Kapa Haka Success

Congratulations to Te Tauranga O Ngā Waka (The Tauranga Girls’ College and Tauranga Boys’ College combined Kapa Haka Group) on their third placing at the Mātaatua Kapa Haka Regions held in Opotiki this Term. This means the group qualifies for Nationals, which will be held in Nelson next year, 2024. Special thanks to everyone who supported the campaign and our dedicated lead tutor, Matua Ed.

Greerton Yarnbombing Success

Tauranga Girls’ College won the school category at the recent Greerton Village Yarnbombing competition. This is the second time we have won this competition. Thanks to the Tauranga Girls’ College community for your vote, and special thanks to Mrs Valentine, who was vital in organising and motivating everyone towards our entry. Our nominated charity, Youthline, will now receive the $500 prize winnings.

Artful Wahine

Our annual Art Exhibition held at the Historic Village opened recently. Congratulations to those students whose artworks were exhibited and those who sold art on the night. Thank you to our talented art teachers led by Mrs Johnston.

Gold Award to the Chorale

Congratulations to Lumiose Chorale, who recently won a Gold (Tui) Award at the Cadenza North Island Choral Finals in Rotorua. This is months worth of dedication and practice under the careful and committed eye of Ms. Geor.

Derived Grade Examinations (DGE)

Our important DGE begins on Friday, 8 Sept. Students will be aware of these upcoming examinations as they are used to derive grades when students are unwell or encounter (as approved by NZQA) an event that prevents them from sitting their formative NCEA examination in November. There is no school for all students on the senior-only day of that examination week, Friday 15th September.

Winter Sporting Tournament Begins

Tauranga Girls’ College has begun their competitions at this year's Winter Sports Tournament held in various parts of the country. We look forward to updating you on their results via our social media platforms. Good luck to our teams, coaches, managers and parent helpers.

Attendance matters

Attending school is an expectation, as is coming to school prepared for learning (items in your bag, Chromebook charged, food to feed the brain, etc.). Thank you to all those students who attend and who have been acknowledged by their Dean and or Deputy Principal last term. Our attendance target is 85% attendance. We know that sickness is around during the winter term, so keep us informed if your young person is unwell.

Need to contact us?

Who to contact if you have any questions? If your young person comes home and voices a concern, take the time to speak with them to ascertain the context and to triangulate the story. If you wish to talk to a staff member about the matter, then raise that with the learner's coach, subject teacher, dean, etc., depending on the context. Please make the time to do this. Email (addresses are on our website) or phone to make an appointment.

Cameras at school

I remind you again of the cameras in use at school. A sign that reads ‘camera operating’ indicates where they are positioned. You will see this at reception too. Our cameras are also helpful in capturing vandalism. Cameras are being trialled in some new sites, including those spaces where students should not be.

Winter bugs and staffing pressures

There are several nasty flu and other illnesses at the moment, which is putting pressure on students and their learning and on staff who are away supporting their family illnesses. With relief shortages being well-publicised, we, too, are not immune from this. Where staff absences exceed classes that need cover, we will always prioritise relievers in the junior school, pairing up smaller classes or, where necessary, having a senior class without a teacher but having a check-in teacher nearby. Students will always have work to do as relief is set via Google Classroom. Please support us by ensuring your daughter or young person has a fully charged Chromebook (our preferred device) or laptop and are using their Google Classroom. You can ask them to show you their Google Classroom space, too.

Building works have begun

Two rather large signs on Cameron Road and 22 Avenue display our future J Block. Fencing marks the boundaries between students and construction workers. Health and Safety guidelines must be adhered to during this period of work. This multi-million dollar project is exciting and has been long overdue. We will keep you updated every few months.

Parking Challenges

We acknowledge parking is a problem, especially as more senior students travel to school by vehicle. Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient car parking for staff, let alone students. The matter will only worsen as the Tauranga City Council looks to remove more car parking spaces off Cameron Rd. We are already in talks with them regarding this challenge, and one of the solutions is better bike/scooter/cycle parking for students.

Attendance consequences

Term 3 always marks the School Ball season, and ours is fast approaching. All students have to meet an attendance requirement to have the privilege of attending the ball. Teachers are providing regular attendance updates to those students who are at risk, but all students will know when they are or are not in class. The parent portal allows you to follow attendance also. Attendance does matter, and poor attendance has consequences for learning, sports teams, and cultural and arts groups who could be in jeopardy of not reaching their academic potential and/or attending key events like tournaments because they have not met attendance requirements and expectations.

Lastly, remember that Monday, 4 September, is our annual mid-term break. There is NO school for anyone on this day. Enjoy the long weekend.

Tara Kanji