Kia ora parents, caregivers and whānau
It’s been a busy term – this newsletter covers a lot of what we’ve been doing over Term 2, and it’s amazing to see the breadth of activities that our students are involved in – and we don’t cover everything that is happening in the school. Many students juggle multiple extra-curricular activities, they keep up with their learning and often there are commitments at home, or a job. Thanks to all parents, caregivers and supporters who turn up for their student – whether it’s to be involved in a sports team, support on the sideline, or be part of the audience of an event. Your participation is so important in keeping students interested and engaged in school.
As is normal in a school, we have had a number of staff changes this term.
- We have farewelled Onour Murray, our Sports Administrator earlier in the term, and Hugh Laurenson, teaching in the Social Sciences Department who moves on after being with us for 18 months.
- Paul Fairfield, currently Assistant HOD PE left at the end of the term after 11 years at UHC. Paul was a very experienced PE teacher, rugby enthusiast and administrator. He was also an excellent Dean and Ako Teacher.
We welcome Shelley Shaw as our new Sports Administrator and congratulate Seth Weakley who moves into the Assistant HOD PE position. In Term 3, we welcome Anthony Smith into the Social Sciences Departments, and Richard Pittams (an ex-student) into the Maths Department. Jonathan Martin, HOD English, will be on sabbatical leave for Term 3, so Kath Cowley will move up into HOD English (Acting) and Erike Knebel-Mulholland will step into the Assistant HOD English (Acting) position.
As we move into Term 3, the focus on learning increases with Parent-Teacher meetings, senior exams and choosing subjects for 2022 taking place. We are really mindful of the pressures and stresses that many students start to feel at this time, perhaps heightened by the impact of COVID and any changes at home. If you do have concerns for your child, please contact their Ako teacher in the first instance.
Ngā mihi nui
Judith Taylor
Principal