With our principal, Andy Fraser, being awarded a teacher's sabbatical, I am privileged to be acting in this role during Term Two. Joining our Senior Leadership Team (Jarrad Porima, Jess Torley, Dawn Hirschberg, Ian McMillan and myself), are our previous Deputy Principal, Marion Lumley, and former Tumuaki of Te Kura-ā-Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, Keremihana Heke. I feel very privileged to work alongside such a skilled team.

Terms Two and Three are important terms for students to focus on learning. Seniors are concentrating on gaining recognition for their learning through NCEA assessment. Please talk with your child about how they are keeping on track with their NCEA. A basic rule of thumb is that students gain 3-4 credits per subject per term. This will keep seniors on track to achieve NCEA by the end of the year. Also, most Year 10 students will be assessed for the NCEA Literacy and Numeracy co-requisite mid-Term Two.

During Term Two, lunchtime classes are starting to support students if they would like extension and/or support. Winter sports are also starting. We wish all our teams the best of success this term as they attend their practices, develop skills and use these as they compete. There are also a variety of clubs, music and drama performances that students can participate in - so please encourage your child to make the most of extra-curricular activities in Term Two.

Term Two is also the time when we showcase the talents of our students involved in Performing Arts.  I very much hope that you will be able to join us for these events.  We have the Variety Concert on Thursday 16 May and the Drama Production on 12 and 13 June.  Other important events coming up are the Senior Ball and our major fundraiser for the year - the Matariki Night Market.  My thanks to all the wonderful students, staff and college whānau who work so hard to make these events come to fruition.

Finally, if you have any questions about the achievement or well-being of your child, please contact the Kaihautū for your child: Megan Nelson-Latu (Years 7 to 9), Jude Broughton (Years 10-11) or Coline Diver (Years 12-13) or any of the Senior Leadership Team.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Ngā mihi nui

Hamish Wood, Acting Principal