I think everyone felt a sense of relief with the news we could return to alert level 1. This enabled us to hold our swimming sports on Friday - what a great carnival atmosphere and some records broken in the pool! Well done.

With the change of alert levels we reviewed our covid and online learning plans. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, we have changed how we issue Chrome books to students - if teachers require students to use a device they will provide it in the classroom; if your daughter has a device such as chrome book, netbook, ipad or laptop we ask she bring it to school where appropriate. If you would like to find out more about using a device as part of a long term loan for a senior student, please contact us as we may be able to assist. All teachers operate Google Classroom at all times and at all levels, so if students are away they can access the lessons and post work there. Please ensure your daughter is familiar with her Google Classrooms and discuss how they operate with her. Whether we are in lock down or not, these classrooms allow teachers and students to engage with the work in a flexible and dynamic way. We also use Google Authenticator which means that work developed in the google classroom, allows students to receive feedback as they go and for teachers to authenticate as it is developed.

We have been reminding students of three fundamental school rules:

1. Uniform - we are a uniform school and proud to be one. Jewellery is not permitted at school except for a simple stud in each ear. Thank you for supporting us in this.

2. The BP petrol station cafe is out of bounds to students during the school day. Students can purchase refreshments and lunch from our school canteen.

3. Vaping is not permitted on school grounds. We are a completely smoke free school. The research around the health effects of vaping are not fully known and as it was developed as a smoking cessation tool, it is not a habit young people should be developing. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase vaping equipment. It is strictly forbidden on school grounds or while travelling to and from school or while in school uniform. If you’d like more information or support to assist your young person regarding vaping information please contact our Guidance Team.

I would like to congratulate students on settling back into school routine. We are well into the term now with classes, clubs, sports, arts and cultural activities under way. Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to meeting Year 9 parents at our re-scheduled ‘Meet and Greet’ on 3 March.

Kā kite ano,

Tracy Walker
Principal