Kia ora,
Following on from the extended Term 4 for seniors, last Wednesday we wished them farewell and the best of luck as they were released for study and exam leave. It is nice for Year 9 and 10 students to have the school to themselves for a little while. The Junior Curriculum Initiative programme will be a feature for the remaining four weeks of the school year, maintaining a strong focus on engagement for learning. Also during this time, conversations will take place through various forums to help set the scene for the transition of Year 9 to Year 10, and Year 10 into an NCEA focussed Year 11.
On Monday night I attended the final PTA meeting for the year. I would like to thank the parents who are involved for their continued support of the school. Whether it be helping out at the various events we hold, running uniform sales, raising funds to support students, or being a sounding board for ideas and initiatives the school undertakes, your input is greatly appreciated. In particular I would like to acknowledge those parents who are leaving the PTA this year after many years of service to the school. I thank them for their ongoing support, and wish them well. It is important that we are able to get regular feedback from our local community, and this group provides a forum for this to happen.
During the week we also celebrated the success of our students through two further award events, the Senior Art Exhibition, and the Pappies (Media Studies). Congratulations to all the recipients and the staff who have supported all students in these areas throughout the year.
Over the remainder of the term we can look forward to the opportunity for some students to go on the Year 10 Outdoor Education Camps, Work Day, Activities Day towards the end of the term, and finishing with the Year 9 and 10 Prize giving on Friday 17th December (details of how the Prize giving will run to be confirmed).
Property Update: Thursday saw a significant step in the process for our building upgrade with the early-works of decanting the F Block classrooms taking place. This is in preparation so that they can be moved out onto the fields next week. The classrooms will be ready for teaching and learning at the start of 2022, and will remain there for approximately 18 months while the new building is constructed.
REMINDER: PPTA Accord Day - Thursday 25th November
The final PPTA Accord Day for 2021 will be held on Thursday 25th November. The school will be closed for instruction but NCEA exams will continue as usual.
As one of the last co-curricular events of the year, we wish the two Papanui High School Hip Hop crews who are competing at the (New Zealand Competitive Aerobics Federation) NZCAF Hip Hop Nationals at Cashmere High School on Saturday, all the very best.
Ngā mihi nui
Jeff Smith
Principal