As another senior academic year draws to a close we can reflect once again on what has been a truly outstanding year at Nayland College. The school has a very strong vision, led by an exceptional Board with an influential leader in Pat Davidsen.

As a school we are continually seeking to improve in everything we do. Despite many challenges throughout 2018, including building disruptions, natural disasters and a very large junior school, our key indicators of student learning continue to rise; students are more punctual, attendance is steadily improving, student engagement across the board is obvious and our achievement rates continue to track in the right direction.

In the extra-curricular space our sports teams are rejuvenating – with stunning National and South Island tournament results and several local championships recorded. Our performing and cultural arts programmes also continue to grow in strength, as demonstrated through performances throughout this prizegiving – from our growing kapahaka programme through to our platinum award winning choirs. And who can forget our students taking the opportunity to perform for Jacinda Ardern and baby Neve at Wellington Airport – the second time Nayland College achievements made National headlines in 2018.

Our school was once again recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for 2018-19, opening up further opportunities for our students to engage with cutting edge digital learning tools and strategies. Over the course of 2018 we also progressed to tier 2 of the Positive Behaviour for Learning initiative.  This is recognition of the significant responsibility our staff take to ensure that our relational approach to school development sets clear learning and behaviour expectations and is effective in promoting what I believe is an ever increasing self-belief and pride across our student community.

There has been significant construction work completed throughout 2018 and the delayed upgrade of 12 classrooms, the Kuaka Café opening and final touches on our new turf will finally be completed in time for an onslaught of new junior students in 2019.  

Our Senior Prizegiving on Monday 5 November was a fantastic celebration for our senior students and the major award winners are outlined below.

Major Award Winners - Senior Prizegiving 2018

Matthew Edmonds
Environment Leadership Award
Recognising leadership in the areas of recycling promotion, energy saving or environmental awareness

Chrystel Quirimit
Sophie Kroon Memorial Award
Recognising the potential of the recipient to make a difference to the lives of others and to society

Ivy Weir
Cindy Mosey Trophy for Enterprise and Innovation
Recognising the enterprise, innovation and determination needed to realise goals

Ben Kirby
Stoke-Tahuna Rotary Club George Cronin Memorial Prize for Boys’ Citizenship (Newman Trophy)
Recognising outstanding contribution to the life of the school

Jaid Van Den Berg-Kaire
Nelson (Host) Lions Club Prize for Girls’ Citizenship (Gregg Trophy)
Recognising outstanding contribution to the life of the school

Callum Earl
W C Kane Bursary
Recognising academic excellence and potential

Cameron Mayes
W C Kane Scholarship - Dux (The Lukies Family Cup)
Nayland’s Dux Award recognising academic excellence and potential

Tacy Eyles
Palmer Award for All Round Excellence (Norm Cowles Trophy)
Recognising all-round achievement in academic, cultural, sporting and citizenship areas