It is starting to feel like we have settled in a good rhythm around school. It has taken a while for us, as we accommodate our larger school roll and there is definitely more energy around the school than last year. Senior students have been refining their subject selections with most of the changes now made. This should mean that our NCEA students have a plan for the rest of the year. It is important that the get into good study routines now. For some Year 11 students this means a change in the way that they approach their studies compared to their efforts in Year 10. 

Level 1 NCEA is big step up and for those students who want to do well, to gain their NCEA at Merit or Excellence endorsements. Students will definitely need to put the work in clearly identify what they need to include in their assessments to get these higher grades. 

Our Year 9 and 10 students should be well settled in their classes as well, with a clear structure of Must do, Should do and Could do content. 

You will see form the photo at the top of the article that our students are getting lots of opportunities to support their class based learning and to represent the school at Thames Valley championships and other sporting activities. I get the sense that more students want to be involved in being part of the school. Getting involved in a school-based activity whatever that maybe helps build a sense of belonging, pride and feeling part of the school.

My thanks to the teachers that have committed to support these activities and to the many parents that are involved in coaching, managing, organising, fundraising and supporting your children in these events and activities. It all helps build a positive, connected school culture.