Behaviour Expectations

We are a PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) school, and as such, our behaviour expectations are framed around our school's values of Manaakitanga (respect), Mahi Tahi (participation) and Mana Motuhake (pride). Full details can be seen on our website. Students who are not meeting our expectations by ensuring they are respectful, prepared for learning and taking pride in their uniform, self and others can expect consequences. Tauranga Girls’ College has high expectations for all students, and this is reiterated in the badge that each student is gifted when attending our school.

Mental Health and Well-being - Phone Free Kura

Learning, being active, noticing, connecting and giving are five ways to support your well-being. Being a phone-free kura certainly helps the wellbeing of our young people. Most students are meeting this expectation and enjoying engaging with peers through conversation, getting involved in lunchtime activities and all of this has reduced their screen time and social media use, allowing a focus on the present and learning. Those who have chosen not to follow the expectation have had their phone removed for the day as per our shared consequences and phone-free expectations.

Attendance updates

Regular attendance at school is vital to wellbeing, social engagement and academic success. This year, we will send out regular attendance updates so you know your young person's movements. The parent portal is also available for you to check. Please contact the school if there is to be an absence so that this can be recorded. Students who cannot meet the 85% attendance expectation will not be eligible to represent the school in sporting, arts, and cultural occasions, as these privileges will be kept for those who meet the target.

Welcome to our students from Tamadai

We welcomed our short-stay Japanese students from Tamadai this week. Immaculately dressed in their school uniform, the Year 10 aged students are being supported during their ten-day visit by their teacher, our student buddies and the International Department. Thank you to those families who are hosting our visitors. Having met several of our visitors, they seem happy and are enjoying their new experience and improving their English.

Kapa Haka gets underway.

Matua Ed, our Tauranga o Nga Waka Kapa Haka Tutor, held his first Kapa Haka get-together for those students who are keen to make the team to attend the National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition to be held in Nelson this year. The Competition is in Week 10 of Term 2.

Health and Safety and school improvements - update

A significant drainage programme is being undertaken in the college. This has resulted in many of our cobbled pathways being uplifted to access the drains. Areas around the school have been fenced off and are off-limits during this time. J Block continues its renovation, and the timeline for its completion remains for later this year. Parents, please be careful when picking up and dropping off your young person or daughter. Cameron Road is extremely busy, and there have been some near misses. Please be patient and take care at all times.

Lastly, further painting has been undertaken at the school over the summer; the gymnasium floor was redone and has new floor markings for sports, and additional upgrades to our bathrooms continue (with the next project being in the gymnasium bathrooms). Curriculum budgets were also increased to accommodate teachers' requests.

Connecting at Tauranga Girls’ College

Don't forget to connect with us and be kept up to date with our two social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), our fortnightly pānui, the Tauranga Girls’ College website, the parent portal (including for attendance) and checking your emails. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to email my colleagues. Their email addresses can be found on our website. Please do not expect to see a teacher without making a prior appointment. Appointments can be made via the email process and directly with that staff member or by calling the office, who will then share your message with the relevant staff member.

Lastly, my thanks go to Sarah Whitaker, who has been heavily involved with the publication of our newsletter/pānui and led the publication of our digital Yearbook last year. Sarah has been our Librarian Assistant and has a passion for books and crafts. Best wishes, Sarah, as you head back to England.

Tara Kanji

Tumuaki/Principal

In this issue