Tēnā koutou katoa

This newsletter is the first of four newsletters that we will send out this year. These newsletters are written to help you and your child learn more about the opportunities offered here at Rangiora High School and keep you informed about upcoming events. Through a programme of open days in term two, an orientation evening in term three and an orientation day for Year 8’s in term four, we hope to build a partnership with you to ensure that your child’s transition to high school is successful.

At each of these events we will provide information about the learning opportunities available here at Rangiora High School. The Year 9 Connected curriculum enables students to learn in a way that links their learning across subjects. Project based learning where students learn through real life practical projects is also part of the programme. The Rangiora High School website provides more information about our learning programmes. Next term’s open days Thursday, 23rd May, Monday, 27 May and Tuesday, 28th May provide the opportunity for you to see classes in action. Rangiora High School students will be available at both the open day tours and the orientation evening to answer any questions that your daughter / son may have about our school. A late afternoon tour will also be available for those who can not attend on the day.

Here at Rangiora High School, we believe that it is important to provide a range of opportunities to meet the needs and interests of our students. Therefore, we also offer a wealth of opportunities outside the classroom. For example:

Year 9 camps early in term one at Boyle River Lodge and locally based field trips enable your child to get to know their peers and teachers in those first few weeks and to connect with our local area.

There is a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities, (including instrumental and vocal tuition), available here at Rangiora High School.

A range of clubs such as Blue Planet and Space Club provide opportunities for students to follow their interests, while School Council and Leos Club gives student service and leadership experiences.

These activities are all listed in the school Prospectus which will be sent out through your child’s primary school along with enrolment information in later in term two.

The relationship between home and school is crucial in supporting our young people through their learning journey. Rob Courtney (Head of Guidance) and Scott Wright (Deputy Principal) oversee the transition process. Please do contact either of them if you wish to discuss the supports that your child needs as they transition to high school. The staff involved in the open days and orientation evening are also happy to answer any specific questions that you may have re your child’s transition to high school.

We look forward to welcoming you to the open days next term. Details for these events can be found later in this newsletter.

Karen Stewart

Principal / Tumuaki

In this issue

Welcome to our new students and staff