As the week draws to a close our condolences and support is with the students, staff, and community of Whangārei Boys High School following the tragic loss of one of their students. Our First XV are travelling north on Saturday morning to play against Whangārei Boys High School. Given the circumstances, we had offered to play the fixture at a later date, but their team requested the game go ahead as scheduled. I know our team will pay their respects on behalf of the Massey High School community.

I would like to again thank our staff, students, and community for their response to the early closure of the school on Tuesday. Our students were superb in the way they responded to the movement to designated areas, and their patience in waiting for structured and safe dismissal was admirable. To our parents and caregivers, thank you for your patience.

Week Beginning Monday 1st May

In the absence of my Pānui last week, there a couple of notable events that I’d like to comment on that took place in the week beginning 1st May. Firstly, the Friday lunchtime concert organised and run by our Arts Leaders. The BRPAC was full as students were entertained by students bands, singers, dancers, and one of our Maths teachers – Christopher Won – who sang a Maroon 5 number. My thanks (and congratulations) to Eloise Luff-Hansen, Braven Deocares, and their team of Arts Prefects for their professionalism in organising the event and for their initiaitve. Their objective is to raise the profile of the performing arts and this event was the first of a number to be held. We are all looking forward to the next one which will be held in week 5.

On Thursday last week we hosted American analyst, Paul Herdman who is carrying out research for the OECD into career readiness. This is part of the first international comparative study of career pathway programmes with a view to helping countries compare provision and identify more effective practice. Our Academy programmes were in the spotlight for that visit due to the work they do in launching young people into a successful career. Thanks to John Tinling and his team for the continued work they do in providing students who choose that pathway with an authentic and engaging learning experience.

Year 11 Careers

Pathways for students was the subject this week for our Year 11 Careers event on Wednesday 10th May. Our Careers Department, Samoa Fale and Steph Hargraves, organised a superb event which drew on the continuing support of alumni to provide inspiration for our Year 11 students. Papa Manavaiki (1990), Miah Tagaloa (2000), Tim Dangen (2010), Maina Fale (2015), and Greissen Leslie (2015) gave their time to share their experiences, education, and career trajectories with our students.

Sports

On the sports front I had the privilege of seeing some of our Netball teams in action last Tuesday night. Our Prem Team started strongly against Mt Albert Grammar before succumbing in the second half. However, Misty Potts has the makings of a very good team, the first half was cohesive and contained passages of excellent play. Our Senior A Team also showed plenty of fight on the same night versus Waitakere College.

Our First XI demonstrated the frustrating element of football – you can play well, but goals can be scored against the run of play. After a superb goal by Alec Death following excellent build up play from Gregan Kwaoga, Onehunga scored a couple that changed the flow of the game. Still, some promising signs from the team. It was great to have some very vocal support form our Sports Leaders at the game (which finished in near darkness).

Speaking of promise, our junior boys First XI started their season strongly with a 5-0 win over Henderson High School last Saturday morning. The boys played exceptionally well, and with the number of times the posts were rattled (particularly from long range shots) the score could have been even higher.

Following that game was a welcome return of a Second XV at Massey, the first in a few years. The team, coached by Jon Taura, fell short by one point against Northcote College. However, they played well throughout and the scoreline was impressive given the challenges of the second half. Our First XV rounded out the morning of home games with a comprehensive 55-0 win against Orewa College. The result was thoroughly deserved, especially after their first game against Westlake Boys the week before – a game in which they were in the hunt right up until the last 10 minutes.

Academic Excellence

The first round of 2023 Academic Ties were awarded this week. These ties recognise outstanding academic performance or growth and as such, they are one of the most prestigious awards the school bestows upon our students. Recipients are nominated by staff and the final selection is made after rigorous scrutiny. Family and whānau are invited to witness the presentation. On Monday morning, two ties were awarded to Year 12 students Kayleigh Hooper and Amelia Watt. This morning, there were five recipients in Year 11 - Jahvan Narayan, Thaddeus Maloney, Amber Honey, Victoria Lopes, and Kilani O’Brien. Details of their academic achievements can be found in the article in our newsletter.

Pōwhiri

Prior to the rains on Tuesday, a Pōwhiri was conducted to formally welcome staff and students who started at Massey High School subsequent to the first day of the year. My thanks to the students of Te Whare Āhuru, Matua Hone, Matua Josh, and Whaea Danielle for facilitating this. We have introduced this concept this year in order to ensure that all who are new to Massey (together with whānau) are formally welcomed and have the opportunity to establish a sense of connection and belonging with our school.

Ongoing Industrial Action

As you may be aware, the industrial action by PPTA members continues. Following the regional strike on Thursday this week which saw the school having to close for instruction there will be two further days of industrial action next week. Year 9 students will be rostered home on Tuesday 16th May, and Year 10 students will be rostered home on Wednesday 17th May.

Reading Challenge

And finally, our next House competition event commences next week with the House Reading Challenge kicking off on Monday. Every page read counts for each House and the focus for the first week is non-fiction. As someone born and bred in the West, it seems fitting that I will be doing my bit for Hiranga by reading the Dave Grohl (Nirvana and the Foo Fighters) autobiography “The Storyteller”.

Ngā mihi

Alastair Fairley, Principal

Share this article: