26th February

The great weather continues! This year we had one of the hottest days ever for our annual athletics sports. The day was great, the response of the students was great and the competition was great. I was particularly pleased with the senior students from each house who stepped up and took the lead. Students who have done well at our sports will now have the opportunity to compete in the Otago Secondary Schools Athletics meeting which will take place in Dunedin the weekend after this.

The Year 9 parent evening was held on Tuesday evening. My thanks to the parents, students and teachers who attended and helped to make this a very worthwhile event. The Year 10 evening takes place next Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in the school hall. These will be annual events from now on.

The school continues to be a busy and vibrant place. In addition to the events above, the whole of Year 11 travel to Invercargill today for a Careers Taster Day, the boys 1st XI Cricket played the opening round of the Gillette Cup, the Ugly Shakespeare Company performed for the school on Monday and Year 9 Touch has been running at lunchtimes. There is plenty to keep students involved and engaged.

At this time of year I will always mention student use of vehicles. Year 11 students are not allowed to bring a car to school. In exceptional circumstances I may approve a vehicle pass for a Year 11 student, but only after considering a written application from parents. Year 12 and 13 students who wish to bring a car to school must have a current vehicle pass. This can be arranged through the school office. The rules relating to vehicle use will be enforced as they are there for the general health and safety of both our students and the public. I appreciate the cooperation and support of parents in this matter.

In April the triennial elections for the Board of Trustees takes place. I hope that there are a number of parents who will put their names forward.

Have a good week.

Nick Simpson
Principal