Pre-formal and fieldtrips, our students are getting out and learning. They're also bucking a national trend by behaving well (in general!) New staff for next year and a reminder about uniform sales and dates

Tēnā tātou | hello to us all

Last weekend it was fantastic to see so many of our younger students enjoying themselves at the Preformal. The organising committee of senior students created an amazing environment and Rhyan Manson was in his element as DJ; the students looked amazing, all dressed up, and socialised happily all night. I really appreciate the staff who attended and none more so than Emily Dawson who took the lead in making this happen.

We’ve had a big week of field trips, with History in Akaroa and Outdoor Ed riding the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Year 10 Science has also started visiting employers to understand the real science of agricultural workplaces, this week going to Southern Woods and Tracey Perkins’ farm. We’re grateful for these employers making the time, and preparing learning, for our students, and for Stu Gerritsen organising these experiences.

Many schools have been struggling with student behaviours in recent times, largely driven by the Covid-induced disruptions to routines, and we have felt it too. However, recently we’ve seen a positive shift - generally our school has been well settled with good social behaviours and learning. I thank our teachers for setting this tone but also our parents because you must be doing some great work at home. Let’s keep the chat going on our positive outlook, our guidelines on good learning culture and social behaviours, between home and school, to support our students to make the most of their time at school.

Although 2023 still seems a long way away, we made two new appointments for our senior leadership team this week: Nicola Turner, currently at Waitaki Boys, as DP (as Trish Evans retires) and Carrie Whyte as Assistant Principal (as Matt Maude focuses on roles outside of SLT). Nicola brings experience from a dual primary and secondary teaching degree plus schools covering primary, area, intermediate and secondary sectors.

Don’t forget that our current uniform is available at clearance prices from The Warehouse Rolleston and online until the end of November. There will then be a short break before it will be available from Mainland Uniforms Wairakei Road (and online) at full price. The uniform clearance is a great chance to cheaply buy uniform that can still be worn for the next two years so we encourage you to take this offer up.

I wish you all a happy holiday - most seniors will of course need to have some structured time to study - and I look forward to seeing our students and staff on 17 October.

Mauri ora ki a koutou,

Andy England

Dates next term

• Board meeting Tue 18 Oct 6 pm Conference Room

• Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting Tue 18 Oct 7.30 pm Staffroom

• Whānau Hui Fri 18 Nov 5.30 pm Kākāpōtahi

• Staff Only Day Fri 25 Nov