21 July 2025

Welcome back to term 3, a busy term for all but in particular for our students undertaking NCEA.

School Ball

A huge thank you to all students and staff involved in the organization and running of the ball this year – another wonderful night at a superb venue. I’d like to acknowledge the attendees who again rose to the occasion and showed all who Massey High School produces. The night was enjoyed by all, and they respected the venue and each other. Our parents and caregivers also came to the party so to speak, ensuring students arrived safely (and in style) and were collected at the end of the night. Finally, a massive thanks to all of our staff who attended – the students appreciate your presence at a night that means so much to them.

Shrek the Musical

What a triumph! Having heard amazing feedback about Shrek throughout the week, it was my turn to attend on Friday night. The feedback was warranted – what an amazing spectacle all round. The calibre of talent on show was incredible, and the backstage and front-of-house operations were as slick and professional as they come. The main cast members were amazing in their own right, but the support characters and ensemble really brought the evening to life. A massive thanks to all involved, it is a huge undertaking to put on any production – to put one on of this quality takes that bit extra and cast, crew, and staff involved delivered. I’d like to thank Rebecca Polderman (Creative Director) in the first instance for driving the entire process (I’d like to say tirelessly). Also, thanks to staff involved with making costumes (Jo Skevington), sets (Campbell Rouselle), and all the other staff who contributed time and effort to support and guide students. Finally, as always, a huge thanks to the Garelja family for their continued support of the arts here at Massey High School.

New Classrooms

Thank you to DP Jen Triggs and Te Whare Ahuru for being involved in the blessing of the new short term roll growth classrooms that are situated on our lower field adjacent to Science and Technology. The 4 classrooms entered service on Monday.

You may have seen the announcement on Friday from the Minister of Education Hon Erica Stanford regarding the $120million investment programme in school buildings. Massey High School has 8 new classrooms confirmed. Initial advice suggests they will be the new modular designs. Meetings commence this week with the Ministry of Education to determine where in the school these classrooms will be situated, and when delivery will commence. My understanding of the new property delivery process is that timeframes are streamlined considerably, so hopefully the 8 new rooms will come in a timely manner. Overall though, it is great news for the school – 8 new classrooms will make an enormous difference in accommodating our growing roll whilst ensuring that we continue to offer rich curriculum offerings for our students.

Parent Teacher Meetings – Junior Students

Our Parent Teacher Meetings that focus on our junior students is on the near horizon. Keep an eye out for booking information and school operating hours (and buses) on the day. There will be valuable information for parents/caregivers and students regarding the Literacy and Numeracy assessments – with teachers prepared to explain on the evening the rationale for entry, the significance, and the impact on pathways.

Sport

Given my recent return from leave, I only managed one sporting event this week, the First XV playing Orewa College at Kumeu Rugby Club. Our thanks to Kumeu for extending the invitation to play there, particularly poignant given that 5 of the team came through the ranks from Kumeu Rugby Club. 

Whilst they are now playing for pride (which they certainly did on Saturday), there are two notable mentions. Firstly, congratulations to Munroe Fusitu’a who played his 50th game for the First XV, this is a remarkable achievement in itself. However, Munroe (our Deputy Head Prefect) has also been a wonderful servant of the game in his time here at Massey and his leadership has been an inspiration to the younger members of the squad. Secondly, it was the final game for Josua Nadredre who then left for France on the Sunday to begin his time with Castres Olympique.

I’m looking forward to getting out to some netball this week – and on a non-sporting note, to see our Jazz combo perform at the Auckland Secondary School Jazz Competition on Sunday.