Nau mai haere mai and welcome to our first newsletter for Term Three. This Pānui is filled with amazing achievements of our talented students. Congratulations to every student and their whānau for their amazing commitment and dedication to their chosen passions. TGC is super proud of you. A special congratulations to our Alumni who are representing NZ in their chosen code at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - what an achievement!!

Scholarships and references for University are well underway
As University enrolment processes begin, so too does the process of applying for a reference towards a scholarship. All students have been informed of the process via email and a special assembly.  As each reference is personalised, please remind your daughter to ensure she completes her University application well before the due date. This includes submitting a CV.   If you have any questions, please speak with the Careers Advisor or Deputy Principal of Mansfield House.

J Block news
We have received news that all of J Block will be refurbished and modernised into an amazing fit for purpose learning space for 28 classrooms. And YES, there will be gender neutral toilets, a new lift AND efficient cooling and heating systems as well as modern, flexible learning spaces. This is fantastic news. Work is likely to begin early next year so watch this space for updates.

School Spirit
After a hugely successful haka and waita competition last term we look forward to Spirit Week this term which includes the famous lip sync, food trucks and so much more. Don't forget, there are lunch time activities during the week when a scheduled house activity does not occur.  All of these activities are also examples of whanaungatanga at TGC. Details of any activity are always in the student notices so remind your daughter to find out and get involved, be connected and to enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills.

Cyber Safety and Responsible use of devices
Our learning device of choice is the chromebook. Whilst mobile phones are permitted at school, they are not permitted to be used during class time. ALL classes have a positive behaviour for learning (PB4L) responsible phone use poster which all teachers reminded students of last term. Students using phones in class time will have those removed. Please ensure that you contact your daughter via the school office if you need to be in touch with her and support us with our responsible use of devices guidelines. I also remind you to ask to see your daughters INSTA page and messenger or snapchat use to ensure that she is being kind and respectful in the way she engages in this social media space. Together we can support our teenagers in what responsible use looks like in a school setting.

Open Evening
Last night was our very successful Open Evening. Thank you to the hundreds of parents and students who came to experience TGC as it is every day - that is, focussed on students, filled with opportunities and with a strong provision of support for all. Thank you also to our wonderful teachers, volunteers, ambassadors and of course the BoT who were busy on the BBQ stand. We look forward to supporting your daughter at TGC in 2022. Enrolment packs are still available on our website or by visiting our school office. Our contributing school received their packs when we visited last term.

Being Safe
Another safety reminder to all of our students and families that during winter hours, it is even more important to ensure that students walk home in well lit areas, meet in safe locations if being picked up after hours and report any unsavoury behaviour to the Policy by calling 105 or if urgent dialing 111.

Parents or visitors onsite
A reminder that if you need to speak to a student or staff member, you must do that via the front office. A time can then be provided for you during non teaching time. During school time, the priority is to ensure learning and teaching is at the forefront of what we do. For everyone's health and safety, please do the right thing and book in a time so that a respectful conversation can be had. Alternatively, email the staff member you want to see. Details are on our website.

Hauora and wellbeing
Keeping well both physically and mentally are important to us all. Term 3 is particularly busy for senior students as they engage in more in depth learning, attend tutorials and complete assessments and of course continue with their sporting, cultural or arts commitments. Getting to bed early, keeping hydrated and ensuring a balance of school and your social life are important. If your daughter needs help, please get in touch with her Whānau teacher or her House dean.

MoE Accord Day
Next Wednesday, this region's secondary schools will be being updated on the new curriculum changes. This is a Teacher only Day and school will not be open for supervision or learning and teaching. In order for teachers to keep up to date with the changes taking place in this space the MoE has allocated such days which allow teachers from a variety of schools to collaborate and make plans to implement the changes in time for teaching in 2022. We thank you for making alternative arrangements on this day.

Wow, what a start!  Be kind, stay safe and if your daughter is unwell, please keep her at home.