Malo e lelei

Last week has seen a number of our sports teams competing around the South Island. I was fortunate enough to see the Junior Basketball in Dunedin, Junior Rugby in Christchurch and Senior Hockey in Ashburton. From what I saw our teams were extremely competitive and both players and management were a credit to the school with respect to their sportsmanship. Thanks to the many staff and parents for giving up their valuable time. It is much appreciated by the school. Particularly thanks to our amazing Sports Coordinator Paula Symes who works incredibly hard behind the scenes to help make this happen for the boys as well as travelling the miles to watch, support and take photos as they compete.

Today has seen the culmination of Tongan Language week. Mr Fifita has led a number of activities and it has been great to see the school get behind these. We are very proud of the strong part Tongan culture plays in our school. Well done boy’s and we all enjoyed the barbeque lunch today. Good luck against the All Blacks tomorrow night. Next week we celebrate Te wiki o Te reo Maori.

Speaking of our Maori students. The Kapa Haka group were a credit to the school last week at the Hui Ako performance at the Opera House. I heard so much positive feedback about their performance and this was summed up in an email from a member of the public. Here is an excerpt ..”Could you please in some way convey from me to those pupils and staff who contributed to the development of the performance, that their efforts produced something quite extraordinary and moving. It was gutsy and powerful, from both the young men and the young women and provided real leadership and modelling for the younger groups coming through. From a generation who grew up with little appreciation for the meaning and depth of Maori kaupapa, I am so glad to see the movement that is taking hold”.

Kia kaha whanau

It is that time of year where academic progress really comes under the spotlight as well as boys finalising their options for next year. As requested in the last newsletter please support us by taking time with your son to carefully consider his options. If you are unsure do not hesitate to contact his teacher, Dean or the HOD of that subject as to his suitability for that subject. We also ask you encourage your son to prepare for the ‘mock’ exams in two weeks. These exams are not only an indication of where he is currently at but every year we get a number of boys who are unable to sit the final exam for health reasons and they need a derived grade which comes from these exams. I have spoken with a number of boys over the past couple of weeks with regards to their academic progress to date and it is fair to say many have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks to achieve their academic goals for the year. Please encourage them to do so, as we are.

Congratulations to the Cricket club on the excellent fundraising dinner evening held in the Hall of Memories on Saturday August 24th. Shane Bond was an outstanding speaker and hosting such an event in the Hall was seen by all who attended, included many old boys as a real success.

Finally, thanks to the Christchurch Old Boy’s branch for hosting me on Tuesday night. The branch has not met for some time so it was great to see about 20 proud old boys in attendance. Many of us caught up with old friends we hadn’t seen in over 30 years. I have no doubt the Christchurch branch will continue to go from strength to strength.

Hope you all have a relaxing weekend and thank you for your continued support of our great school.

Ma whero ma ponga ka oti

Floreat Waitakia

Darryl Paterson

Rector