Thursday 26th October | Term 4 Week 3 |
Kia ora e te whānau,
As expected, this term already seems to be racing by. Our Year 11-13 students finish classes at the end of next week (November 3rd) ahead of their end-of-year exams. We know they are all working hard in class on their final assessments and getting their heads around study plans for their externals in a final push for credits. We look forward to seeing the result of these efforts when results are released early next year.
Thanks to those of you who came to our NCEA Course Evening last night. This was an important chance to discuss subjects with teachers, and for whānau who have students in Year 11 next year to start getting their head around the new look NCEA. The changes that come in next year means Level One will look quite different to what it has done since the qualification was first introduced. For those who missed the evening, or who are still trying to get your head around the changes and what your young people will need to achieve in order to succeed at Level One next year, we will look at organising an NCEA evening early in 2024.
Our first 'Fun Run' was a huge success last Friday. Some students ran 14 laps of the field, so determined to get as colourful as possible. We were also lucky to have two parents bring a fire truck to help make the water element of the event far more exciting. This, along with our upcoming junior athletic events, would not be possible without the hard work and organisation of Chelsea, that happens behind the scenes.
A huge congratulations to everyone for their efforts in a very busy Labour Weekend. The biggest event was, obviously, Hard Labour. It was so good to see the huge number of people from our community getting involved - either as a participant or volunteer. A special mention to our newest 'Hard Labourer', Alison Blanchard. It was also good to see Sandy Nelson completing the 21km walk, and I particularly enjoyed cheering everyone across the finish line of the 5km, 10km and 21km walks and runs on Sunday. I know some of our younger tamariki struggled with the 5km, yet still they persevered and I am sure they were proud of their commitment and achievement.
We also had our second Movie Night of the year - with a Halloween theme - this weekend. This was completely student led, by Monique van der Westhuizen, Ella Ferguson and Ariki Curtis. Thanks to the community for your support of these movie days, and to Jesse Purton and Desiree Hooper for being the teacher helpers. The students, with Finn McKinley, also had a successful day at the market on Saturday, both promoting this event and their YES businesses. The students have also organised a non-uniform day this coming Tuesday (October 31st).
Upcoming events:
→ Lulu Dodds, M3, has organised a Middle School Disco. This 'Back to the 90's' themed evening is next Thursday (November 2nd). Tickets are on sale from the office now, and there is a poster later in the newsletter with more information. This has been a huge effort from Lulu to organise and we look forward to seeing as many Middle Schoolers there as possible.
→ Weather permitting, this Friday we are hosting students from Omarama, Duntroon and Waitaki Valley schools for the Upper Waitaki Athletics. This will involve all students from Year 4 to 8.
→ Our Year 1-3 students get the chance to show their athletic prowess at their Athletics Day, next Friday (November 3) in Kurow.
→ M4, and a handful of Year 11 students, are attempting the next round of Co-Requisite Assessments next week. These credits are important, as they are needed to pass Level One. We are hoping this headstart alleviates some pressure next year.
And finally, you will have seen we have to close school on November 13th. This is completely unavoidable, as it fits with Alpine Energy upgrading the Twizel power network. We thank you in advance for your understanding, and that we cannot have students in school that day. We have, however, made provisions for the NCEA exam happening that day - as these exams can't be delayed or moved.
Noho ora mai,
Charlotte Saunders
Acting Principal |
From the Head Students
Head Student Monique has a reminder about next week's Dress-Up Day, as well as some thanks to those who participated in last week's Fun Run and Movie Day. | |  |
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Fun Run Brings Everyone TogetherLast week's Fun Run was nothing short of amazing, with students, teachers, and the community coming together to embrace the spirit of fitness and participation. 🌈🏃♀️ | |  |
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NCEA Course Selection 2024Students in Years 10-12 can now make their NCEA subject choices through the SchoolBridge portal on the web or SchoolBridge App. You can also access information regarding Course Selection through our website. | |  |
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M1 Students Reflect on their CampOur Year 7 students braved the rain and cold during last week's M1 Camp. Read some of their writing and reflections on their week around Temple Valley and Aoraki Mount Cook. | |  |
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Student Talent on Show at WOW Arts in Action WeekThis week is the annual Arts in Action, with the theme being Wearable Art. Students have shown off their talent, creating outfits, hats, or anything they can wear or adorn themselves with. 🎨 🖼️ | |  |
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Spring has Sprung for Room 9Room 9 students have been taking advantage of the spring weather to start their class garden, with the help of their donated equipment and seeds. 🪴🌱👩🌾 | |  |
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Planned Power OutageAlpine Energy have advised us that in order to complete necessary work in Twizel, they need to turn off the power at school on Monday, November 13th.
As a result, we will need to close the school for the day. Please see the attached 'Power Off Notice' from Alpine Energy. 💡 | |  |
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Touch Rugby Brings SuccessRead how our Twizel Area School Touch team is going, at the newly formed Twilight Touch competition. 🏉 Feel free to come down to the school fields on Thursday nights to support the team! | |  |
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Sun Shines on Twizel Hard LabourKa pai to everyone who walked, ran, canoed, and volunteered their way through the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend. As always, the Twizel Area School community was out in force! | |  |
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StudyIt Forums Open for StudentsStudyIt forums for NCEA students are now open. The online learning platform has moderated forums for students to discuss NCEA achievement standards with other students and facilitators. | |  |
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Leaving School | October 2023The latest issue (#28) of the Leaving School magazine is now available to read online by clicking the link below.
Included in this issue is advice for school leavers from 2023 Young Farmer of the Year Emma Dangan.
Also included in the magazine are tips on applying for a Student Loan in 2024, Interview Tips, CV Preparation, Exam preparation and Wellbeing tips, advice on the cost of moving away from home and buying your first car. | |  |
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Shifting Responsibility to Pre-Teens and TeenagersAs they get older, teenagers need more responsibility. The ‘yes, no and maybe’ approach can help you work out when and whether to give teens responsibility. | |  |
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 → Friday, 27th October | Upper Waitaki Athletics, TAS
→ Tuesday, 31st October | Dress-Up Day
→ Thursday, 2nd November | New Entrant Transition Afternoon
→ Thursday, 2nd November | Back to the 90's Middle School Disco
→ Friday, 3rd November | Junior Athletics, Kurow
→ Monday, 6th November | NCEA Exams Begin
→ Monday, 13th November | Power Off - No School
*All dates above are subject to change* |
 Upcoming NCEA ExamsWith this year's NCEA exams starting on November 6th, it's important that our senior students (especially those taking their first NCEA exams) know what you should and shouldn't bring to exams. | |  |
Middle School | Upcoming EventsOff the back of the M3 Market Day, Lulu Dodds has been busy leading a team of M3 students in organising a 'Back to the 90's' Middle School Disco - on Thursday November 2nd. They will also be selling ice cream again in the lead-up to this Disco, as it was the most successful stall on Market Day. |
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