Another positive week for the school, with the last of our student learning conferences completed this week.

The opportunity to discuss the learning pathway is one that we value. I want to thank all of the parents and students who have attended each of these. Comments on the venue, our gymnasium, have been positive. I think the fact that everyone is in the same place has made it feel more like what it should be, the community of Otago Boys' coming together.

For parents, monitoring the learning journey is not always easy. Electronically, the school has invested in packages that allow you to receive 3-weekly indicator reports; read the school notices and view your son's attendance, as well as his academic progress. While that is good, I do think though that nothing beats a face to face meeting. That is why our students' learning conferences are so important.

If you ever feel that you are 'out of the loop', and let's face it, your average teenage male is not the best communicator at times, please contact the school. We are, where practicable, always prepared to speak to you regarding where he is now, where he needs to get to and how we can all work together to get there.

Currently, I am reading close to 500 senior reports. I value the time and effort our teachers have put into these, when you get yours, can I please ask that you spend time going through it with him.