30th July

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

Another busy week comes to a close. The SNOB went very well last Friday night. The school ball was a pleasure to attend. The students were immaculately turned out and treated the occasion with the respect that it has earned. My thanks to the PTA, teachers and student organizers who put the time in and ensured that we could all have an enjoyable evening.

From time to time, I have to make the decision that a student will not be attending an event because their attendance and/or behaviour at school are below the standard that I require. Sports tournaments, cultural events and competitions are regular features of school life. Those who are chosen to represent the school in public must be getting it right back here at school.

The University of Otago has now clarified the process that they will use to select students in the future. These changes are significant. One thing is clear, they are looking to recruit quality applicants with a solid academic record and the entrance criteria have been tightened. I will ensure that this information reaches both the students and the parents over the coming weeks. To help our current Year 13 students, we have tightened up the rules relating to Year 13 study. This is time that students must use very wisely over the next two terms.

Study skills days are now being organized. We will provide a programme of practical advice and guidance for all senior students. This will help to sharpen study skills and assist them in giving of their best in both the in-school assessments as well as the end-of-year examinations.

Parents often ask us how they can support a study at home. On Monday 30th August, Stuart Wright will be at school. He will run a ‘How to Study’ programme during the day for our Y11 students. In the evening he will run a seminar for parents. More information on this evening will appear in future newsletters.

Have a good week.

Nick Simpson
Principal