Kia ora koutou katoa

Outstanding achievement was celebrated at our Academic Blues assembly today. With 31 students receiving a blue, it was a great occasion for both the students and their whānau.

Our Athletics and House Day was the usual mix of fun activities, great team work and colourful outfits, which sat alongside outstanding athletic performances. The relay events were the most closely contested races that we have had for some time and I wish to congratulate Dawson’s junior team, Ballard’s senior team and the prefects who just pipped the staff team on the line. Final results are still to come but I can announce that Dawson House won the house parade and chant competition. Good luck to all the girls going on to represent Queen’s at the Otago Secondary School Athletic Championships in two weeks time.

Since my last article, we have held a Year 9 Parent Evening and shared information about what students will be learning in each of their classes, the variety of opportunities for learning outside the classroom and general school information. I spoke at this meeting about how delighted we have been with the start that the Year 9 students have made as Queen’s girls. In their classes, and in the activities that I have watched them in, they are engaged, respectful and enjoying themselves. It was also a great opportunity for parents to meet their daughters’ teachers and parents of other students in their class.

Progress Reports, which are emailed fortnightly, are one way that you as a parent can monitor your daughter's progress in each of her classes.  I ask you to look at your daughter’s report and to contact her classroom teacher or the Dean of her year level if you have concerns. If you have changed your email address or did not receive a report please check your details on the Parent Portal and send in a correction if necessary. The second progress report will be emailed next Friday.

We are now four weeks into Term 1, which means many senior students will be sitting assessments within their classes, or have assessments due to be handed in, over the upcoming weeks. To support our focus on achievement, please check with your daughter that she is on track for completion of any assessments due and encourage her to speak to her teacher if there is any query or issue.

To our many sportswomen taking part in the South Island Secondary Schools’ Volleyball and Rowing Championships, good luck.