KORERO FROM MIRANDA

Kia ora Rototuna e te Whānau,

Welcome back to Week 2 of our final term as the finish line races into view. With this in mind I hope you had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather on the long weekend and didn’t spend too much time working.

Mā ngā hururu ka rere te manu | It is the feathers that enable the bird to fly

I am grateful that we are able to finish the year together, and our focus over the next few weeks is on finishing the year well. As we prepare for exams and complete the work that is due, remind your student(s) that they owe it to themselves to put in the effort to do their best. Collectively, we are working through Whānau and Wānanga Ako to support these efforts.

I also recognise that this can be a stressful time of year for many. Remember that your students' results will not be their full measure. There is no exam or assessment that will ever come close to showing us what they are capable of, or the exciting life that is waiting for them. Exams will test memories and show understanding of particular concepts in one particular subject on one particular day. Deliberate revision and practice are the keys to performing well in these moments so encourage your student to make the most of their teachers' expertise as they prepare.

Finally, over the next couple of weeks at the senior school, we will be recognising the ways your students have excelled through showcases and prize-givings, showing how they have deepened their knowledge of the world, expanded their horizons and made connections within and beyond school. We are looking forward to celebrating these successes with you all and seeing you next week at whānau conferences (booking details follow in the newsletter).

Ngā manaakitanga,

Miranda