Principal’s Message

Hi everyone,

With another week of level 3 behind us, and hopefully Level 2 around the corner, I hope you get some time to enjoy today's fabulous weather and are able to reflect on all we have to be thankful for.

Staff have been committed to finding solutions to the compressed timelines and changes to the calendar that will challenge our usual organisation and we know that the uncertainty is causing some anxiety for students, families and staff alike.

I want to reassure you and your daughters that "we've got this"! Experiences and reviews from the 2020 lock down are shaping our planning and we will ensure a seamless transition back to school - whenever it happens. Life is different and we are adapting. Further in the newsletter you will find my assembly for this week - and you will see what I mean! 

When we know more about the timing and transition, expectations and restrictions of Level 2, we will update you further.

Updates that I did want to let you know about are:

1. Junior Subject reports: We will endeavour to have these out to you all by the end of Term 3
2. Year 11-13 Benchmark Examinations will now take place in Term 3, Week 10. (27 Sept - 1st October)
3. NCEA progress reports (Year 11-13) will go out in Term 4, Wk 1.
4. Learning Conversations (Yr 7 - 13) will be held on Thursday 21st October (Evening) and Friday 22nd October (full day).
5. NCEA Internals. There may be some adjustment of deadlines for some internals depending on the curriculum area, and students will be informed by their teachers of any changes.
6. NCEA Changes. Currently none of the South Island students will be considered for Learning Recognition credits, as schools have to be in Level 3 or 4 for 20 days or longer to meet the requirements, and that is likely to only apply to Auckland schools..

There is a considerable increase in workload that is created through this compressed timeframe for our staff, who will now be marking exam papers and completing reports through the school holiday period. I am grateful, as I am sure you are, for their commitment to supporting your daughters' learning and ensuring feedback is timely and relevant. 

We know there is a tight timeline between NCEA Progress reports and Learning Conversations, but this is the best fit we can manage, to support staff and also ensure feedback for students is useful and appropriate. I encourage all parents to access KAMAR for the benchmark results and also email staff if you are requiring clarification. That way you will be able to access information, before you receive the report. 

Please only book a Learning conversation time with your daughter's teacher if you have concerns or they have requested the opportunity to speak with you. That way we hope to ensure assistance for those most in need of it.
We acknowledge that the timelines are tight and potentially troublesome, but they are also focusing us on efficiencies, and best practice, so that is a good thing.

Thank you for your patience as we work through the planning and logistics for the next few weeks.

“The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water moulds itself to the pitcher.” – Chinese Proverb

Nga mihi nui

Jackie Barron