Welcome back to term 3. I do hope that you all managed to have even a short break over the holiday period and that our young men and women are ready to take on the challenges that this 9 week term will bring them.

For our senior students in particular, the remaining time in class leading up to NCEA exams in November is going to be precious. I have just counted the number of school days remaining before these exams - 45! That can be seen as exciting but also scary! 

There is much to do in those remaining 45 days especially for our Year 13 students who will be leaving us. As well as focusing on their academic studies it will also mean applying for courses and scholarships in addition to organising references/referees reports. 

This can seem like an overwhelming task but can I remind you that there is plenty of assistance available; from Vanessa Kidd, our new Careers Adviser to our Deans, whanau and subject teachers- it is important that they get this support and advice as they make some significant decisions. 

Similarly, our Year 11 and 12 students are about to receive course information for 2017 with their choices to be returned by 2 September. It is also vital that these choices are based on an informed understanding of subject pre-requisites and potential pathways.

This is my first opportunity through the newsletter to congratulate five members of our Board of Trustees on their re-election and to welcome Janine Ogier as our newly elected member. I look forward to working with this parent body as we face some challenging and exciting times over the next three years and we start to prepare for some redevelopment opportunities in 2020.

Our Year 9 enrolments for 2017 have now closed and while we sympathise with anxious parents who are unable to secure a place first time around it is also reassuring to note that the level of interest that people have in Riccarton High School is reflected in a high number of applications. 

After the balloting process, over 100 students remain on our waiting list, reinforcing the strong reputation that the school has, not only with our local but also wider communities.

All the best for the balance of the term.

Carpe diem!