News from Hillary House

The end of Term 3 has proven to be an exceptionally busy time. For our senior students who finish in Week 3 of Term 4, they only have around twenty school days left, given we have the Labour Day holiday on Monday, 22 October, the beginning of Week 2.

At the time of writing this piece our senior students have just finished sitting their practice exams for the NCEA External papers that they will sit when the examination periods commences on November 7. For many students this can be a stressful time, but it is important they act on the feedback from exams as significant value can be added between now and the end of the year by identifying areas which they need to revise, because of gaps in knowledge or exam technique and strategy. For many students they are also juggling the pressure of completing their last external assessments, these credits can often be vital and I would encourage all students not to miss the opportunity to submit any internal work they still can, to attain credits on offer.

The subject selection process for all students was completed earlier this term and now our time- tabling team turn their attention to working their magic to try and accommodate as many first choice preferences that students have made, based on the limitations of timetabling classes, assigning trained staff and balancing class numbers and rooming options for our students. This is no easy task.  Whilst we don’t often have the full picture of class configurations until after the new school year has started, I would encourage any students who think their courses may alter as a result of their performance in the last few weeks or simply due to preference changes, to see us as soon as possible to discuss alternatives and adjust their 2019 selections.

This term has been a busy one in terms of the House Competition. We came 3rd equal in the Senior Winterfest Competition and 4th in Choir Competition.  At present we await the result of the Film Fest Competition that premieres on the last Thursday of term and where results are announced. That said, it has been awesome to watch our students give it their best shot in both the Senior Winterfest competition, comprising mixed Football and Netball, and the Choir Competition.

Congratulations go to George Prain one of our House Captains on his selection in the New Zealand Secondary Schools' Rugby Team. The team will face: Tonga Schools; Australian Barbarians Schools; and Australia Schools in Brisbane over the holidays.

I hope all students enjoy the upcoming Term 3 break, but reiterate that for some this time needs to be used wisely given their own progress they have made this year and how quickly the end of year is approaching. If we can be of any assistance please contact either Miss Gibson or myself in the Hillary Office.