9 February 2026

Welcome back to all for what will be a wonderful 2026. A special welcome to our students and staff new to Massey High School (over 500 new students and nearly 30 staff). The powhiri to welcome them to the school took place against the backdrop of the Waitakere Ranges (just before the rain arrived). This year, all aspects of the powhiri were led by students from Te Whare Ahuru. We look forward to meeting the whanau and family of our students new to school at the upcoming whanau evening in week 4.

At our first assemblies with each year level, we acknowledged academic success (with dramatic improvement in Level 1, and outstanding results at Level 3 and UE). Across all levels we emphasized the importance of getting the little things right - being prepared, being punctual, being present, and actively participating. Detailed information regarding the new Stepped Attendance Response was provided to staff and students alike, as were reminders about phones-away-for-the day. Regular attendance is a major contributing factor to success for our students, and new measures are in place to better follow up on students who are not regularly attending.

Students and staff alike are adjusting to the new daily structure – the biggest change being the removal of Hui Arotahi/Assembly in the morning and the school day starting with period 1. Our new academic mentoring program takes place on Monday and Thursday of each week, between periods 3 and 4. For Years 9 and 10 these will be complemented by the Year 9 and 10 programs. Each school day now finishes at 3.10pm.

Our Year 13 students had a great start to their year with their leadership camp at Shakespear Regional Park – a huge thank you to those staff that gave their time to facilitate the camp. Our new Year 9 students will have the opportunity in a couple of weeks’ time to spend the day bonding with their Houses in the leadup to Tabloids Day.

The improvement of the physical environment for our staff and students continues. B and C Block have both been painted, E Block is getting new roofing (in preparation for full internal refurbishment), and air conditioning is going into classrooms in E and P Blocks. Our international hub is now open, which helps to cater for our approximately 100 international students currently in our school (a mix of short- and long-term students). Our Science Block received new furniture throughout, and carpet is being laid in a number of rooms around the school. New outdoor furniture and additional bins will be installed over the coming weeks. This will be followed by installation of artificial grass in central locations to provide all weather areas for students to enjoy.

Keep an eye on our website, social media channels, and upcoming newsletters for information on upcoming events.