Tēnā koutou whānau, parents, students and friends

Championing our learners

You will have read that schools throughout NZ have struggled to regain full attendance after recent COVID-19 disruptions. I want to thank those students who despite the challenges have continued to engage with school, their friends, sports, arts and cultural activities. The upcoming Parent Teacher interviews/Te Ara Ako conversations which are available both online and face to face are a great opportunity to reconnect with your young persons teachers and to share how they are progressing.

A new addition to the leadership team 

After much collaboration and consideration, the school is excited to announce an additional formal leadership role at Year 13 - that of Deputy Head Prefect Te Ao Māori. This brings the student leadership team to 8 and truly reflects the depth and breadth of the areas of student leadership in the school. Finer details are being worked through and will be announced at a later time.

NCEA me te Whānau

Thank you to those students and whānau that were able to attend our NCEA information evening followed by the Whānau Hui this week. We look forward to collaborating with you again next time.

The current ORANGE Setting

We continue to operate with onsite learning and learning from Google Classroom for those students who are isolating or are COVID-19 positive.

We continue to encourage staff and students to wear masks. As winter illnesses collide with COVID, we thank those staff that have given up their non-contact time to support staff who are away and for which we have not been able to source relievers due to their shortage.

Lunchtime Fun

Gutter boards are back in action at TGC! It was fantastic to see a number of young people outside J Block having a go! It was also wonderful to see that the phones were put away. Thank you to our property team and Whaea Nia as they continue to provide a range of lunchtime activities. This week ki-o-rahi continues on the back field and we have karaoke in the Hall on Friday! Such Fun!!!

PB4L and our expectations

Positive behavior for learning is a framework that supports behavior expectations at TGC. The reward cards have been well received and I do hope that many of you at home have now seen these or spoken with your young person about them. Unfortunately, there are some young people who have not valued themselves let alone others and whose behavior has not met the expectations of our school's values. This has resulted in disciplinary action.

Social Media and use of Phones

We are currently reviewing the use of phones during the school day. We value students taking responsibility for their use and have in place the phone ‘drop box’ system for those students who get distracted by their phones during class time and need assistance. I am currently seeking input from other schools and research to see what would be best for TGC staff and students going forward. I remind parents to keep a positive eye on their young persons use of social media and ensure that what is posted is kind, considered and values the mana of all.

Getting involved

Thank you to all those students who have signed up for a winter code, a committee, service activity, club or arts and cultural event. Special congratulations to Sara Lee and Hemorere Heke-Ririnui for their outstanding achievement. All of which has been detailed and showcased on our schools FB page.

Kia kaha to our TGC community and thank you for your ongoing support, you are amazing. We look forward to sharing with you the outcomes of our planned events to celebrate Matariki in our next newsletter.