Over the past week our Year 10 students have been challenging themselves on Year 10 Camp. By all accounts it has been a great week and we will profile each camp in next week’s newsletter. The camps are only possible through the hard work of staff who go out of their way to ensure everyone attending enjoys a safe but challenging experience. The learning that results from these experiences is incalculable as students test their comfort zones, experience life without a cellphone again, and manage without the creature comforts of home. Learning to get along with others and supporting one another when things are tough are valuable skills that students will use throughout their lives. Thank you to all involved in making these camps possible.

While Year 10s have been away, Year 9s have taken part in an activity week that has seen them participating in a wide range of active pursuits. It has been an exhausting week for all concerned as the level of physical activity has exceeded what most students are used to! Today’s activities include the Year 9 Film Festival, where students will view the best movies created as part of their English programme.

Next week is our final school week. Year 9 and 10 students will attend school on Monday and Tuesday, with a late start on Wednesday before we hold our Junior Prizegiving in the school hall. Students are required to wear tidy summer uniform for prize giving. At the end of prize giving students will be free to depart for the year.

Reports for Year 9 and 10 students will be available via the Edge Parent Portal on Wednesday 8 December. School magazines will be distributed to Year 9 and 10 students before they depart for the years.

Last night the School Board held its final Board meeting for the year and I would like to thank the Board for their efforts during 2021. The appointment of the new principal has been a key job for the Board this year. This is an important and time consuming process and I thank them for their wisdom and judgement throughout this process.

All the best to senior students who are still sitting NCEA examinations. Many students have been taking advantage of the tutorials on offer and have, overall, been very positive about their exams to date.

Information about the start of year arrangements will be in next week’s newsletter and will also be found on the school website.