Tena koutou katoa

Term 4 has begun in an extremely positive fashion helped along by the country's celebration of the Rugby World Cup victory.  With such a short term it is pleasing to see the focus of our senior students towards external examinations.  The College has focused on development of our academic programmes to assist students’ success in external examinations and it has been exciting to see this hard work of students and teachers alike bearing fruit at this time of year.  At the beginning of the year we set the academic targets for the achievement of our students in NCEA examinations, 80% pass rate at Level 1, 80% pass rate at Level 2 and a better than a 60% pass rate at Level 3.  Our preliminary tracking and analysis of students’ progress, at this stage of the year, shows that we are well on track to achieve these goals and in some cases exceed theses goals. This level of  achievement would put Verdon College amongst the top achieving schools in Otago and Southland and well ahead of schools of similar type and size.

As examinations approach, I encourage students to work hard during their study break to strive towards excellence and to challenge themselves in their learning. I would also encourage our students to focus on the attainment of subject and NCEA certificate endorsement.  Many students are progressing well towards achieving endorsement in a number of areas and as students live their values of diligent study and love of work so they will earn the rewards to their hard work.

I have also appreciated students completing their course option sheets in such a diligent manner. This year we have included some extra elements for students to plan their careers as part of the process of choosing subjects.  We have appreciated parents’ involvement in their children’s option choices and career planning.  This combined approach to planning our students’ future within the College is sure to bring further success both for the College and for students.

I would ask that we keep in our thoughts and prayers the family of Marie Watts.  We pray for support for Alan, their family and the St Patrick's community.  We would  also ask that you keep in your prayers those families that are struggling with the illness of family members at this time.  Our support and prayers are with you always.

God Bless

Jarlath Kelly