Kia ora Parents and Whānau

Haere Mai and warm Pacific greetings. Term 1 has flown by, but it has been a fantastic start to the year. We have had a settled term without the interruptions of Covid that we have seen over the last three years. This has allowed Shirley Boys’ High School to have an incredibly busy few months with a large number of activities being squeezed in beside the academic learning. We have had House competitions with Tabloids, Athletics, Backyard Cricket and this week the debut of the Talent Quest.

Sport has been full-on and summer sport culminated in Summer Tournament last week. Despite some bad weather, this was a successful week with the Senior Futsal team winning the national title in Wellington which was an outstanding performance. This was followed closely by the Softball team finishing third in New Zealand in their tournament in Christchurch. I am incredibly proud of the performances of all of our athletes and appreciate all of the mahi done by the coaches and managers throughout the summer.

As the term has gone on, we have noticed that our attendance is still a little concerning. It is important that all students are attending regularly as it has a huge impact of their achievement. Interim Reports are also coming out at the end of term and this will be a good opportunity to review your son’s progress during the term. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the success of your son if his report is positive, but also don’t be afraid to have conversations with him if there are areas to improve, and don’t hesitate to contact the school to see what we can do to support.

I want to acknowledge our Head of Performing Arts, Mr Brad Banks who is leaving at the end of Term 1 to take up the role of Head of Music at Nelson Girls’ College. Mr Banks has done a fantastic job leading this area, but in particular developing and growing music. It has really taken off in the last few years and we have a range of outstanding musicians and bands courtesy of Mr Bank’s work. I thank him for all of his work and wish him all the best for the next stage of his career.

I also acknowledge Mr Damian Thorn who has been relieving for Mr Beswick this term and wish him well with his new position at Te Aratai College; Mr Jason Sikma who has been the Sports Co-ordinator for the last two terms; and one of our Teacher Aides, Grace Hymers.

Finally, I wish everyone a Happy Easter and a good holiday break. Shirley Boys’ High School will be participating the New Brighton RSA Anzac Service at the Cenotaph at 10am on Anzac Day. It would be great to have a number of you there supporting the community and the RSA who do a wonderful job of looking after returned servicemen and their families.

Ngā mihi nui

Tim Grocott