Kia ora koutou 

Good Luck to all students sitting examinations and especially to Year 11 who left yesterday to go on study leave to start their exams on Monday. A reminder for juniors that Teacher Only Day takes place on Monday, preparing for the upcoming curriculum changes announced by the government on October 28th. 

This week at assembly I spoke about the importance of sleep and the habits around this. Sleep boosts the immune system, improves brain function like concentration and memory, and supports heart health, muscle repair and growth. Getting enough quality sleep can also improve mood, reduce stress, and lower the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

Good sleep hygiene habits include establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a 30 minute screen-free relaxing bedtime routine, making the bedroom dark, quiet and cool, avoiding caffeine, avoiding having meals just before bed, and being physically active during the day. In addition, avoiding working, watching TV, or using laptops in bed is important - so that the brain associates the bed with sleeping. I reminded students to make their bed and tidy their room every morning so that it can be a place to go to think clearly and relax. 

I would like to remind families that all students are due back at school at 8.45am on Tuesday 2nd December. Prizereading will take place at 8.50am, followed by Leaver’s Assembly. Prizegiving commences that evening at the Regent Theatre at 6pm sharp. All students are expected to attend and whānau are welcome. Please be seated by 5.30pm. 

We are excited to have our new main office, staffroom, Arts Workroom and S Block toilet renovations complete. Work continues apace on our main building roof replacement, lift development, climbing wall replacement, learning support modifications, offices and fire protection modifications. We are fortunate to have the works progressing at such a good pace, despite the disruptions. 

E noho e, kia raungāwari 

Wait and be flexible

Ngā mihi nui