Thursday 14th September 2023 | Term 3 Week 9

Kia ora e te whānau,

It is hard to believe we are already near the end of term three! But how lovely to be experiencing longer, warmer days as we move toward daylight savings. 

This week, our NCEA students have been working hard on their derived grade exams. These exams provide both ākonga and kaiako with clear evidence of what they need to work on ahead of their exams in term four, when they are able to work towards earning credits for their efforts. We are encouraging students to create a study plan, beginning in the term break, and to ensure they use this time to tidy up any work set by their teachers in order to gain any outstanding credits. With only four weeks of classes next term, students will find the time will fly by. NCEA teachers are currently writing report comments for Year 11-13 students that will support student goal-setting and identify areas of focus for the final few weeks of their year. These reports will go home early in term four. Mentor teachers will connect with whānau soon, to organise a goal-setting meeting. This will ensure we are all on the same page with learner goals and next steps to help support a successful end-of-year.

We have the next of our meetings with the architects and engineers working on our new build design this week. We are looking forward to seeing the updates from our last meeting, as we move closer to finalising plans. Ākonga and kaiako are incredibly excited about the models they have seen so far, and are looking forward to seeing the build begin. We will update you when we know more.

It is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. It has been wonderful to see the community support of our Kapa Haka rōpū, who have been out in Market Place at lunchtime singing waiata. Our kura's focus for the week has been on ensuring we learn and use the correct te reo Māori for our local areas. We look forward to seeing you all at our Kemu ki te Pō (Māori Games Night) tonight, between 5 and 7pm. This will be a great opportunity to learn, alongside our tamariki, more about the local place names of Te Manahuna (The Mackenzie) as well as further developing our own understanding and knowledge of te reo Māori. 

Next Friday, September 22nd, we will have our end-of-term assemblies. As with last term, our focus is on celebrating the students who exemplify our WAKA values (Whānaukataka, Awhinataka, Kaitiakitaka and Ārahi). It has been great to see the range of students being nominated for these awards, and shows that we have some wonderful learning happening in our classes. I know some teachers have been struggling to identify students as there have been so many awesome examples of students living our WAKA values. We extend a warm welcome to all whānau to attend these assemblies. Our Primary assembly will begin at 1pm, and our Middle/Secondary assembly will begin at 2pm - in the Community Centre Theatre.

Upcoming events:

• This Friday we have Junior and Senior Snow Club students for the Ōhau Races. This will be the final day of Snow Club for the year. A huge thanks to Clare Frost, Melissa McLellan for their organisation and giving up their time to provide this experience for ākonga. A big thanks too, to all the whānau involved in transporting and supervising students this ski season.
• The INZONE Careers bus will be here on Monday, along with the Mackenzie District Council bus. All students from Years 9 to 13 will have a chance to visit these buses throughout the day.
  
• Wednesday September 20th is 'Wacky Hair Day'. This day is organised by our Head Students to raise money for cancer.
  
• Tickets are on sale, from the office, for the Halloween Movie Night next term. Another initiative entirely organised by a group of senior students. 
  

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

Noho ora mai,
Charlotte Saunders
Acting Principal

→ Thursday, 14th September | Kemu kite po / Games Night
→ Friday, 15th September | Junior/Senior Final Snow Club for 2023
→ Monday, 18th September | Aoraki Mountain Biking
→ Monday, 18th September | InZone Careers Bus Visit
→ Tuesday, 19th September | Board of Trustees Hui
→ Wednesday, 20th September | Crazy Hair Day - Fundraising for Cancer
→ Friday, 22nd September | Last Day of Term 3
→ Friday, 22nd September | End-of-Term Huihui / Assembly
→ Monday, 9th October | First Day of Term 4
→ Monday, 9th October | Home and School Hui

*All dates above are subject to change*

Halloween Movie Night Tickets will be on sale next week for our Halloween Night at the Movies. Grab your popcorn, come along and enjoy a night out with friends. There are 3 movies to choose from, all for different audiences: Spooky Buddies (G) Coraline (PG) Smile (Restricted 16) Ticket Prices are $10 each...get in quick! 💀 🎃 👻

Head Lice We have had reports of children in the Junior School with Head Lice. Please check & treat your child's hair if necessary, keeping them away from school until treatment has begun. Click the link for more information, including treatment, from Kids Health and the Ministry of Health. READ MORE

Twizel Swimming Club

The Mackenzie District Council thinks it would be fantastic to re-introduce the Twizel Swimming Club. This could be an opportunity to help kids train for events and learn/improve their swimming skills. We are looking for parents, teachers or members of the community who would be keen to help make this happen.

If this sounds like you, get in touch with us on 0800 685 8514 or via the Twizel Community Pool Facebook page. We are hoping to offer a longer season next year or extended opening hours, and we have some resources available to support the Swimming Club.

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