 |
Kia Ora Tatou
On Monday it was a pleasure to welcome students back to the start of the new term. Speaking to a number of students they have had a good break and I expect that they are refreshed and ready to settle to work. This term is a shorter term with just 9 weeks. There are also two long weekends with both Kings Birthday and Matariki being marked in June.
During the week I have been reviewing some data of student achievement. We consider that NCEA level 2 as the minimum qualification with which any student should expect to leave school. Our data shows that 87.4% of students in 2024 achieved this goal. We also know that we have had had increased retention of students into years 12 and 13 and for some learners they will take more than a year to achieve this goal. However, these results are still very pleasing for our learners.
ANZAC Dawn Service
I have received a number of positive comments from the community following the ANZAC Dawn Service in Balclutha. I would like to acknowledge all the students who attended regardless of whether they participated in the proceedings or not. It is important that we acknowledge the contribution of all service personnel who have sacrificed so much.
Attendance
Late last term I shared in the newsletter (4 April) the long term financial benefit to student attendance at school. During the holiday I also received data for our school attendance for the first term. Despite it being a long term our attendance rate for students attending regularly (90% or more of the time) was at 65%. This is a significant improvement on the same time in 2024 when the attendance was at just 51%.
As we go into the winter it is important that students and whanau look after themselves. On Tuesday, in assembly, I have shared our data and also encouraged students to look after themselves in order to remain healthy. The examples I gave include warm/waterproof jacket, having a reasonable breakfast (cereal and toast) and a lunch/morning tea. Students cannot learn if they are hungry and quality food will help students stay healthy.
SNOB
Next Friday will be the Senior Night of the Ball. This week we have been doing the final catch up on students with poor attendance or outstanding financial accounts. I am pleased to note that student attendance has not been a barrier to attendance at the SNOB for 2025. However, there are a number of outstanding accounts which will need to be cleared prior to the sale/purchase of a SNOB ticket. These accounts are for extra curricular activities or opportunities that students/whanau have chosen to participate in and cannot be funded by the school.
Next week I will be meeting with all students attending the event to re-emphasise the school expectations for attending the event to ensure that the night is a pleasant and memorable one for everyone.
Finally
This weekend marks the start of duck shooting season. I know that a lot of our whanau will be out over this weekend and also in the coming weeks. Whilst the weather may not be the best start for the season I hope everyone enjoys the experience and stays safe. It is also the start for a lot of winter sports codes this week and next. For all players, have a great season and play with passion and pride as you represent the school.
Have a good weekend.
Ka kite ano
|
Recent News
Swimming Notice
Dear Parents/Caregivers, Year 9 and 10 students will be beginning aquatics which will involve visiting the swimming pool during their timetabled PE lessons this term.
| |  |
|
|
ADHD Workshop
19th May 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm. Email your interest to secure a spot [email protected]
| |  |
|
|
Biology Trip
On Wednesday 30th April we took 47 year 12 Biology students out to Portobello where the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre is based to complete some field work for their upcoming assessment.
| |  |
|
|
Have a Go Day
After the 2024 'Have A Go Day' being such a success, we are back for round 2! This is a great opportunity for kids to learn new skills, tips and tricks. To register your child(ren) please text their names, ages & emergency contact to Tayla by Sunday 11 - MayTayla 0278214002
| |  |
|
|
Vietnam Trip
10 - 24 April 2025. During the April school holidays a group of 38 students, parents and teachers travelled to Vietnam.
| |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|