End of Term

It’s been a busy and eventful second term and we’re sure you’re all looking forward to your daughters having a proper break. Despite the demands of this term, so many girls and staff have found the time and energy to be creative and generous, and students have been exposed to a variety of experiences to help them feel good and to provide personal growth. Tree-planting has been ongoing, over $6000 has been raised so far for the 40 Hour Famine, we have enjoyed Bee You Week and The Buzz; International and Pride Weeks; Boarders’ Day; Year 10 Camp; Years 11, 12 and 13 Dances; Year 9 Recycling Trips; Years 9 and 11 Personal Development Days; Court Theatre’s ‘Yes, Yes, Yes’ for seniors and I Am Hope for Years 10, 11 and 12; and the senior leaders have provoked our thinking with their speeches in Assemblies.

Please ensure your daughters get some balance back into their lives over the next 3 weeks, eating and sleeping well, blending physical activity with quiet moments and appreciating what Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.

Next Term – Teacher Professional learning

There are three upcoming Teacher Development Times to enable us to keep abreast of the changes happening in education. Teaching staff will have a session during the break with renowned psychologist, Dr Lisa Damour, an expert on managing the anxiety and stress many of our students are feeling. On the second occasion, Monday 2 August, we will be focussing on Culturally Responsive Practice with Dr Hana O’Regan. School will finish at 1.30pm for students. The third session is part of the National Professional Learning requirement with regard to the changes to NCEA level 1 and takes place on Thursday 12 August.

Students will not come to school on this day.

Please ensure this is on your calendar.

Rangi Bus on Monday 2 August: note that the Rangi Bus will leave at its usual time of 4pm on this date. 

Care and Development Network

I Am Hope

This week, Years 10, 11 and 12 students had the privilege of hearing from an amazing speaker "I Am Hope" Ambassador, Tai Tupou and his journey through his own personal mental health challenges. "I Am Hope" aims to promote a positive, attitudinal, societal change around mental health through education and providing counselling support for young people. Students gained an understanding of why people find it challenging to seek support and useful ideas about what to do if feeling low. Further information on how to support friends who might be struggling and where to seek assistance concluded the talk. Amazingly enough, through the website https://www.iamhope.org.nz, students under the age of 24 can find and contact free counselling services within their community. The website also provides support for families and friends and is a useful source of information. Below are some comments from students:

“It was great for our whole year group to understand that we need to check up on each other and remind those that are close to us that we love them and appreciate them as well” Year 12

“ I thought it was great that he left us with tips to help us help our friends because you have no idea what people are going through” Year 12

“ I took away the message that you shouldn’t be scared to speak up about things that you are struggling with….” Year 10

“I liked how he shared his story and how he overcame it.” Year 10

“I liked the bit where we turned to our friends and told them what we loved about them.” Year 10

“The most important message – you are not alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I am Hope!” Year 10

“…has changed my view on my mental health, helping me to reach out for help. And to help my friends” Year 12

Leigh Allan, Health Coordinator