Dear parents/caregivers,

It has been a huge few weeks at Nayland College. At this time of year we are privileged to have different opportunities to engage with year 8 students who are currently making the very important decision regarding which high school fits with their own values, needs and interests. Following a very successful Open Evening we have also had students from contributing schools visit us during a school day. I would like to thank Mr Olley (Deputy Principal), Mr Bryant (Transition Dean) and Mrs McDonald (Transition Dean) for their wonderful organisation of these events. 

Also, over the past week or so we have had a region-wide Philosophy Conference held at Nayland College, students involved in the Vast Dance Festival, Subject Selection Evening, student-run Maanaki Café has been up and running, we have gained second place at the Tasman Secondary Schools Skiing Championships and there is a student-led 3x3 basketball competition being held this weekend. On top of all of that are the fabulous results from our school choirs, bringing home two platinum awards from the Victorian Schools Music Festival. I am incredibly proud of all our students and staff and would also like to acknowledge that achievements and events such as those listed above cannot happen without the support of our parents and local community.

It is now two weeks since our new mobile phone procedure was released. This has already been a successful intervention in managing student learning time in a more efficient and respectful manner. I thank parents for their continued support regarding this matter.

Unfortunately, whilst celebrating so many wonderful achievements at the school over the past weeks, we have had two very rare suspensions for violence. Nayland College has a zero tolerance of any form of violence and students can expect to be dealt with at the highest possible level should they choose to engage in this form of behaviour. I am usually proud of the way that our students and staff support and accept others across this organisation. Young people do make mistakes, however, and I believe that very clear consequences for this type of behaviour are required to ensure the safety of others and to uphold our school values. The board and staff of Nayland College support my stance and I hope that parents will also.

Nga mihi nui

Daniel Wilson
PRINCIPAL