Kia ora koutou 

Welcome to Term Four 

It is great to be back together again and heading to the examination period and exciting events that happen this term. We have a moving feast of building throughout the school and soon you will notice our new reception, office and attendance areas in action as well as many other changes. The staff and students are to be commended on the way in which they have adapted to life during the different building phases. Yesterday the scaffolding of the whole main building began ready for the replacement of the entire historic tiled roof in that area. 

I spent the holidays in Japan with the Japanese Language trip. I had never visited Japan before and my main objective in going was to visit our sister school in Hiroshima, Yasuda Girls’ High School, and to meet with Principal Akagawa and the other international and English staff there who contribute so much to our international programmes and exchanges. The school hosted us with a great welcome, many exciting activities, and a kindness and care rarely experienced so strongly anywhere in the world. We look forward to their return visit in July next year. 

On Monday, I was interviewing our new Year 8 students who will come into Year 9 next year and I could hear the Celebration practice taking place and knew that all was well. Thanks especially to Mr Shields, Ms Dick, Dr Martin and all of the Celebration bands and performers. Do not miss Celebration at Knox Church at 6pm on Tuesday 21st October in two weeks time. It is truly one of the great OGs traditions. Families are advised to arrive early as seating is limited. 

A reminder of our alumni event this evening 5-7pm in the school hall and also our Teacher Only Day on Monday 10th November. Teachers across the city will get together on this day in subject areas to prepare for the curriculum and NCEA changes. We will also endeavour to keep you up with likely industrial action from teachers and support staff as there is only a three-day notification period for this. Teachers and staff  here work really hard to provide the very best educational outcomes for the students. 

Tooi michi no rimo ippo kara hajimaru

A long journey begins with a single step.

Japanese proverb

Ngā mihi nui