Kia ora e te whānau ... Term 3 has always been a term packed with events and achievements, and this has been especially so this year.

This newsletter shows many of the events from the second half of Term 3, and the breadth and depth of our students’ engagement, participation and academic achievement makes for a wonderful read. Please enjoy these articles, many of which are written by our students.

The photo accompanying this article is of our students, nominated and recognised for their contributions and achievements at the Upper Hutt Young Achievers Awards (L-R, Emily, Garrett, Lily, LaDainian, Grace T, Kash, Grace S, and Sophie, together with His Worship the Mayor, Wayne Guppy, and Kate Thomson, Interim Chief Executive).

Term 4 brings a focus for our seniors on the work needed to complete requirements towards NCEA. This may be completing assessments, attending tutorials or the AOP (Achievement Opportunity Programme for targeted students) or simply starting a study programme for the upcoming external exams. Teachers will be working closely with students, but if parents and caregivers have questions or concerns, they can contact the subject teacher, Ako teacher or year-level Dean.

We welcome our new Assistant Principal on Monday – Kathleen Beckett returns to the school she attended as a student, after a teaching career that has included Mana College, Heretaunga College and most recently Westlake Girls High School where she was HOD Physical Education and Health. We also welcome Lisa Brown as our new Library Assistant, who is replacing Helen Scrivener. Helen has been a solid part of our Library team for over 20 years, providing sage advice and reading recommendations to countless students – we wish her well in her well-deserved retirement.

Ngā mihi nui

Judith Taylor

Principal