Message from the Board

He kakano                                                          A seed
He pihi                                                                It sprouts
Ka tīmata ki te tipu                                             It begins to grow
Ka tipu ki te ao mārama                                     Into the world of light and life
Ngā pūtake kia Papatūānuku                             Its base is Papatūānuku
Ngā hua ki roto, ki waho,                                    Nurturing from within and without, from
ki raro, ki runga                                                   above and below
Te puāwaitanga o ngā wawata                           For aspirations to bloom
Te mauri whakatā                                               And potential to be achieved

As we come to the end of te wāhanga tuatoru / Term 3, we have the opportunity to assess how we are placed in relation to all our planning and goal setting at the beginning of the year. Our senior ākonga (students) have had their practice round of whakamātautau (exams) and will now be reflecting on what they need to work on for the ‘proper’ round, and final aromatawai (assessments) are being completed and prepared for. I’m sure that many of our ākonga and their whānau (family) are feeling the stress of having a lot on their plate while also trying to get plans in place for next year!

This segues nicely to the Waitaha Secondary Schools Kapahaka Competition, and where RHS was represented with pride and mana. While the kapa did not place in the competition, their growth in the two years since the last competition was amazing to witness. This of course is due to the guidance and support of their kaiako (teachers and tutors), kaitautoko (supporters), and whānau (family), in particular Whaea D’s input, nei rā te mihi ki a koutou, but we also cannot overlook the ākonga themselves and their dedication to getting the mahi done, including (for some) preparing for, and attending, the Year 12 formal! He poho kererū mātou i a koutou (We are very proud of you all)!

Over this term the Board has kept an eye on a few on-going projects, some taking longer than expected to see through to fruition. One of those projects is the new kaupapa Māori building which mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, have advised will be referred to as a whare manaaki which literally translates as house of welcome/hospitality. The Board has now appointed a contractor to complete this project, and we look forward to welcoming you all when it’s completed some time in 2024.

Last week, an appointment panel interviewed for the Associate Principal role which will be filled at the start of 2024. The process included candidates having a kōrero (chat) with our Student Leadership team prior to their interview with the appointment panel. As one of the members on the appointment panel, I found the students’ feedback on each candidate really valuable and certainly aided in our decision making process. The AP role has been offered to, and accepted by, Matua Remihana Emery who is currently a Deputy Principal at Kaiapoi High School. Nau mai ki te kura tuarua o Rangiora (Welcome to Rangiora High School)!

You may have seen the survey sent out on behalf of the Board to seek your whakaaro (views) on changing, or tweaking, our school logo, the lighthouse, and/or our motto “Lux cum amore” (Enlightenment with Friendship). Initial results have an almost 50:50 split between keeping with the status quo and changing or tweaking it. This will require more detailed analysis to draw out what our community’s thoughts are on the matter, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for more details.

While on the kaupapa (topic) of change, we are going to start a kōrero (discussion) around the school’s uniform, its purpose and whether it’s still fit for purpose, etc. If there was going to be a change to the school’s logo, then it would make sense to discuss the uniform as well, so that if changes were to be made to either, or both, then we could plan to incorporate them at the same time.

Kaua e wareware (Don’t forget) that the Board's midterm election is occurring and the Board has two parent representative positions available. Nominations close Wednesday 11 October, with election day being Wednesday 15 November. If you, or someone you know is interested in governance, don’t be shy about asking what’s involved, or coming along to a hui (meeting); it’s a good way to be involved with the school as well as get an understanding of governance in action.

One of the highlights at our hui this term has been the catering from our hospitality ākonga, who have provided dinner at both our regular hui this term. The first meal was Indian cuisine with a choice of curries, naan and dessert, while the second meal was more European with Greek Moussaka and Italian Tiramisu; both great meals which really helped to keep us fueled for our hui! Nāia tā mātou mihi ki a Mrs O’Carroll me ōna ākonga (Our thanks to Mrs O’Carroll and her students), and we look forward to what culinary delights await us next term!

Have a great break everyone, get plenty of rest especially for those gearing up for that final push of their exams! Karawhiua (go for it)!

Nā,

Louise Courtney

Parent Rep