Kia ora koutou

We have had a fabulous term. The learning in particular has been amazing and teachers are to be thanked for their commitment to getting students through so well in a term of interruptions, strikes and a multitude of out-of-school activities. Nowhere is the learning more evident than in the Year 10 Social Studies Human Rights assignment, the culmination of project-based learning in real-world contexts. We were also lucky to have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade visit some classes to speak with them about Global Human Rights and MFAT, including our own ex-pupil Elspeth Knewstubb, was amazed at the students’ passion and knowledge in the Human Rights space.

Our Sporting and Cultural activities and achievements over the term are too numerous to mention all of them individually but we must draw attention to the Maadi Cup Silver Medal won by Harriet Thompson last week in the U18 Single Sculls. This is a prestigious race and Harriet’s SISS Gold Medal and this Silver draw the highest levels of interest in her going forward from Rowing New Zealand and rowing internationally. She joins ex-girl Juliette Lequeux in this and Juliette supports our school rowing generously. Harriet and Juliette’s unfailing positivity and role modelling for other students were noted at Lake Karapiro.

We look forward to Term Two and will be undergoing our Strategic Planning community consultation at 5-6.30pm on Wednesday 3rd May and invite you to begin this process by completing this survey by Monday 1st May. We want to know from you what is going really well and what we could improve on in your child’s education here.

Term Two also marks the change into our Winter school uniform. We are currently in the early stages of introducing a cardigan to our uniform and the future choice will be the cardigan or the vest, which are easier to wear under the school blazer. The long-sleeved jersey will not be phased out immediately of course.

We wish all students and teachers a safe, restful and happy holiday.

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa

Let us keep close together, not far apart