13th August

Nga mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa. Warm greetings to you all

The annual music exchange that we have with Bayfield High School is an event that we hold in high regard. This year it was our turn to travel up to Dunedin. After two days of rehearsal the musicians from the combined schools gave an evening concert. It was a great event with a wealth of talent on display. The students represented us very well and I congratulate them on their fine performance. I also wish to thank both Mrs. Parcell and Mr. Ward for their work with the students.

Over the last week we have been mailing out letters to indicate where we have concern about student progress. We expect every student will attempt the work set and we monitor progress closely. These letters are designed to give early warning that NCEA requirements are unlikely to be met. Teachers are happy to be contacted so that we can get students back on the right track.

We continue to do well in a number of areas. As I often remind you, this school is a busy place! This week we have had both of our girls’ hockey teams qualify for the finals of their grade. The boys’ soccer team had a good win over Kavanagh College and will ensure themselves a mid-table finish in what is a tough competition. The girls’ rugby continue to impress and had an emphatic 48 -0 win over Blue Mountain College in their semi-final. Our Debating team has shown promise with a first up win over Logan Park High School.

Our Netball A team won the tournament that they played in at Alexandra over the weekend.

Birkdale College visited on Monday and played a boys rugby invitational squad. This team, which came from Sheffield in England, was on a New Zealand tour. Our lads had a very good win in damp and cold conditions. The coaches of Birkdale College asked me to pass on their thanks for the warm welcome that they received and the excellent hospitality that the billets and host families had provided.

Have a good week

Nick Simpson
Principal