Warm greetings from the Mana rōpū.

We're well into Term 3 and I hope everyone is keeping safe and warm. As I write this we have a small flurry of snow descending on the kura. It's an exciting time of the year and the business end of our NCEA assessment for seniors. I'm hoping we are all ready to dig our heels in for the home stretch. I already have some seniors in my classes reaching their credit requirement for 2023, what a great reward for their hard mahi.

In saying that, it is worth remembering that Term 3 can be hugely important for the academic success of our senior students. Ākonga should be aware of their progress and focused on the classwork available to them, working with their teachers to ensure that they are meeting expectations for assessments and exam preparation. It is important to note that even if it seems like it may be difficult to achieve NCEA this year, there is still heaps of time for awhi, to work together to make a plan and start experiencing success. Week 7's Academic Conferencing is the perfect place (and time) for whānau, ākonga and kaiārahi to kōrero and ameliorate any concerns. Be sure to book a time using the above link to help your tamariki with the encouragement and confidence to achieve. If you are unable to make it to our Academic Conferencing you can always check our Parent Portal or contact me or your child's kaiārahi to arrange a time that suits you better. And if you or your child are feeling overwhelmed about NCEA assessments or exams, please do not hesitate to contact me. Term 3 is just as important for guidance, well-being, and the potential of many different pathway opportunities.

Ka mate kāinga tahi, ka ora kāinga rua [A first home dies, a second house lives: the first option may fail, another way may succeed]. 

There has also been plenty to celebrate over the past few weeks starting with a fantastic school production. Grease certainly lived up to the hype and we congratulate all the teaching staff, students and other people involved. 

Another highlight of the term has been the success of the Business Studies boys in the "Decalify Designs," team who owned the YES (Young Enterprise Scheme) Dragon's Den segment of the competition. Tom Rhodes, Mark Lemon and Connor Armstrong of Mana House are part of this successful team along with Blake Williams of Mahira and Kade Shrives of Pono. Well done lads, we look forward to your progress throughout the competition.  

Finally, I would like to wish you all well as we move through this crucial, penultimate term. Irrespective of the hard work ahead of us, I hope you all keep safe and find time to relax and spend with whānau and friends too. 

If you have any questions about your child’s progress, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Nick Colville

Mana Senior Dean

col@linwoodcollege.school.nz