September 2018 Newsletter

Principal's comment

Kia ora Koutou,

As we head towards the end of September we reflect on another very busy and successful term:

 In mid August, we hosted the four-person team from the Education Review Office who last visited the school in 2014. Although we are still to receive the written report from ERO, we were very pleased with the verbal report given to our Board of Trustees at the end of the visit. 

Among the highlights were comments around our strong performance in terms of academic results, the responsiveness of our curriculum to meet student need, our deliberate focus on well being at both the student and staff level and of course the Riccarton Way as a vehicle for promoting values education within the school. 

Also pleasing was the fact that the few areas ERO has recommended we continue to develop brought us no surprises. 

Going forward we envisage a stronger focus on tracking the progress of our junior students and continued analysis of statistical data to inform teaching and learning at this level. 

On numerous occasions during the five-day visit, ERO commented on our students being wonderful ambassadors for the school (even allowing the adults to the front of the queue at the canteen!) - an aspect of the school that I am continually proud of.

During this term there has been some fantastic things taking place both inside and outside the classroom including some impressive efforts by some of our sports teams in the recent Winter Tournament, a record number of students (over 80) taking part in the dance recital and over 40 students involved in the musical soiree at Lyttelton last Saturday evening. 

Such fantastic displays of talent come about by having a combination of committed individuals, inspiring teachers and coaches and supportive whanau - to all of you I say thank you. You really do make a difference.

I wish you all a restful break and look forward to catching up in term 4.

Neil Haywood
Principal