Titiro whakamuri, Kokiri whakamua: Look back and reflect so you can move forward

Spring has sprung, the days are longer and our beloved Kuaka has returned to the Waimea Estuary after the 12, 000km non-stop journey from Alaska. Spring signifies new beginnings, so it is timely that for our final newsletter of the term that we reflect on the last ten weeks. This includes the teaching and learning, the successes, opportunities, and some of the events we have enjoyed over the term.

Our senior students had an opportunity to soar through the recent derived grade exams. This was an excellent opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses and set a new course to ensure success in the NZQA examinations in Term Four.

The Gala Concert on Wednesday night was like witnessing a highlight reel of all of the fantastic performances in Performing Arts so far this year. We are privileged at Nayland College to have so many confident, connected and talented students. There were a number of students who were prominent in multiple performances across the genres of dance, drama and music.

I was also fortunate to assist as a Marshal at the  Level Three Physical Education Inter-school Duathlon last week at Moturoa/Rabbit Island. The way in which the students supported and encouraged each other epitomised sportsmanship and the Nayland College spirit. Notable performances included Josh Ryan in the boys’ event who not only finished second overall, but rode an extra fifty kilometres on his bike riding to and from the event.

Our teaching staff had also had a busy term reflecting on their practice and trialling discursive strategies and assessment as part of the Teacher Inquiry process. Observations by their teaching colleagues and the Swivl (a robot observation tool) has seen exciting and engaging learning taking place across the learning areas.

We have also had our students learning through our beautiful outdoor places such as the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman, the mountains of Kahurangi National Park, our harbour and rivers.

We look forward to next term where we will continue to strive towards success in teaching and learning at Nayland College.

Jane Townsend
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL