Students bringing their "A" game to school.

Kia ora e te whānau

Rangatiratanga

Last Monday I wrote about my seeing a strong learning focus across the school and at the same time a minority of students who were being deliberately late to class and causing disruption. I commented that one of the uara-values that we, students and staff, have adopted for Te Aratai College is Rangatiratanga, self determination and self management, and that I was expecting students to step up towards managing themselves better.

So I am clear I am not talking about students who were genuinely lost in those first days. That was to be expected for both students and staff. We were all deciphering our timetables and maps!

I am pleased to say that the numbers of late-comers has reduced significantly. However we still have some students who deliberately aren't bothering to organise themselves, and as I said last time, this is not fair on the majority of students who want to keep their learning focus in our beautiful new buildings.

Deans have already begun conversations with disrupting students and their whānau to assist these students be the best that they can be and play their part for our Te Aratai College learning culture.

So I am explicit with us all, I am expecting to see these conversations result in improved commitment. 

Ms Helen Mora's funeral

This was a wonderful celebration of Helen's life with many, many Linwood-Te Aratai staff and students attending. Representing current students, one of our Yr 13s, Ivo Baguiney, spoke about Helen's positive influence on his Science learning and, speaking for the generations of past students, Becky Bennett, a 2021 Yr 13, also spoke on Helen's lasting positive effect on others. 

Complex times continuing: repetition from last article

If there is any way in which we can help or if there is something that you think we ought to know your child's or whānau's circumstances, please contact your child's dean either directly or through the office.

Likewise I am also always available to meet and talk with whānau. At present, I have the pleasure of regularly meeting prospective families keen to learn more about Te Aratai College for a 2023 enrolment. Contacting me can also be arranged through the office or my direct email is en@linwoodcollege.school.nz

My door is open.

Ngā mihi nui

Richard Edmundson
Tumuaki-Principal