Hilda's News Term 1 2024

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”1 Peter 4:10

As the first term of 2024 comes to a close we can all reflect on a time together as a learning community that has been varied, inclusive, dynamic and productive.

Teaching and learning gets underway quickly here – the beginning of the year is a time for establishing routines and then getting into the mahi. It has been great to see classes embracing the challenges of the new year and delving into ‘fresh topics and curriculum areas.

We continue to stay closely aligned with the initiatives from NZQA and the Ministry of Education – such as the changes to NCEA Level 1. While we do not offer the full assessment at Level 1, it is important our staff are part of the consultation and feedback that will inform the changes, and that we stay connected to the ongoing discussion around the planned developments for Level 2 and Level 3.

Recently announced changes include:

• A review of the new NCEA Level 1

• There will also be a review of other aspects of the NCEA Change Programme, including the methods for external assessments, periods of study leave, and moderation practices.

• The senior secondary curriculum for Y11-13 students will be developed

• An implementation plan will reflect learnings from ERO’s evaluation of Level 1

• NCEA Level 1 (improved) and NCEA Level 2 will be fully implemented by 2028

• NCEA Level 3 will be fully implemented by 2029

We have been a pilot school for the new Numeracy and Literacy co-requisites and continue to feedback key learnings to ensure any changes are robust and follow best practice. While the changes proposed above are significant, we are confident we are well placed to manage the change and continue to offer outstanding learning opportunities for our ākonga.

We are also proud of our ongoing mahi with the boys’ schools through the Community of Practice and I believe this shared initiative will deliver tangible benefits for all our rangitahi. Working with Associate Professor Melanie Beres gives us all access to high quality research and data that can then inform our practices and processes within our kura. We have had two more hui this year and the korero continues to be future focused and positive.

Reflecting on this term highlights for me is that it is a real privilege to be back serving this school community. The joy of working with our young women, the collegiality of our outstanding staff and the importance of shared purpose are all aspects of this role that I treasure. This term has been a busy one, and watching our students perform in their chosen sports and artistic fields has been a real highlight for me.

I know we offer a lot and that student lives are busy, so I hope you have time over the holiday break to refresh and reflect on the start of another fabulous year. By the time you read this I will be winging my way to Vietnam with the school party of 31 students, three parents and two staff, immersed in the opportunities to explore another culture and share it with the wāhine I am travelling with. Learning at its most challenging and rewarding.

Tangata ako ana I te kāenga te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana
A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society

Jackie Barron MNZM

Principal