Our vision, Hai Whakapakari i Ngā Tamatāne Kia Purapura Tuawhiti  |  To Develop Educated Men of Outstanding Character, drives what we do on a daily basis. The messages shared in assembly, the emphasis on full engagement in school life and regular attendance, the structure and routine evident in classrooms and, when necessary, holding young men to account for their choices, all support this vision and the culture we strive to develop across the school.

There has been much to be proud of this term in relation to young men's engagement in school life. Full school events such as the Athletics Championships showed fantastic levels of competition and engagement, as did the Swimming Championships. Record numbers of young men played touch and numbers in other summer sports codes were also strong. The PNBHS/PNGHS senior production Newsies was excellent, numerous bands, choirs, Junior Musical Theatre, Pasifika club, Kapa Haka, chess and Vex Robotics are all underway and well subscribed with student interest. Winter sport registrations have been completed and we are looking forward to a busy term two. Well done to all young men who are choosing to get involved in school life.

Further on in this newsletter, you will find information about the correlation between co-curricular involvement, attendance and achievement. We firmly believe that young men who are engaged in school life have a greater sense of belonging and consequently are generally achieving at higher levels than those young men who are not as engaged. Engagement in school life is a choice, one that can be supported and encouraged by parents.

Co-curricular activities also provide a fertile environment in which young men's character can be developed. Character is a multifaceted concept encompassing our individual and collective values and the resulting behaviour. Writing in 'Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the Front Line of Technology and Change' former global executive for Xero, Microsoft and Apple, Steve Vamos, highlights the importance of character as the foundation for good decision-making. Vamos explains that "our character is deeply rooted in who we are as human beings, reflecting the nature, nurture and life experiences that shape us."

In reflecting on his journey as an executive officer in a range of multinational technology companies Vamos identifies three key attributes as essential if we are to develop good character. The first of these is applying the right mindset. He explains that in rapidly changing and disruptive times it is the human relationships we develop that are key. Connect with others, demonstrate your care and concern for them and act to enable them to thrive and do their best. Be willing to try new things, take on challenges and be willing to learn from other people and from failure. Vamos explains "There's nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, you are good at today that you didn't get good at by making mistake after mistake until you became good at it."

Vamos' second attribute stresses the importance of self-awareness. Taking the time to pause and consider our beliefs and our values is essential. Why do we believe what we do? Who influences our thinking and decision-making? Are these influences positive? Do they align with our values? Are our behaviours aligned with our values?

The third point Vamos makes in relation to character is the importance of caring for other people. Listening to others, and showing care, consideration and empathy are foundational to relationships. He emphasises the importance of serving others before yourself.

Vamos states "Developing character is a journey with no final destination. Learning how your character is perceived and influences others is an investment worth making" as is taking the time to consider how your life, influences and experiences have shaped your values, attitudes and behaviours is another great investment to make. Such introspection is possible for many adults. However, many young men will require the guidance of the supportive adults in their lives if they are to develop this level of self-awareness.

Vamos concludes his comments about character by emphasising the importance of being coachable if we are to become the best versions of ourselves. "Being coachable accelerates character development." He explains that coachable people are open-minded, are willing to accept the views of others, even if they disagree with them, and are willing to reconsider and change their ideas and opinions if they encounter new or different information.

Who we are and who we become - our character - is too important to leave to chance. Young men need to be supported to learn about themselves, their values and what is important to them, along with the values of their whānau, if they are to go on to make positive contributions in our community and society in the future.

NCEA Excellence Presentations

Congratulations to all of the young men recently presented with certificates in recognition of their efforts in their academic studies in 2024. Earning an Excellence Course or Certificate endorsement reflects hard work and dedication, attributes that are highly prized in any workplace. Academic success or failure is tied directly to the amount of effort that is made and young men who can genuinely say that they gave their best effort can be justifiably proud of their achievements.

Attendance

Attendance continues to be a focus at PNBHS and at a national level. We know that young men who regularly attend school achieve, on average, at higher rates than their peers with lower attendance rates. The same pattern is borne out in national data. Since 2015, attendance rates at school have declined, a trend that COVID-19 exacerbated. Pleasingly, our school attendance data over the last two years has shown an improvement. Our attendance data so far for term one shows a continuation of this positive progress.

We understand that young men get sick and are therefore unable to attend school. We also understand that bereavement and other significant events can affect attendance. However, your son must be at school as often as possible. Every lesson he misses puts him behind and results in gaps in his learning. Consequently, there is no 'safe' level of absence that will not have an impact on your son's academic progress and achievement.

“Attendance is linked to student attainment in secondary students. Recent research shows that each additional half-day of absence from school is associated with a consistent reduction in the number of NCEA credits students subsequently attain. Students who are absent even 5-10% of the time (which is still considered “regular” attendance) nevertheless obtain fewer NCEA credits than those with higher attendance rates. In short, evidence suggests that there is no “safe” level of non-attendance which has no impact on student wellbeing and attainment.” (NZ Ministry of Education)