Kia ora koutou

This week we have enjoyed getting out and about in the sunshine for various learning activities. Thank you for your participation in the Student Learning Conferences yesterday and there were many valuable conversations. One theme was how much time students are spending on Snapchat and Tiktok and it would be worth analysing this at home. Although these are useful connections with others, it is important for students to realise the time that they take up and the addictive algorithms over which they have little or no control. Critical thinking is the most sought after skill for the future and now is a good time to start students looking at their own life habits.

A useful framework before you post, share, or comment is:

T – Is it True?

H – Is it Helpful?

I – Is it Inspiring?

N – Is it Necessary?

K – Is it Kind?

Analysing time and looking ahead with calendars and diaries (digital or otherwise) helps ensure constructive use of time. Likewise, ‘Busy is Good’ is our mantra, encouraging everyone to engage in sports and arts activities and opportunities, as these enhance academic performance.

This week I wish to encourage all parents to pay the school donations and activity fees. As a state school, we are dependent on payment of school donations to provide the rich opportunities and extensive co-curriculum programmes that we have. Many people and prospective families visiting the school are surprised when we say it is a publicly-funded state school as they are amazed at the facilities, opportunities and exemplary academic achievement that our students enjoy here. Thank you to all of the families who have paid these donations and fees already.

“The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. A second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. A first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking.” - A.A. Milne

Ngā mihi nui