Kia ora, whānau.

We are rapidly reaching the longest night and shortest day of the year. The cold, dark days sometimes make it difficult to stay motivated with regard to the goals set at the start of the year. I encourage you all to stay on task! We are four weeks from the end of the term. Term 2 is the platform for academic achievement for the year; it is a time when there are still opportunities to improve and accumulate credits. Time seems to speed up during Term 3, so do not leave everything until then! Please ask for assistance from the school if you feel you are falling behind in any subjects.

During this term we have been privileged to host a number of visitors into the school. In Week 2 we hosted ex-Head Girl and London Olympian Sarah Cowley. She spoke about her pathway from a Year 9 student – encouraged to consider athletics by her PE teacher – to selection as an heptathlete in the 2012 London Olympics.

We also heard from Katherine Swizter, the first female American marathon runner, author, and television commentator. She is a global figure in the promotion of women in sports, and her talk to our students will be remembered for some time.

Greens Co-Leader and Member of Parliament Marama Davidson spoke to our students last week about environmental sustainability, affordable housing and planning a future to anticipate “the next seven generations.”

Hall of Famer and ex-student Krissie Knap spoke and sung at our Arts assembly.

Finally, Act Member of Parliament Nicole McKee will speak to the school before the end of term. Nicole is another Rotorua Girls' High School old girl.

As to cultural and sporting pursuits, there has been huge amounts of time dedicated to the upcoming Kapa Haka regionals (July 2), and Once on this Island, our combined RGHS/RBHS school production, which has rehearsals underway for opening night next term (August 20). Our school choir Voci Vivaci will perform at next week’s Big Sing competition in Tauranga. It is the first time we have had a school choir for many years, and I am incredibly proud of their efforts.

At this time our rugby, basketball, soccer, hockey and netball teams are well into their competitions. Thank you to all whānau who are on the side-lines cheering on our team in a respectful supportive manner.

In this newsletter are plenty of updates about what has been happening in the school. Please let us know if there is anything else you need to know from us.

Whāia ko te mātauranga (Seek ye from the fountain of knowledge)

Sarah Davis
Principal