The first day of school is always exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time for new students (and their parents/caregivers). Here is some information about the first two days to help with those nerves.

All Year 9 students participate in a 2-day Orientation Programme, which is designed to  familiarise students with the school and key people. There are also lots of opportunities for them to get to know the other students in their Ako class - the class they stay with for core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, PE and Health.

Year 13 students will work with Ako classes during the Orientation Programme, and other year-level students will only be at school for a brief time over the two days, so our new students will be able to explore and make sense of their new surroundings.

The day starts with a Powhiri, and all parents, caregivers and whanau are warmly invited to attend this ceremony. We usually have 100+ at the ceremony - its a nice way to be part of that significant move to college.

An Orientation Programme is then run over Wednesday and Thursday as given below, although this may be subject to change. Students will need to bring a pen, a drink and snacks - we will have a BBQ lunch on Day 1, but having extra to eat is not a bad idea.

All students will be expected to have full uniform, but if there is an issue, we will talk with the student and contact home. Our timetable will begin on Friday 5 February.

Orientation Programme 2021

Day 1 - February 3rd - 10am - 2pm

10.00am – 10.45am Year 9 Powhiri – students gather at the Hall entrance, under the canopy

11am - 12pm - Ako teacher meet and greet (get to know you games) (Ako teachers)

12pm - 1pm- Lunch - Free sausage sizzle (have organised games/football/chalk drawing etc) (Year 13s)

1pm - 2pm - Banner activity for tomorrow’s comp with Ako teacher (Ako teachers)

Day 2 - February 4th - 9am - 3pm

9am - 10am - Ako time (booklets) (Ako teachers)

10am - 11am - Year 13 Ako leader games (Year 13s)

11am - 11:30am - Break

11:30am - 12:30pm - School tours with Ako leaders and Ako teachers (Ako and 13s)

12:30pm - 1:30pm - Lunch with Year 13s running games (Year 13s)

1:30pm - 2:30pm - Ako class competitions (SR)

2:30 - 3pm - House meetings (House Leaders in various locations)

Key points about starting school

• Full uniform should be worn from the first day. If there are problems with getting the uniform, please provide a note or contact the Deans.
  
• Parents / caregivers and whanau are invited to attend the Powhiri, starting at 10am. You are also welcome to stay while we go through the process of sending students off to their Ako classes (introduce Ako Teacher, read names of class, students go off with Ako Teacher and Year 13 students)
• Students will need to bring a pen, drink and snacks for Wednesday and Thursday. They will NOT need to bring any books for their subjects until Friday.
• Key information for students (eg buses, lunches, important school rules etc) will be shared during Orientation.