Kia ora koutou katoa

Today in our assembly I talked about my term away from school. I shared my excitement at returning to school this week and how grateful I am for the place I get to work in everyday. I spoke of my visits to schools around New Zealand, definitely the highlight of the term. About the discussions I had at each school on curriculum design, NCEA changes, the shape of each day, uniform and device policies, reporting and much more. I was warmly welcomed at each school and all were keen to share their ways of doing things with me as well as wanting to know what we do here at Queen’s. The term away gave me an opportunity to think deeply on our current practices and to consider what changes may be necessary that will benefit the teaching and learning at Queen’s.

I wish to thank everyone who made my sabbatical possible and, in particular, I wish to thank Ms Steph Ashton for all her work over last term.

Next week, Wednesday 26 July, is our annual Open Night where we welcome Year 8 students and their whānau into Queen’s. This is our opportunity to showcase our school and what we do. Our students enjoy showing visitors around our school, proudly sharing their personal experiences of learning and the extra-curricular activities they are engaged in. I ask you all to encourage those that you know in the community who are making decisions about secondary schooling to come and take a look at what we have to offer.

Many girls are involved in this event and are required at school for the evening. Timetabled classes will finish at 12.15pm on Wednesday, with students then reporting to the area they are involved in for the evening. They will be finished by 12.45pm. Students returning for Open Night need to be back at school for a 6.30pm start. I expect all students to be finished by 8.30pm. If transport is needed for your child, this can easily be arranged. Please ask her to speak to her form teacher.

It is exciting to see the many events and activities that students are involved in starting again this week. I feel it is important to remind students that being in a team or group comes with responsibilities. That you show respect for your teammates, for your coach, for your manager, for our school by; being on time, always give your best, play fair, be gracious winners and equally gracious in defeat and you support your team members to do the same. I look forward to watching students in their chosen activities over the term.

Ngā mihi

Barbara Agnew

Tumuaki/Principal