17 June 2023

As we draw closer to the end of the second term, the PPTA Industrial Action continues. Please continue to monitor our usual channels of communication for reminders as to which levels are rostered home on each day. Remember that no rostering occurs on Fridays, with all year levels in attendance on those days. Our students in our full time Building and Carpentry Academies are expected to be in every day until the end of the term.

The PPTA have also advised that on Wednesday 21st June there will be a ban on PPTA members engaging with extra-curricular activities. Again, monitor our communications for updates as to which groups will be affected.

Open Night and School Visits

We held our annual Open Night on Monday 12th June. We welcomed hundreds into our school across two sessions. Following a performance from our choir, prospective students and their parents/caregivers were provided with guided tours of the school. Led by our Prefects, they experienced the best that our school has to offer and were provided a window into the myriad of opportunities available for our students. Learning areas had vibrant displays and interactive workshops which were facilitated by students in our Year 9 Leadership Class. It was wonderful to see so many people in.

In conjunction with this, I have commenced our visits to our contributing schools. This week we were hosted by Riverhead Primary School, Waimauku School, Don Buck Primary, Huapai District School, and Taupaki School. We take Year 9 students and Prefects who came to us from each school so that they can share their experiences of Massey High School with Year 8 students. My thanks to Mrs van der Kraaij and Mr Wheeler for the interactive Q&A games. Visits to our other contributing schools will continue across the next few weeks.

As you are aware, we are unique in the number of schools across our zones. The diversity they provide are our strength, with each student bringing and sharing the character of their contributing school with others at our school. Although diverse, each of our contributing schools has high expectations and high aspirations for all, a thread which continues through Massey High School.

Education Review Office

We were visited again by The Education Review Office (ERO) this week – working with them on the first report which provides context of our ongoing partnership with them. The report, which will be made available in the next few weeks, will outline the focus of the next three years of working with ERO and highlight the strengths of Massey High School as we work to further enhance opportunities for all students.

Property Projects

Our new Music Block is getting ever nearer to opening – as well as blessing the new facility, we will be looking at inviting some notable (musical) alumni back to the opening ceremony at which we will be unveiling the new name for the block.

Our Nelson Blocks are also in line for extensive refurbishment – work which will bring these solid old buildings into the present day. I have had the opportunity to visit other schools to garner ideas for the refurbishment of our Nelson Blocks and some our Heads of Faculty will be doing the same next week – design work is due to start and it will be great to see these blocks given new life.

Consultation

As part of our process for the formulation of our next Strategic Plan, we will be reaching out to various stakeholders in our community. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to have your say. Similarly, we will be consulting with Year 12 and 13 students (as well as recent alumni) with regard to a new programme to be formulated for Year 13 as part of our move to 6 subjects for senior students.

Sports

Personal commitments kept me from a weekend of sport, so it was great to be back out with our students, coaches, and parents.

Our First XI went down to table topping Long Bay College in the bitter cold last Friday night. Our boys played well though and were unlucky to be denied at least a couple of goals.

I managed to get along to Netball North Harbour to see the 9A Netball team play their first mid-season tournament game of the day against Northcote College. The commitment shown by the team was outstanding, and I was not surprised when I received the news from Ms Field and Mrs Dower-Cruden that the team went on to win the remainder of their games and win the tournament. Congratulations to all in the team, and thanks to Kalani Matthes (one of our Gold Badge Prefects) who umpired all day.

On Wednesday night I watched our Hockey Boys First XI come away with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Kristen School. It was great to see this young team play together, and how they respond to their outstanding coach. Also great to see an ex-Massey student running the lines for them as well.

This weekend I am back to the rugby, with three home games on Saturday – U14s vs Rutherford College, U15s vs Mt Albert Grammar School, and the First XV (currently sitting second on the table following their 43-7 win over Takapuna Grammar last week) playing Westlake Boys High School.

Looking Ahead

Next week our Sublimitas Choir will be competing in the Big Sing at the Auckland Town Hall. I’m looking forward to getting along to support them. They will be singing early Tuesday afternoon.

For our senior students – our Year 12 and 13 School Ball is rapidly approaching. I would ask that any students who feel there may be barriers to going to be pro-active and get talking to their Deans.

Finally, a couple of our big events – Arts Week and Music Soiree have been postponed due to the rostering home. Rest assured, they will still be on at a later date. Tickets are available for our production of Mamma Mia early next term – demand will be high, so get in quick.

Enjoy the weekend.

Ngā mihi

Alastair Fairley, Principal

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