Mental Health Awareness Week

Today’s pānui coincides with the last day of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This year's theme of Five Ways, Five Days. has been supported by our Student Wellbeing Committee. As a school, we’ve been reminded and encouraged to acknowledge that, at times, life can be a rollercoaster. Throughout the week, our student leaders have highlighted important messages of kindness, hope, and caring for others.

The end of Term Three

The completion of derived grade exams, the Year 13 Ball, and the readying of our special award celebrations remind us that the end of the school year is rapidly approaching for our senior students. Our Year 13’s enjoyed the company of each other and friends at the Masquerade Ball last weekend. We thank Ms Anna Larsen for the time and effort she and her team of Ball Committee students and staff put into transforming our school hall for this lovely evening.

The recent derived grade assessments gave students an opportunity to evidence what they’ve learned in classes to date. This year saw the largest group of students sitting assessments. Critically, these assessments were an opportunity to gain valuable feedback from teachers as students shift into the study phase of their year. We encourage everyone to make the most of the feedback provided to them to ensure their success in the NZQA external assessments come November.

Upon us soon are our celebration evenings. We enjoy immensely the chance to celebrate the amazing young people we work with in our school. Because we measure success in many ways here at Tauranga Girls’ College, recognition of success is spread over four celebrations; the Arts and the Sports Awards, Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, and our Senior Prizegiving. We encourage you to join us on these evenings.

Te Tai Whanake -

We were privileged as a school to send a group of our staff to attend the launch of this ground breaking new localised Tauranga Moana iwi-based curriculum earlier this week. This taonga supports our commitment to ensure there is equal status, support and resourcing for mātauranga Māori in our school. Ngā mihi nui ki Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāti Pūkenga me tenei rauemi miharo!

Summer sports registrations

Summer sports organisation is underway for the Term 4 season. There are many opportunities, social and competitive, for our students to get involved in activities that support them to meet others and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. The value of being involved in activities outside the classroom are many and we encourage all our young people to participate in something of interest to them. Speaking with whānau teachers or our staff in the Sports Department are ways you can find out more information about what’s on offer.

A reminder about camera use in our 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.

And lastly, enjoy the upcoming break; the longer days due to daylight savings, and the time you have to spend with your young people. We look forward to welcoming you back for Term Four on Monday 9 October 2023.

Kylie Valentine

Acting Tumauaki | Principal