Tena Koutou Katoa

The end of the year is rapidly approaching with only ten weeks left of the year for the senior students.  This coming week senior students will be focused on their College examinations which will give them an indication of how they are progressing towards achieving positive results in their final examinations.  It is important that they are now building on the study and revision skills that they have developed throughout the year.  At Assembly last week we celebrated our continuing success in our study towards NCEA acknowledging a significant number of students on track for merit and excellence endorsement at this stage of the year along with a really pleasing number of students who have already achieved enough credits for their NCEA Level 2 certificate through their work so far this year.  It is equally important that students in the junior school are continuing to focus on achieving to the best of their ability as the work that they are currently completing is the foundation of our success in the senior school.  I would encourage students in years 9 and 10 in particular to continue their conversations with their teachers over their progress in fortnightly reports so that they are receiving detailed feedback about how they can continue their learning. 

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Lyn Cooper to the position of Deputy Principal of the College.  As a previous deputy principal and a long serving staff member of the College (1982—2007), Lyn has a great understanding of the ethos and workings of Verdon College and we are really looking forward to her continuing contribution and also the expertise that she will bring to the position.  Lyn will start in the role at the beginning of term 4.

Finally, congratulations to the 1st XV for their win in the U18 Southland wide competition and for their win over James Hargest to regain our place in the Highlanders Competition for 2013.  This achievement is testament to the hard work and determination by the players in the team.  I would like to thank the coaches Alan Marshall  and Mark Scobie for their outstanding contribution to the team.  I would also like to thank all those parents and supporters who have assisted in the team’s success.

God Bless

Jarlath Kelly