It has been four weeks since our return to on-site learning and I have been so impressed with the positive attitude of the students since their return.

Learning on-line has many challenges and while this mode of learning suited some, it presented a number of issues for many of us. Unwanted and unexpected change is often forced upon us. While we cannot control our life circumstances we can control our response. Accepting challenges and responding appropriately is something we all have to learn and it is a key message I want to share with our school community

The campus, like the country, is beginning to return to a pre lockdown state and it is encouraging to see a number of sports and cultural activities underway as well rescheduling events that are a key part of a school programme.

Please be aware that we have a range of ways to support students to participate in activities and sport so let us know if you would like help around gear, subs or transport to enable your daughter to participate. Being involved in active, team based activities is extremely beneficial to wellbeing and it is our hope that every student who wants to participate can. To access help of any kind either email mwilliams@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz or sgrant@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz

NZQA have announced changes to NCEA and University Entrance as a result of the interruptions to learning caused by Covid-19. This has meant that students are required to have fewer credits than usual in order to achieve NCEA Levels 1, 2 or 3 or to get subject or certificate endorsements. Changes have also been made to University Entrance requirements with the details of these changes outlined elsewhere in this newsletter. While these changes will ease the pressure a little, students will still need to remain focussed for the remainder of the year to ensure they meet their goals.

Our ‘real time’ online reporting process is ongoing and I would encourage you to view these regularly. Feedback regarding the progress of your daughter can be accessed through the parent portal on Kamar. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact the school to arrange a time to talk to your daughter’s teacher or Dean. If you have trouble accessing the parent portal, please contact the school office. Our subject parent/teacher interviews are scheduled for Thursday 2 July and I hope that you will take this opportunity to meet with your daughter’s teachers. Further information regarding booking these interviews has been emailed to you and is also available in this newsletter

This week, I began visits to our contributing country schools to meet with Year 8 students. I was accompanied by Year 12 students and I am impressed with the maturity and confidence that these girls spoke about Waitaki Girls’. It is wonderful to finally have the opportunity to visit these schools and we look forward to welcoming our new students onto the campus later in the year.

Kia Whakaute Kia Haepapa Kia Kaha i kā katoa