This communication is to inform you of our pending School Athletics Championships and the expectations we have of all boys on this day.

Firstly, I would like to invite and encourage you to join us at the Manawatu Community Athletics Track at Massey University on Wednesday, 28 February.

The Athletics Championships begin promptly at 8.50am and will conclude at approximately 3.00pm. This day is treated as a normal school day, students are expected to wear correct school uniform to and from the track and they will change into correct club uniform for events at the track (white shorts and club singlet). It is advisable to bring wet weather gear in case the weather changes during the day. This is a school day and normal school rules will apply. A roll call will be taken during the day to check on attendance.

Students will be given their event number/s for the Athletic Championships by the end of the day on Monday, 26 February.

Below is important information on the day's proceedings:

· Students in events 1 - 6. Ideally students should make their own way to the track, and should be there in time for the start of their event(s) at 8.50am. Students must allow time to warm up before their events. Should students not be able to make their own way out, a bus will leave outside of school at 7.45am sharp.

· Students in events 7-16. Ideally students should also make their own way to the track, and should be there by 8.45am at the latest. Events will start shortly after 9.00am. Should students not be able to make their own way out to the track, a bus will leave outside of school at 7.45am sharp.

· Non-bus student competitors in events 17 onward. If students require transport please be at school by 9.00am and they will be bussed out to the track. Any students that are bussed out to the track, may also return to school on a bus at the end of the day.

· Non-bus student non-competitors making their own way to the track must be at the track no later than 9.15am and must be wearing their school uniform and are to bring their club uniform for marching at the end of the day. Ideally, unless students live close to the track, it is preferred students should to come to school in the normal manner so they can be bussed out to the track and back to school at the conclusion of the day.

· Students who have school permission to bring a motor vehicle to school need to ensure they abide by school rules regarding the use of their vehicle. In particular, students with cars do not have permission to transport other students unless they have the school’s permission in writing.

· Students being taken by their parents by car, please drive up Summerhill Drive and around the back entrance via Old West Road. Cars will be turned away if they try to drive through the Massey ring-road. Pedestrian Access to the track is down Athletic Track Access Road only, not alongside the hedge line and across the top of the embankment. Do not drive through Massey University ring road. Do not stop on Albany Drive. We prefer students not to travel out to the track by car.

· Students cycling are to follow the instructions of staff on duty, and must cycle in single file. Students cycling must not travel down Old West Road and are to enter via the main University driveway and use the ring road as directed by PNBHS staff on road duty. I reiterate previous messages about the need for young men to behave sensibly on their bikes to ensure their safety and the safety of others. School staff and Police will man checkpoints between the Fitzherbert Bridge and the Athletics Track. Ideally, students should not cycle.

· Students walking are to use footpaths only and are to leave early enough to be at the track by 9.00am. Boys are not to walk on Old West Road as it is extremely dangerous. It is preferable students come to school and are bussed out to the track.

· Buses will be returning to the school in time for bus students to catch their normal bus. All other students returning by bus will be back at school by 3.20pm.

· All our young men will be outside all day, and I highly would recommend that they bring appropriate sunscreen and a sunhat. Some shade and sunscreen will be available at this facility, but I encourage students to act responsibly to ensure they are protected from the sun. In between events students should wear their school shirt to protect themselves from the effects of the sun. It is highly recommended that all competitors wear appropriate footwear suitable for the track surface.

· Students should bring their lunch as they would on a normal school day. A canteen will also be operating at the ground. I would recommend that students bring a water bottle on the day as water will be available at the track.

· Parents, if you are joining us for some part of the day, please use the Old West Road entry to Massey University. Spectator car parking is alongside the new hockey turf car park area. Access is off Albany Drive. PLEASE NOTE no parking is available at the Rugby Institute. Do not park on the grass verge on Albany Drive.

Traditionally, our Athletics Championships is an extremely positive and rewarding day on our school calendar for students, parents and staff.

I wish all young men and their clubs the very best for a successful day and welcome you to be part of the 2024 Athletics Championships.

If the sports are postponed this will be announced via More FM (from 7.30am onwards) on the morning of the Athletics Championships and students are expected to attend school as normal. Should an alternative day be necessary a decision will be made when weather conditions allow. Should you have any queries please contact the school office.

D M Bovey

RECTOR