Kia ora koutou katoa

It is great to be able to look back over another outstanding term at the College.  The newsletters as well as our social media updates have been full of the achievements of so many students in so many areas. Putting an exclamation mark on that, it was wonderful to finish our term with our key events such as our Blues assembly and Inter-house Kapa haka competition. Both of these events are a wonderful demonstration of the spirit and mana of the College.

 As a community we were all so very proud of our Blues recipients and the students that were recognised for colours awards in so many areas. The Blues award is a very special award presented to Year 13 students of the College recognising three years of outstanding achievement and, or contribution to the College in a particular area. It is great to be able to share the recipients achievement with the community and hopefully inspire other students to achieve to the same highs in the future.  What was particularly positive this year was the number of students achieving both Academic Blues and a Blues award for sporting or cultural endeavour, demonstrating so well the importance and rewards of a well-rounded education. I congratulate all those recognised for their efforts and persistence in achieving to the best of their ability.

The efforts of our students in learning haka and waiata for their performances in the Inter-house Kapahaka Competition are a really important part of our school activities.  We as a College recognise the importance of our students being able to be confident in representing themselves in the cultural space as well as to develop and use te reo, which is developed through this competition as a context for that learning. I have been very proud of the efforts of the students in this endeavour and of those students that have stepped forward to share their knowledge and skills to lead their houses.

 Senior students will receive their end of year reports and these will have feedback in relation to the next steps in learning for their very soon upcoming examinations next term.  We have also published information on study skills and how to approach examinations that students should take time to review and implement in the next few weeks.  I would encourage senior students to take time over the holidays to have a rest but also to begin preparations for those examinations by using the tools provided to assist their planning and approach in the last few weeks of the year.

I wish all families a restful holiday break.

God Bless

 Jarlath Kelly