Tena koutou kātoa
Ko te wiki tuawaru ko te wiki o te reo Māori which ended at lunchtime today with both ākonga and kaiako coming together to support the Papanui haka and the waiata. Both were delivered with force and enthusiasm. Matua Te Haere has laid down the challenge for the whole school to participate in the haka next year.
Senior students have been working really hard to prepare for the practice assessments next week. This is a really good opportunity for Year 11-13s to start their study regime and/or look to complete internal assessments to gain the credits they need. Lots of advice has been given and there are many opportunities for all students to come into school to get assistance to meet their learning goals.
Now that we are free of most of the Covid restrictions there are increased nationwide campaigns to encourage all young people to improve their attendance at school. We know that going to school regularly, strengthens the capacity to learn new things and it also improves social, cultural and mental well-being. If you do have concerns or need support to get your young person to school, please get in touch with a form teacher, Dean, or support person here at school who can help.
This week has seen the start of a number of celebrations of excellence and we were treated to Infinite Dance on Monday and the Soiree last night. I would like to thank all of the students involved and the staff who helped to organize the events. It takes a lot of hard work to put on such performances but well worth it, especially now that we can have larger audiences without Covid restrictions. Next week we are looking forward to the Production Class show and Fiafia night.
We have had a large number of Year 12 students put themselves forward for leadership positions next year and I appreciate the sincerity with which they have applied and the willingness that each of them have to give something back to the school. I know that there are also a number of other Year 12 students who don’t necessarily see themselves taking on a specific role, but they are showing leadership through the ways that they demonstrate our Pride Values or contribute to a number of different councils or service groups throughout the school. Ka nui to mihi.
Stacey Fry
Associate Principal