Term 2 - Week 6

Tēnā koutou,

Next week is our International Languages Week.  Did you know we have over 30 different ethnicities represented at our kura - pretty cool!  Part of our school vision is to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where all students thrive, so celebrating our different cultures is a big part of that. The activities for next week are as follows:

• All week: Flag Competition - every day there will be a different country’s flag on our flag pole.  We are asking students and staff to try and name the country and research an interesting fact about that particular country.  Thank you to Mr Elliot for organising this competition.
• Tuesday:  International Sports - we will have a range of international sports taking place at lunchtime for the students and staff to participate in.
• Friday:  International Food Festival - at lunchtime students will be able to purchase foods from different countries around the world.
  

As part of the uniform review which took place a while back, we asked the question of our school community about the potential option of adding another outer layer to our school uniform.  In the uniform review, if we were to add another outer layer to the uniform, a hoodie was found to be the most popular option.  We now have a physical sample to collect your feedback on.  We would appreciate your feedback via the survey link below.  It’s important we get this decision right, whichever way it goes.
Hoodie feedback from our school community 

You still have an opportunity to provide your feedback on the ministry of education's proposed amendment to our enrolment zone.  Your feedback is really important, so if you haven’t already, please complete the survey at your next convenience.  The survey link is below. https://consultation.education.govt.nz/education/taupo-nui-es

Our school ball for Year 12 and Year 13 students will take place at the Great Lake Centre on Saturday night.  It is a real highlight on the school calendar and I know the students and staff are really looking forward to it.  We spoke with all attendees at a special assembly yesterday about ensuring they model our school values of Whakapono, Wero, and Manaakitanga during the event.

Have a great weekend!

Ngā mihi

Ben Claxton
PRINCIPAL

                                               Sporting News

Upcoming Winter Sports Fixtures:

                                             Careers Information

Upcoming career presentations for students
University of Waikato Scholarship Presentation is now scheduled for Friday 14 June at 12.50pm in D16.
 
University of Auckland Scholarships
It’s an exciting time! You’re finishing school this year, looking ahead and thinking about where to from here. You may be eligible for a scholarship - see https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-types/undergraduate-scholarships/entry-level-and-first-year-scholarships.html?utm
 
Thinking about University
Universities New Zealand—Te Pōkai Tara’s 2025 Thinking about university? resources are now live at www.thinkingaboutuni.nz. This has information on all the undergraduate degrees and majors New Zealand’s eight universities are offering for 2025.  
 
Scholarships
MoneyHub has compiled a comprehensive guide to scholarships for students planning to start university in 2025. Available at MoneyHub Scholarship Guide, this resource lists scholarships from all universities, along with exclusive opportunities for Maori, Pacific, and International students. The guide, updated regularly, includes application tips and deadlines, helping students easily navigate the scholarship process.
 
Looking to learn a trade or explore apprenticeships? 
Check out MoneyHub's comprehensive guide, a must-read for anyone considering an apprenticeship. Visit MoneyHub's Apprenticeship Guide to learn more:
https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/apprenticeships.html
 
Looking for a part-time job? 
Check out MoneyHub's newly updated Student Jobs guide! With over 60 employers and valuable job application tips, find your next opportunity here: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/student-jobs.html
  
CV Writing and Interview Preparation
Discover MoneyHub's invaluable resources for CV writing (https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/cv-template-students.html) and interview preparation (https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/common-job-interview-questions-students.html). These tools are designed to empower students in their job application journey. Explore and step into the job market with confidence!
 
Money Guide
MoneyHub has crafted a comprehensive guide for students, designed to provide essential tools and knowledge for building a healthy relationship with money. Explore it here: 
https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/money-in-a-nutshell.html
 
Any business wanting to host a student for work experience?
Every year we are funded to put out 70 of our senior students on voluntary work experiences. From these work experiences come some amazing things….... confidence, a sense of belonging, the knowledge that they can add some value, learning about industries that they know very little about and sometimes the opportunity of potential employment. Everything that is learned on a work experience contributes to a future decision and learning work ready skills are vital for life beyond school. Do you know a business that would like to host a Taupo-nui-a-Tia College student for a 10-day work experience? If this is something that you would like to know more about, please contact Nicola Thomsen, Gateway Coordinator, e-mail: [email protected]

      Volunteering: A Gateway to Unparalleled Growth for Students
 
Volunteering as a student isn't just about giving back to the community; it's a rich soil for cultivating a diverse skill set that can flourish in any professional environment. It's the kind of experience that doesn't just pad up your resume; it builds you up as a person.
 
First off, volunteering offers a playground for developing transferable skills. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are just a few of the many skills that you can hone. These are not just buzzwords for a job interview; they're real-life abilities that will serve you in any career path you choose.
 
Then there's the work experience aspect. In a world where entry-level jobs ask for experience, volunteering provides that crucial foot in the door. It's a space where you can learn by doing, make mistakes, and grow without the pressure of a paycheck on the line.
 
But perhaps the most beautiful part of volunteering is the 'so much more'—the personal growth, the connections you make, the lives you touch, and the joy of knowing you've made a difference. It's an experience that shapes your character and gives you stories to tell, not just tasks to list on a job application.
 
So, if you're a student on the fence about volunteering, hop off and dive in. The skills, experience, and fulfillment you'll gain are beyond measure. It's not just about what you give; it's also about what you get back, which is priceless. 
 
Come and check out Comavol on the 22nd of June - 10 - 2 PM at the Great Lake Center 
 
Happy volunteering!