Kia ora koutou katoa

The beginning of the 2021 school year has been both exciting and enjoyable. On the first day of the school year, we were delighted to welcome both the new students and the new staff to Queen’s at our mihi whakatau. With the help of the Year 13 peer support leaders and the Year 9 form teachers, the Year 9 students have settled quickly into their classroom routines for learning and are already embracing the wider life of the school. To the parents and whānau of all our new students, I welcome you to our Queen’s community and I look forward to meeting you over the year.

My congratulations to the 2021 Prefects. Amberly Orr, head girl and Daisy Kitto-Thomas, deputy head girl, presented our remaining prefects with their badges in our full school assembly today. I am excited about what this group of young women will bring to each of their roles in the year ahead. A photo of our 2021 Prefects is above.

Preliminary NCEA examination results are out and we are very pleased with what they show. Our students have again achieved impressive results in their NCEA qualifications for 2020, with all levels achieving above the national average. Our preliminary achievement data shows Level 1 – 79%, Level 2 – 90%, Level 3 – 81% and University Entrance - 57%. Of the students who gained Level 1, 2 or 3, over half have gained their NCEA certificates endorsed with an Excellence or a Merit endorsement. My congratulations to all of these students.

One of the most important things your daughter can do to reach the goal of success is also one of the most basic: attend school every day on time! Research has shown that your child's regular attendance may be the greatest factor influencing her academic success. Alongside achievement, two other important benefits are opportunities and belonging. Opportunities and exposure to activities and learning that add to your daughter’s personal growth are not missed, just by being present at school. Your daughter is also learning how to contribute, learning valuable social skills and developing a broader world view by being part of the Queen’s community.

Our focus continues to be on academic achievement and success for all students, in their own individual pursuits. We will continue to share the girls’ successes with you over the year and we appreciate your support for all their endeavours. I look forward to another exciting year ahead.

Barbara Agnew

Principal