Kia ora tātou

We have come to the end of another term, and I am really pleased with how well the last few weeks have gone. We had an excellent winter tournament week and it was really pleasing to see the tournaments being held all around the country. There were a large number of staff and other coaches involved and their involvement is crucial in making the week a success.

The major highlights were Rock Climbing had two teams with one team coming 7th overall and the other team coming 1st in the South Island. First XI Football had an excellent national tournament finishing 11th. They were the best performed South Island team which is a pleasing achievement. Hockey won the Coaches Cup, which they haven’t won in 17 years and it gained us promotion back into Rankin Cup next year, which again is a pleasing achievement.

Our Kapa Haka took part in the regional competition. They had a roopu of 38 boys and produced a polished set of 25 minutes. They were placed fifth in the competition which is an excellent result and a great reflection of the mahi that was done by both staff and students throughout the whole of Term 3.

The night before, Tane and Aka Pakeha-Heke had won the national final of Tangata Beats which is a wonderful achievement for two boys with a huge amount of talent. In the last week of term, a roopu went to Ōtepoti / Dunedin to take part in the Manu Korero national competition. Tukotahi Wetini represented Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa in the Junior English, and there was a supporting group of eight students and Kaiako Māori, Hone Rask, Ms Muira and Mr Peawini.

We also had our Senior Formal at the Christchurch Town Hall. This was a well-attended event and the boys and their dates had put a lot of effort into the night. The conduct of all the students who attended was excellent and we had very positive comments from the Town Hall staff.

Finally, recently there has been an increase in the number of students not wearing correct uniform. The most common items are incorrect hoodies, sweatshirts and jackets. We have been tolerant to this point but that approach is not working. From the beginning of Term 4, students who are wearing non-uniform items will have these confiscated. Parents and whānau will be able to collect these, but if they can not, they will be held until the end of term. Wearing correct uniform is about upholding our value of Respect – Whakaute, and we want to see it done well.

Ngā mihi

Tim Grocott