12 May 2025

The first two weeks of a shorter term are already behind us (9 weeks). Our senior students should be acutely aware of the assessment load that awaits them. As parents, you have access to their assessment calendars. We ask that you talk with your children regularly about their progress toward deadlines, and their assessment load in general. 

Whilst we encourage our students to become increasingly self-reliant, the reality is that the collective impact of both school and home giving them gentle reminders often still has a part to play. Where there are pressure points, we ask that students are pro-active and talk to their teachers, this is all part of their personal development which will play an important part in their lives when they leave school. Indeed, it is so important that it forms a part of the Year 9 programme that is in place this year.

Of course, what underpins every student's success is being at school every day – on time through the gates at 8.40am, and present in every class. This ensures that their support in class is maximized, and that deadlines, practicals, and assessments (tests) are not missed. Missing something as simple as a class test, or a practical in science can have substantial knock-on effects as students scramble to make up lost learning. Of course, there are times when students can’t be at school for valid reasons – please remember to notify the school promptly in these circumstances.

Four new classrooms were delivered to the school during the term break. These are now in position adjacent to our Science and Technology blocks. Work is now underway on new access ramps and fitting the classrooms for use. They will enter active service at the beginning of Term 3.

As mentioned above, Term 2 is shorter than usual (with two public holidays) but is by no means any less busy. Winter sport is now in full swing (great to see our Girls Hockey, some football, and some rugby already). As well as the assessments mentioned above, the first round of the CAA (Literacy and Numeracy Assessments) takes place in weeks 4 and 5. We have our Year 8 days and Open Night – both of which take on added significance with the doors to North Shore schools being closed. We have our student organized Prefect Conference, Dance showcases, Puawai Bati Leadership camp, and Parent/Teacher meetings. Our Senior Ball rounds off the term on 3rd July – the message regarding attendance takes on additional significance for our senior students planning to attend the ball, with attendance being one of the key conditions to be met to ensure the right to attend.