Tēnā koutou whānau, parents, students and friends

A roadie to support NZSS Sports Tournament

I had the pleasure of supporting three sporting codes during this week's NZSS Sports Tournament week. Firstly, it was wonderful to have the tournament being played again after two turbulent COVID impacted years. I started my road trip in Napier to support our 1st XI Hockey squad before driving to Taupo for Football and then Rotorua for Basketball. My thanks goes to all of those players, coaches, managers and parents/whānau for supporting our sports codes and for supporting our Sports Dept. Many games were played with absolute commitment and passion and whilst some of our teams are rebuilding, the experience of being away, strengthening whanaungatanga and representing our kura was wonderful to see and be a part of. Whilst it was not possible to visit all codes, it was indeed enjoyable to support those that I could.

Keeping the focus on well being 

BoT of Trustee update

Congratulations to Kahuranga Ngatai, Joe Bourne and Fiona McTavish for their 18 month appointment to the TGC Board of Trustees. Joe and Fiona return to the BoT and we welcome a new member, Kahurangi Ngatai. The three year term has yet to conclude as voting is required from the candidates to secure the final three places. Please vote if you have not already done so.

Community Consultation has now closed

Thank you to all those staff, parents and students engaged in the consultation process. The BoT is now synthesizing that information to determine its strategic plan for 2023-2025.

Rostering home ends

Thank you for your support of TGC and especially the rostering of Year 9 and 10 home. This week brings to a close the rostering home despite having staffing challenges. The challenges are created by greater winter flu sickness (a recent RNZ report commented on Kiwis contracting the flu in much greater numbers since pre-COVID, with some suggesting it was five times higher), COVID-19 or in the family and therefore needing to isolate, tournaments operating again and staff out with teams so also needing relievers and of course a reliever shortage. With all students back at school for the remaining term (Weeks 7-10), we will endeavour to do our best in keeping classes staffed.

Early finish

As indicated previously, the school day will continue to end at 1.45pm on a Thursday for the remainder of this term. The reason for this has been to give both seniors a block on learning and catch up time and for teachers to manage students who are learning remotely and not in their f2f onsite class. Supervision and study room options for all students are provided for those wanting to stay on at school or are waiting for their regular bus service at 3.20pm.

Breakfast Club

On Thursday, I help out at our Breakfast Club. The club is held in Te Manawa (former C Block). Hot Milo, cereal and toast is available to all from 8-8.30am. There is no cost and all are welcome. The fabulous Mrs Bidois prepares lunch/kai for students at this time also. At our kura, we endeavour to ensure that everyone is fed and is energized for the day. My special thanks to all the senior students who volunteer their time every morning and also ensure the club is welcoming and ready to serve.

Bravery Award

Congratulations to Sunny Chung our Year 13 an International Prefect for her bravery recently. Sunny was supporting two new international students on a public bus in the weekend when an alleged intoxicated passenger boarded the bus and injured the driver. Sunny remained calm, called the police, attended to the passengers and of course the driver who required medical attention. Such was Sunny’s bravery that she received recognition from the Commissioner, Anne Tolley for her actions. WE are very proud of you and of your actions Sunny!