Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Ms Gina Fitchett and I will be away from school from Saturday, 8 June, to Tuesday, 18 June. During this period, we will travel to China on behalf of the boards and our school community to promote an exciting new partnership project with The Education Bureau of Zhejiang Province of China.

With the government's announcement in April that the rollout of NCEA Level 2 and 3 would be further delayed, Dio has decided to continue not offering NCEA Level 1 for another two years. This decision was made after consultation and discussion with HODs and the leadership team. Please look at the video below, which outlines NCEA changes and introduces the Waikato Diocesan Certificate of Achievement.

We are excited to invite parents and caregivers to participate in an important focus group discussion aimed at enhancing our student's well-being and academic success. The topics selected were the main areas of discussion resulting from the board's survey last year. Your insights and experiences as parents are invaluable, and we believe your voice is crucial in shaping the future of our school community.

Please refer to the website's online calendar for other important dates and the most up-to-date information.

As a boarding school with deep farming roots, we honour a tradition by timing a Teacher Only Day with the national Fieldays. This year, this day falls on Friday, June 14

A warm Dio welcome to the following new staff members.

In upcoming DioNews issues, we will profile different staff and community members to introduce you to the individuals who make up your school community. In this issue, we profile the incredible team in our Vicky McLennan Wellness Centre at the River Rd entrance.

As we reach the halfway point of Term 2, our winter sports are in full swing.

On Tuesday, June 28th, the Year 11 History and Te Reo classes embarked on their annual Waikato Wars field trip. This trip examines the significant places during the Waikato war and includes Rangiriri Paa, Rangiaowhia, Ooraakau, Kihikihi, and Pirongia.

As a school, we support World Vision because its mission aligns closely with our values of compassion, community, and global citizenship. By partnering with World Vision, we help provide essential resources such as clean water, nutritious food, education, and healthcare to vulnerable children and families worldwide. This collaboration not only aids those in immediate need but also educates our students about the importance of empathy, social responsibility, and taking action to positively impact their world. Through our support, we empower our students to be conscientious global citizens who understand the value of helping others and fostering sustainable change.

Dio staff and students took a stand against bullying for Pink Shirt Day on Friday, May 17. Our boarders also had a pink-themed dinner to mark the day and promote kindness, anti-bullying, and tolerance in our Kura. It was a wonderful celebration of friendship topped off with some great kai. We all need to do our part to eliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion 💞 Koorero Mai, Koorero Atu, Mauro Tuu, Mauri Ora - Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

The Parents' Association is very excited to support the Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora Voices of Hope event on Wednesday 12 June.

In upcoming DioNews issues, we will profile different staff and community members to introduce you to the individuals who make up your school community. In this issue, we profile the incredible team in our extracurricular Sports office.