Tēnā koutou whānau, parents, students and friends

Celebrating the term

There was much to celebrate again this term. TGC continued to support EOTC events, National Tournament Week and competitions such as WeBo. There were several announcements of talented students making national squads or in breaking long held records. Some of those codes were Squash, Rugby, Swimming and Basketball. Ella Mitchell and Ella Paterson also made news with their work being selected for publishing, the launch of our Ngeri written by former alumni Mauria Ngatoko and of course there were several students from our Nga Toi art class whose work was selected to be exhibited at Te Papa Wellington. Last but not least, how fabulous it was to see some of our Te Manawa students being supported to attend the Yearr 13 College Ball.

No matter where your young person's strengths or passions lie, TGC has a genuine desire and will to celebrate their achievements. Regular school attendance, a commitment for improvement and support from home are enablers of what we are trying to achieve at school. TGC has a proud range of opportunities for young people to connect with. It is never too late to join a club, group or team.

Keeping the focus on well being

This includes getting good rest and sleep time, keeping hydrated, eating well and reducing your screen time whilst enjoying the company of friends and the outdoors. 

Remembering Mr Hendra

Thank you to all our staff, parents and students (including alumni) who supported the College as we farewelled a much loved and valued colleague, friend and kaiako. Mr Richard Hendra passed away after a short battle with cancer. We will further share his outstanding contribution to TGC and the wider science community in the new term. Our thoughts are with his whānau at this time.

Derived Grades

It was pleasing to see students taking note of the importance of these examinations through their attendance and engagement. All students would have received their results and this in part forms their feedback in preparation for the final NCEA examinations which begin in November.

A visit to Korea

I had the privilege of accompanying Mrs Clifford (Director of International Students) on my first overseas marketing trip. The event was facilitated by Korean Times Tauranga and was supported by a large contingent of Tauranga school Principals and or their International Directors. It was wonderful to gain an insight into the lives of the students with whom we have the pleasure of hosting here at TGC as well as to connect with new families who will be sending their young person to our College in 2023. The two marketing fairs were held in Seoul and in Busan. During my short visit, I bumped into current student Dasha Chernova who just so happened to be in Korea visiting with her family (enroute to Uzbekistan). It was indeed an unexpected and wonderful surprise!

End to our early finish Thursday

As emailed to you last week, we bring to a close the early finish on a Thursday. As of the start of Term 4, we revert back to the normal start and end times to our school day. This means on a Thursday, school will end at 3.20pm as it does for every other day of that week.

SmokeFree Schools

All schools are smoke free environments. With vaping being popular amongst many people, especially teenagers, I remind everyone that selling vapes to anyone under 18 years of age is illegal and smoking of any kind, including vapes is not allowed on the school site as all schools are smokefree sites in NZ. Students who chose to disrespect this will be spoken with, receive a consequence and families will be contacted. My colleagues would much rather spend their time focussing on supporting learning, engaging in extra curricular and the positive opportunities associated with our school. Whānau support is appreciated on this matter.

Health challenges including COVID-19

Mask wearing is supported for those who choose to wear one. The school has seen a number of both staff and students unwell with the flu and or covid in Term 3. Take care and keep well whānau. Do let us know if your young person is away due to illness.

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 everyday 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 endeavor 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.

Enrolments for 2023

Our online enrollment process continues. Already we are tracking ahead of this time last year. Thank you to the wider community for your support and to our current students whose successes are valued by those who are still engaging in our enrolment process.