Principal's Weekly Review 14th September 2018

This week is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), which is a government-sponsored initiative promoting the use of Māori language.  This gives the school an added opportunity to focus on, and support, the broader Māori language revival and the raising of public awareness of Māori language learning, and public usage.

 On Monday I returned to school following my two week overseas marketing trip to Japan, where Mrs Angela Craw, Director of International Students, and I had the pleasure of visiting parents, past and future students, schools, and agents. This trip is very important in reinforcing our connection with Japan as a significant contributor to our school through the international programme. Having the opportunity while we were away, to reflect on how the students were transitioning back into Japanese education was important, in particular how well their English is supporting their further studies and progression into university.  

 Last Tuesday we held our Year 8 Parent evening.  This provided an opportunity for us to welcome our incoming Year 9’s for 2019, and their parents/whanau/caregivers.  The aim of the evening is to introduce some key people, including the new Year 9 Dean Ms Jane Herman, and to hear about some important information to support their transition into Papanui High School next year.  This event was very well attended and we look forward to welcoming our new students with our traditional powhiri next year.

 On Thursday night an enthusiastic audience was treated to the 2018 Musical Soiree, who once again has had an outstanding year of achievement.  This year’s programme included talented performances from the school’s Concert and Jazz Bands, Percussion and Flute Ensembles, Saxophone quartet, Rock bands, Theatre-sports team, Choir, and solo acts. At the end of the evening trophies were awarded to the top musicians for 2018.

 It is Senior Assessment Week next week, I wish the students well, as this forms part of their preparation for their external exams later in the year.

 

Jeff Smith

Principal