Principal's Pānui
23 July 2023
Welcome back to all. Term 3 is a hugely important one for all students – from senior students ensuring that internal assessments are being completed and examination preparation is underway to junior students thinking about course selections for next year and the pathway that that will set them on. For our teaching staff, it is an incredibly busy term as a result of the work being done by our students – preparation, marking, moderation, resubmissions all take time – time that is seen as an investment in each student’s future.
Course selection takes place following our Futures Week. A reminder that next year, we move to senior students having six subject lines. This opens up new opportunities for senior students – allowing them to specialise in a learning area whilst still being able to pursue passion subjects. Similarly, it allows more flexibility for those students wanting to engage with any of the Academies. For our Year 13 students, it allows them to pick up a new subject, double up in an area, or undertake a course which will prepare them for life beyond school.
School Ball, Thank You…
During the holidays we held our annual School Ball. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all students who attended, and all parents and caregivers who assisted in their preparations. Our students were outstanding this year, again responding to the message of trust. This made for a really enjoyable evening for all involved. Again, our hosts commented on the respect shown by our students for each other, for the evening, and for the venue. It was the Massey Way in action. Special thanks to our staff and student leaders who worked behind the scenes to ensure that the occasion was planned right down to the smallest detail. This year’s attendees set the bar high for those who follow – thank you.
Mamma Mia!
This week saw the fruits of the months of auditions, planning, set building, costume design, and rehearsals as our Production returned (we held Showcase last year). Mamma Mia! Was an absolute triumph. I attended the final night with my family, and they were blown away by the quality and professionalism on stage (and behind). The talent on show was incredible – from the lead roles to the chorus, to the band who didn’t miss a beat. Sometimes you see a production where the singing takes precedence over the acting or vice versa – not so with this year – the incredible singing was complimented by acting that really drew you into the performance – all further complemented by faultless musical accompaniment and brilliantly executed choreography.
My thanks to all staff involved, staff who have spent months working with students to ensure that the final product was as polished and enjoyable as it was. The students involved, whether leads, chorus, band, or technical crew have sacrificed much to realise a collective goal. It is opportunities such as the Production that see the bonds between our students (regardless of year level) strengthen, seeing Year 9 students fill lead roles alongside Year 13 students seamlessly demonstrates the real strength of that connection. The close-knit nature of an undertaking such as Production was evident on the final night with how close cast and crew alike had become. Activities like this, and student engagement in them, is just as important as in-class work in terms of developing well rounded young adults.
Cellphones
As you are aware Massey High School recognises the importance of cellphones for our students. This is especially true given the geographic spread of our students and the need to be able to contact parents and caregivers following school activities.
However, I would like to remind parents, caregivers, and students, that the use of cellphones does not extend to the classroom. Cellphones may only be used in a classroom for use in learning activities if instructed by the teacher in that classroom.
All students must ensure that cellphones are on silent and are in bags prior to entry to any classroom (including Hui Arotahi). This applies across all classrooms in the school. Please note, it also includes the use of headphones/EarPods.
In the first instance of students contravening this, the conversation will be between the student and classroom teacher, a repeat instance in that class will be followed up by our Deans.
I would also like to remind parents and caregivers that students are not permitted to receive phone calls whilst in class. I would ask that should you need to contact your child, you do so by phoning reception – in an instance of emergency contact the student can be collected from the classroom by a member of staff.
Uniform
As we start the term, I’d also like to remind to wear correct uniform every day. Blazers are everyday uniform, not just assembly day uniform. As some will now be aware, students wearing incorrect uniform trigger a process whereby notification is sent from our Deans to the parent/caregiver.
Parent/Teacher Meetings
A reminder that Parent/Teacher meetings take place on Thursday 27th July and Friday 28th July. These interviews are with subject teachers and provide valuable insight into progress thus far and support available moving forward. If you haven’t already booked, please do so at www.schoolinterviews.co.nz.
We are all looking forward to a fantastic Term 3.
Nga mihi
Alastair Fairley, Principal