have had a fantastic holiday and that you are embracing 2025 with a sense of optimism and renewed energy. With the 2025 school year being so close, this is the perfect opportunity to go over a few school expectations so there is no confusion over the next few weeks.

Uniform:

The school uniform has been designed with student comfort and functionality at the centre. We offer a number of uniform options that suit the needs of our students, and these items ensure our students are warm and comfortable while at school. The school uniform also ensures that Whānaungatanga is being protected and acts as a visual symbol of belonging for each student. Ultimately, being a member of our school whānau means looking like you are member of our school whānau.

The school uniform regulations can be found on the school website, this has not changed in 2025, nor has the list itself. Please remember that while students do not need to purchase dress shoes, they do require black shoes – free from any other colour. This also includes the soles and trim of the schools, students who arrive at school without the correct shoes, or any other incorrect item of uniform, run the risk of being sent home to change. If you are struggling with the cost of uniform, please make an appointment to see one of our whānau leaders who can assist you with accessing equity funding.

Attendance:

Attending school regularly is critical to ensuring our students are successful, both in school and in life. While we acknowledge that students are occasionally unwell and cannot attend school, the majority of students should be attending school above 90% of the time. Research from the Education Review Office found that students who do not attend school regularly (under 90%) have lower rates of achievement, while students who are chronically absent (under 70%) are at a much higher risk of poor lifetime outcomes. In response to the government’s changes to how schools mark, monitor, and track absences, we have made changes to our attendance procedures for 2025. These changes are outlined by Mr Smith in the this newsletter. To avoid inconsistencies in your child’s attendance data, please familiarise yourself with this new process.

Participation on school-based events:

The first term of school contains some of our most celebrated and memorable school based extra-curricular events. Athletics, Swimming, and Year 10 Camp all take place in the first half of the term. I understand that some of these events can be scary for students, but they also provide amazing opportunities for students to build Whānaungatanga and Rangatiratanga at school. These environments are safe spaces for students to push themselves outside their comfort zone and build resilience that will serve them well in later life. Often, it is these types of events, that provide students with a chance to try out new activities, that lead to life long passions and hobbies. By allowing our student to opt out of these types of events, we are robbing them of this chance. That is why I must reinforce that events like Athletics and Swimming Sports are not optional events. Our expectation is that every student will attend and either participate or support their peers. Thank you for your support with these events, and as always we welcome you to attend and support your children on the day.

The new school year also brings about a chance for students to give new sports and cultural activities a go. We will be holding sports and cultural sign ups at school next week. As always we are always looking for parental support and involvement here at school. If you would like to coach or manage a sports team here at school, please contact Jackie Ryder on sports@mountainview.school.nz. If you would like to discuss the PTA or Board of Trustees, please contact our office admin@mountainview.school.nz to make an appointment with myself.

I hope you and your children have a great start to the school year and I look forward to seeing you at the Parent Teacher evening later this term.

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