Teenaa koutou katoa,
As spring is here, so is the end of another busy and successful term. It has been a term of many highlights, with notable sporting and cultural successes, as well as steady academic progress across the school. It is wonderful to see our students continuing to grow, both in and out of the classroom.
Some highlights include:
Japanese School Visit: We were thrilled to host a group of students from a Japanese sister school. Higashisumiyoshi High School travelled to us from Hamilton, where they were staying, and were treated by Te Puaawai to a traditional Maaori welcome; they visited our important historical sites in Rangiriri and experienced the trenches tour. The next day, they partnered up with our Year 10 students and attended their classes; the visit culminating on the last day with a sharing of cultural performances from both schools. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about a different culture and build international friendships. Despite limited shared language, our students made friends quickly and easily, communicating with a combination of words, signs and gestures, proving themselves to be wonderful and generous hosts. Our visitors were very grateful and hope to return. Unsurprisingly, our students all want to return the visit with a trip to Japan!
The Junior Speech Competition: Our Year 7 and 8 students all bravely wrote and presented speeches – always a challenging experience. These were judged, first in classes, then finalists in the hall and finally our winners went to TKP for the interschool competition. Congratulations to all who participated and to the eventual, very worthy winners.
Sports: Congratulations to all of our students who have made the representative level in their chosen sports. Our basketball team had an outstanding season, qualifying for the regional competition in Rotorua. Hard work and dedication got them all to this level and we are incredibly proud of their sportsmanship and skill. Huge thanks go to the coaches and managers of all sports teams who gave up many hours for practices and organisation as well as the tournaments.
The Student Council did an incredible job with their fundraising efforts for Daffodil Day. The students’ commitment to this important cause was inspiring, and we thank everyone who contributed to their success. They surpassed their goal of $1000!
Koroneihana: Many of our students and staff proudly represented the college at Koroneihana, which was a fantastic day of cultural and historical celebration and forward thinking with Kuinii Nga wai hono i te po at the helm. Staff and students who attended school were able to watch the livestream as well as working on their usual lessons online.
Examinations: Over the last few weeks, our senior students tackled their Derived Grade and Co-requisite examinations with maturity and focus, preparing them for the end-of-year NCEA external exams. Students probably would not count these as a highlight, but for educators, it is wonderful to see students preparing and then working to deliver their best in an exam. The focus and attention that our students demonstrate is an indication of growing academic maturity. This growing resilience that equips them well for the world after school, whether that be in study or work, is what we want to see.
We would like to thank the Trainee Teachers who have been with us this term, and the mentor teachers who have supported them. Their energy and enthusiasm have been much appreciated – they have been a welcome addition to our staff, and we wish them all the best for their future teaching careers. Perhaps some will return to Te Kauwhata College!
We also want to acknowledge the success of our Senior Subject Information Evening and the Enrolment Evening for new students. It was wonderful to see so many of you attending these events. Communication is so important, and we do want to create opportunities for parents and teachers to meet that are accessible and manageable, so all feedback is gratefully received. We want to collaborate in the ways that work best for all.
At the end of last term, we had to farewell Trina Crosbie, our Wellness Counsellor, who had chosen to spend more time with her family. We were very sad to see her go, but were very fortunate to be able to welcome Lisa Pallister as her replacement, and to continue to employ Kim Avery on a part-time basis. Lisa has settled in well, quickly becoming known and trusted and offering calm and steady support to those who need it. We have counselling available every day now, which is a very worthwhile investment in the health and well-being of our students.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent Board elections. We are confident that our new board will continue to lead the school with the same vision and integrity that has been their characteristic. They are a wonderful Board to work with and all have the best interests of all our students at heart.
Finally, many thanks to the parents who attended the parent /teacher evening this week. We hope that the discussions were helpful and meaningful and that the format was suitable. Feedback on these events is valued as we are always looking to improve our reporting to parents.
We hope you all have a fantastic holiday with your families and return ready for the final term of the year.
Ngaa mihi nui,
Deborah Hohneck
Principal
