From the Principal

As we embark on this journey together, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and commitment to the education of our students. Our dedicated team of educators has been working tirelessly to create an engaging and enriching learning environment, and we are eager to see the growth and success that this new academic year will bring.

The provisional NCEA results are in, and we are pleased to announce that Dio students have continued to excel.

Students achieved an overall pass rate of 95.9% at Level 1, 97.6% at Level 2, and 92.6% at Level 3, with 82.4% of students gaining University Entrance.

Pleasingly, our Literacy results were 100% at Levels 1, 2 and 3 and our Numeracy 81.5% at Level 1, 89.7% at Level 2 and 93% at Level 3.

Nationally, provisional NCEA results show that pass rates dropped for the third year, with a 60% pass rate at level 1, 72% at level 2, and 66.2% at level 3. The Qualifications Authority said three years of Covid-related disruption were probably to blame.

Confirmed national results will be available in April.

I want to acknowledge the Dio staff for their dedication and commitment to our student's success, and well done to our students on their outstanding results.

This school year promises to be filled with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and personal development. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our focus remains on fostering a love of learning, encouraging curiosity, and promoting the values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.

Many of you may have already seen the Hora Hora School Principal Pat Newman's post, which has gone viral on social media (pasted below).  It is a reminder that the triangular relationship between home, school, and students plays a pivotal role in the holistic education of an individual. This interconnected dynamic creates a comprehensive support system that nurtures the development of the whole person. 

The home, being a child's first and primary environment, provides the foundational values, attitudes, and cultural context that shape their identity. 

As formal educational institutions, schools contribute to students' cognitive, social, and emotional growth, imparting academic knowledge and fostering critical thinking skills.  

As active participants, students integrate their learning from both spheres, blending knowledge and experiences to form a well-rounded understanding of the world. This triangular relationship underscores the importance of a unified approach in moulding individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially adept, emotionally intelligent, and ethically grounded.

Hora Hora School Facebook Post

School is about to start for 2024, so I am asking you to please sit down with your tamariki for just 5 minutes and explain that being very tall, short, chubby, skinny, black or white is no joke, and that you should not tease other kids if you think they are one of those!

That there is nothing wrong with wearing the same shoes every day, or in fact wearing no shoes at all!.

Explain to them that a used backpack, or brown paper bag carry the same dreams, and do the same job as a new one,

Teach them not to exclude someone because they are "different" or do not have the same opportunities as others. Explain that teasing hurts...and that they go to school to LEARN, NOT to compete.

YOU AND I HAVE THE SAME VALUE! EDUCATION STARTS AT HOME...

It's *AT HOME* that tamariki should learn to say:

01 - Good morning

02 - Good afternoon

03 - Good evening

04 - Please

05 - With your permission

06 - Sorry

07 - Forgive me

08 - Thank you very much

09 - Thank you

10 - I was wrong

It's *AT HOME* that we also learn to:

01 - Be honest

02 - Be punctual

03 - Do not insult

04 - Be polite

05 - Respect everyone: friends, colleagues, elders, teachers, authorities

Still *at home* we learn to:

01 - Eat everything

02 - Do not talk with your mouth full

03 - Have personal hygiene

04 - Don't throw litter on the ground

05 - Help parents with their daily chores

06 - Don't take what doesn't belong to you

07 - Be content with what you have

08 - Work honestly to earn a living

09 - Dress with modesty

*At home* we still learn to:

01 - Get organized

02 - Take care of your belongings

03 - Do not touch other people's belongings

0 4 - Respect the rules,

05 - Speak your mother tongue(s), master your culture and spirituality

Because *AT SCHOOL* teachers should teach: ■ Mathematics ■ English ■ Science ■Health and Physical education ■ Art and Music - Well Being - Te Ao Maaori: Tikanga me Te Reo Maaori - Support their growth of self-esteem and confidence - Be proud of who they are.

And only reinforce what the tamariki have learned *AT HOME*!!! Because it is from what we have learned *AT HOME* that the individual will be respected, that he will respect life.

Aroha Nui

Pat Newman Principal

Let's make this school year one of growth, discovery, and achievement. As a united school community, we can create a positive and impactful learning experience for all.

Blessings,

Mary Curran / Principal

principal@wdsg.school.nz