Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

Most of you, including those that viewed Paddy Gower On Vaping this week, will share concerns around the habit infiltrating our youth, with largely unknown consequences. Vaping can be highly addictive, is cheap, accessible, and easy to do discreetly. The conversation around vaping needs to happen not only in the debating chamber at Parliament, but around the dining room table at home and here at school. In this week’s Care and Development update (see here) there are some useful links, including one on how to talk to young people about vaping.

Last week we welcomed back another group of students from our Japanese sister school Yokohama Jogakuin, who had been unable to visit us as a result of the pandemic. There was a large cohort of students who spent time in classes, learnt about our culture, and particularly enjoyed the student led assembly on Friday. Thanks to our Year 9 & 10 students who buddied up with the Jogakuin students and made their time here memorable.

Whilst they didn’t travel quite as far as our visitors from Japan, last week we also hosted Waihi School for our annual sporting exchange. It was great to see our Year 7 & 8 ākonga competing strongly, and more importantly being so welcoming to our guests. This week has also been winter Quad tournament between ourselves, Craighead (Timaru), St Hilda’s and Columba (both Dunedin) and St Margaret’s – see our sport update here for the results and well done to all involved, including those supporters who travelled near or far to support Rangi Ruru.

We would like to let you know about a trial we are undertaking to support teacher development, with Iris Connect. The system uses technology to capture data about a teacher’s practice in the classroom, then allows them to reflect on this information with a coach. The system has huge potential, and we are excited to see the positive impact on our teaching and learning. You can find more information about the system in an update from Melissa Campbell, Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning by clicking here.

I’d like to wish all the best to our chamber music group Viardot Quartet who are representing our school and region as the only Canterbury based group competing at the NZCT Chamber Music Nationals this weekend, and to our New Zealand U19 rowing representatives who are currently competing at the World Champs in France. 

Ngā mihi,

Stephanie Barnett
Acting Principal