Term 1 - Week 5

Tēnā koutou,

In a flash, we are now halfway through term one!  As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter our assembly focus for this week was reinforcing to students what our expectations are.  We held separate junior and senior assemblies to teach and reteach the conduct we expect from our students, as well as giving students some other important reminders.  For insight, check out the following links to see the content we covered during these assemblies Year 9 and Year 10 assembly and Senior assembly term 1 week 5.pptx  We cannot assume that every student comes to us understanding the expectations of a high school student, so these opportunities are valuable for us, and hopefully valuable to the students as well.

Pleasingly, on Wednesday afternoon we had a great turnout at our Year 9 Whānau BBQ - the conclusion of our Year 9 Head Start programme.  It was awesome to see parents/caregivers, teachers, and students spending time with each other, talking with one another and getting to know each other better.  A big thank you to the staff involved in putting the afternoon together.  As I’ve mentioned previously, our school will function more productively if we have a strong triangular relationship between parents/caregivers, teachers/school, and the student.  To continue to develop those strong relationships we have scheduled whānau interviews for all year levels in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term. More information about these whānau interviews can be found below:
Monday, 24 March, 3:30pm - 4:30pm  -  Face-to-face interview
Wednesday, 26 March, 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Face-to-face interview
Monday, 31 March, 3:30pm - 4:30pm  -  Face-to-face interview
Wednesday, 2 April, 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Online Google Meet interview
Bookings will close at 3pm on the school day prior to the scheduled appointments.
This is an opportunity to meet with whānau teachers and discuss pastoral, extra-curricular and academic goals.  It is always a valuable time to co-construct progress and future learning steps, so we strongly encourage you to attend. 
You will receive an email with instructions on how to book an interview. If you encounter any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
 
Our athletics finals day was held on Thursday this week.  I managed to spend a little bit of time on our bottom field cheering on the students.  It was neat to see our students who are passionate about athletics giving it their all in the various events.  A big thank you to all the staff involved in facilitating our athletics finals day.  To continue the sporting theme, next week is our sports registration week.  One of the key messages I give to students about getting the most out of Taupo-nui-a-Tia College is by contributing back to the college.  Representing our kura (school) via sporting opportunities is a great way for students to feel more connected to our kura, and a great way to develop connections between their peers.

In staffing news, Natasha (Tash) Forrest, our Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo), has been appointed to a deputy principal role at Waipāhīhī School.  Although it is sad news for us, it is a great promotion opportunity for Tash to continue her leadership development via the deputy principal role. We wish Tash all the best for the next chapter in her educational leadership journey.

Have an awesome weekend!

Ngā mihi

Ben Claxton
PRINCIPAL

Sporting News

Winter Sport Information:
Hockey
TRIALS - Monday 10th March -  Girls 4:40-5:45pm, Boys 6:00pm-7:15pm

Netball - For those wanting to play competitively, there will be sign ups for social teams later
SKILLS AND DRILLS
Monday 10th March, 3:30-4:30pm Juniors + 5:00pm-6:00pm Seniors 
TRIALS - Monday 17th & 18th March, 3:30-4:45pm Juniors + 5:00pm-6:15pm Seniors 

Football
Boys - Wednesday 12th March, 3:30-4:30pm
Girls - Monday 10th March, 3:30-5pm
 
Rugby- Trainings
1st XV - Tuesday & Thursday 3:30-5pm 
U16 - Wednesday 13th March, 3:30-5pm
U14 - Tuesday 11th & Friday 14th March, 3:30-5pm
Girls - Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th March, 3:30-5pm

Upcoming Events:
WaiBop Mountain Biking Champs, Wednesday 12th March, Te Miro
BOPSS Athletics, Wednesday 12th March, Tauranga
BOPSS Swimming Championships, Friday 14th Match, Tauranga
BOPSS 3x3 Basketball, Friday 14th March, Tauranga 

                                              Careers Information

                                                    
These University visits have been booked for the College to date.
They are at lunchtimes (12:50 - 1:40pm) in D16.
Parents and caregivers are welcome and they are very informative about what degrees and qualifications they offer and how the University system works and the benefits of higher learning. Any Yr 12 and 13 student can attend these information sessions.
 
10th March - Waikato University
17th March - Canterbury University
24th March -Toi Ohomai
3rd April - Otago University

HUT BUDDIES WANTED!!
 
Want to make a positive difference for outdoor education at your school…?

Our school is a member of the Central Plateau Schools Alpine Charitable Trust (CPSAT), which administers Memorial Hut on Mount Ruapehu.  The Trust is looking to assemble a group of 10-15 outdoor education enthusiasts from member school communities keen to help maintain and develop this unique outdoor education resource.  “Hut Buddies” will be invited to:
 
Volunteer for a hut check-up roster – a good excuse to enjoy a walk or ski while you’re up there!
Help with “spring” cleans and working bees, typically held once or twice a year. 
Support fundraising efforts and leverage relevant networks.
 
In return, Hut Buddies will enjoy great company amidst breath-taking views, connect with fellow outdoor and education enthusiasts, and have the opportunity to hire Memorial Hut after school / education group bookings have been locked in.  Most importantly, Hut Buddies will help ensure this unique outdoor education resource remains available for their own children and for future generations. 

For more information about Memorial Hut, CPSAT trust, and how to become a Hut Buddy, please read the attached flyer.