 Term 4 Issue 1 |
 |
Kia ora e te whanau o Whangparāoa,
Welcome to Term 4. Term 4 is always filled with emotion, with nicer weather, learners preparing for exams and completing the year, and staff ensuring the year finishes well, and looking ahead to the following one.
We have started the term exceptionally well, inside and outside the classroom. As I have been popping in and out of classes over the week, it has been wonderful to see all learners engaged in their learning, or readying for their exams. Our Year 11, 12, and 13 learners only have a matter of days left with us (formally) for their school year. For our Year 13s, the next few weeks will see their formal schooling finish as they venture off to other pathways. More on that in the next few weeks.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication our senior learners have shown as they prepare for their exams. Exam preparation can be challenging, requiring focus, discipline, and perseverance, and it has been inspiring to see our learners rise to the occasion. The support from teachers, whānau, and peers has been equally outstanding, creating a positive and motivating environment that encourages effective study and success. Please continue to support your learners over the next few weeks.
As we move towards the end of the year, it’s natural for our Year 13s to feel a mix of emotions – excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even a little apprehension. This transition is an important milestone, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way. We look forward to celebrating their achievements with whānau and friends, and acknowledging the wonderful contributions they have made to our school community.
Term 4 is also a time to celebrate the year. We have now had our Sports and Arts awards evenings, and have our Heru hāpai a Tāne - Wānanga Awards, Senior and Junior Academic Prizegivings to look forward to. I want to take this opportunity to remind whānau to support our learners in Years 7-10 to remain engaged in their learning until the very end of the year. They might tell you they have finished their studies, but please be assured that teaching and learning will continue right to the end!
Over the break, we received our Term 3 attendance statistics from the Ministry of Education. Only 48% of our learners were deemed to be attending school regularly - that is attending school for 90% of the time. What does this mean? Flipping the statistics it means at least 52% of our learners were having more than 1 day a fortnight off school. Whilst I appreciate that this winter appears to have been riddled with illness, there is a trend of learners taking time off school that is not related to illness. Please support your learner to get to school, and if you need support with this, contact us through our regular channels (Kaiarahi and Deans). We all know that if learners are not at school, they can't be taught.
Ngatahi, Whakapono, Tutuki (Together, Believe, Achieve)
|
|
Recent News
Auckland Middle Schools Art Exhibition 2024The Auckland Middle Schools art Exhibition is held annually and involves learners from over 20 schools in the Auckland region.
We are delighted to announce that 15 of our learners from Year 7 & 8 have had their work selected for this exhibition. These learners are producing art of a very high calibre and is a real testament to their hard work and talent in the visual arts.
This exhibition opens Sunday, 3 November and will be held at Silo 6, Wynard Quarter. | |  |
Nurse UpdateYear 13
If your child is going to uni halls next year we recommend you talk to your family practice nurse about the meningitis vaccine. Next year is the last year it will be funded.
Parenting support
There is a lot of awesome information and support available https://parentingplace.nz/resources
For parenting podcasts text 'parents' to 3598
Interesting topics include:
Untangling anxiety: Supporting kids through worry and fear. The art of negotiation, settling boundaries with teens etc
Personal hygiene
Classroom spaces are shared by multiple people. To make the classroom environment comfortable for everyone, we would appreciate parental/ caregiver guidance to support our lovely learners with their personal hygiene.
Reminders to shower/ bathe daily ( preferably in the morning), regular washing of uniforms and wearing deodorant will help make out classrooms pleasant shared spaces.
| |  |
NZQA ExamsAs our Year 11, 12 and 13 learners approach their end of year exams, please take the time along with your learner to look over the NCEA exam timetable and and make sure your learner knows when their exams will be held and if they are in the morning or afternoon session.
2024 NCEA Timetable can be found on the NZQA website. | |  |
 |
Lockers for 2025Be in quick – limited lockers available
If you wish to reserve a locker for 2025 or keep your current locker, you will need to fill out an online order form at: http://www.stowawaylockers.co.nz/order-form/ as soon as possible.
If you no longer require your locker for 2025, please let us know by email[email protected] .
You will need to return your key at the end of the term, sellotaped to a piece of paper with your details on for your bond refund. Ensure the locker is left empty, as any remaining items will be disposed of at the end of the year. Keys will need to be received within one week of term 4 ending and can be posted to:
Stowaway Lockers, 475 Crane Road, RD1,
Kamo 0185.
Refunds will be direct credited to your bank account in January 2025. | |  |
|
|
 |
2024 AON NZ Pool Rescue ChampionshipsDuring the holidays our Deputy Principal Gail Colliar competed at the 2024 AON New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships which consisted of 30 clubs and 470 entries competing for the top spots across multiple divisions.
Ms Colliar competed in the Masters Female Division and took home: | |  |
- 2 x Gold medals:
100m Manikin Carry with Fins
4x50m Obstacle Relay - 6 x Silver medals:
50m Swim with Fins, 50m Manikin Carry, 100m Swim with Obstacles, 100m Manikin Tow with Fins, 4x50m Medley Relay, 4x25m Manikin Relay - 1 x Bronze:
Line Throw
Alongside Ms Colliar's achievement, two of our learners were selected into the New Zealand High Performance Squad for Pool Rescue:
- Zoe Pederson - Senior Squad
- Dylan Blanchard - Youth Squad
Congratulations to all our winners, we are very proud!
|
|
|
