In this issue
Principal's Comment
Kia Ora Koutou
I hope that this newsletter finds you well at the mid-way point in the term. I must admit that I am looking forward (hopefully) to some warmer weather as we move towards Spring.
As I write my Principal’s Comment our senior students are completing their prelim exam week-an ideal time to take stock of where they are at with their studies in 2017 and what the focus needs to be in the remaining eight weeks before the NCEA external exams begin.
This will be reinforced through the second of our two student achievement interview days on 14 September. As with the first of these days, no official classes will operate. Parents/whanau and students will have the opportunity to discuss progress with subject teachers and potential pathways in 2018. There will also be an opportunity to attend a presentation in the hall where our Careers Advisor, Vanessa Kidd and Deputy Principal, Shane Morrow will discuss course planning and career pathways. Further details about this day are in the newsletter. I would strongly encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers.
As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, we are about to embark on a redevelopment phase starting with the creation of an Education Brief which sets out our future vision for teaching and learning at Riccarton High School. I am pleased to report that steady progress is being made with a parent’s focus group created to oversee the consultation which is required with our parent community. In the near future a survey will be distributed, designed by this group, to get your feedback on a number of areas. I would also encourage you to take the time and comment not only on the areas where you think we are doing well but also those that you feel we need to develop as a school.
To assist with the Education Brief, a steering group consisting of parents, staff and students has been established to oversee the process. I certainly look forward to working with both groups as we work to establish our future direction for the school.
As always please don’t hesitate in contacting me if you wish to discuss an aspect of the Education Brief or if there is anything else on your mind!
Neil Haywood
Principal
