Kia ora,
Three weeks of the term have quickly passed by, and as mentioned last week we have been slowly increasing the range of curriculum and co-curricular component of school life. We know that the school year so far has been characterised by Covid related disruption. On Tuesday we held our virtual combined assemblies which included a focus on reconnecting and re-engaging; as a school we value and understand the importance of our place to support our students’ growth both academically and socially. The students also played a big role in this, which was demonstrated by them in the assemblies, when they shared events and activities that were coming up later in the week, and throughout the term.
Key features include:
Bullying-Free week—Speak up, stand together, stop bullying—(with the theme this year ‘He kōtuinga mahi iti, he hua pai-ā rau’; small ripples create big waves). Our school and society must be a place where all people feel safe, valued, and respected. We held a non-uniform Pink Shirt Day on Friday to raise money for Youth line and Student Support. It was great to see so many students and staff wearing pink to show their support.
Relay for Life Event Saturday 21st May, 9.00 - 4.30 Papanui High School Field
Come down, walk a lap in support, and purchase a coffee/hot chocolate/sausage (proceeds going to the Cancer Society). So far the school has fundraised over $7700 for the Cancer Society and we look forward to this increasing on the day.
Winter sport got into full swing with a large number of players participating on and off site. It’s good to see our students representing our school, and demonstrating our PRIDE values
Next Tuesday we are holding the school’s annual cross country. All Year 9 and 10 students will be participating, and it consists of either a competitive traditional cross country race, a fun run with challenges along the way, or a wellbeing walk. Seniors can only enter in the competitive race.
COVID Update
Currently we are hearing that there is a second smaller peak associated with the Covid virus. At this point our staff and student numbers with infection or requiring isolation are comparatively low compared to Term 1, however we are aware in some schools across the city that there have been significant increases. We will maintain a watching brief in this space and continue to keep all of the required health measures in place at school. This includes ventilating all of our learning spaces, so students are advised to wear all of the layers of uniform the keep themselves warm. We would continue to appreciate families/whānau notifying us of new cases via the email: [email protected]
Ngā mihi nui
Jeff Smith
Principal
