This week sees our senior students finishing their scheduled classes for the year – for our Year 13 students this is particularly poignant given it is the end of 13 years of school for them.
I had the privilege of seeing our Indian Group perform in Aotea Square as part of the Diwali celebrations on Saturday. A wonderful performance from the group showcased the many hours of hard work they have put in. A huge thank you to Nancy Patel and Lilla Chinnery for their work with the group.
Spirit Week took place last week with many of our Year 13s engaged in activities designed by them including ‘anything but a bag’ (the working clothes dryer being wheeled around as a bag surely was the most imaginative ‘bag’) and ‘dress as your favourite teacher’. There were also netball and football matches against the staff, and a free sausage sizzle for all students (generously provided for by Craig Walker).
Academies Prize Giving was held on the 21st of October and proved to be a great celebration for the large number of students who have chosen the Academies as their pathway (or as part of).
Two outstanding awards nights were also held last week, Po Tuku Taonga on Tuesday celebrated the success amongst our Te Whare Āhuru students – it was also an opportunity to farewell the Year 13 students who have been part of the Kaupapa for 5 years, they all took turns in hosting the evening as well which was a nice way to acknowledge their time with us. They also laid down a challenge to the younger members to “stay the course” and make excellence the benchmark.
Thursday night was our Pasifika Awards night, Te Angitūtanga o le Moana Pasifika. Our hall was transformed into an amazing venue for the night, success of Māori and Pasfika was celebrated, and the night was punctuated by outstanding cultural and musical performances. The evening provided a fitting farewell for Deputy Principal Jon Taura as well as we acknowledged the immense contribution he has made to the School in his time here.
Congratulations to Soni Kohinoa winner of the Sarai Bareman trophy for Best All Round Pasifika Student and to Calai Wikaira recipient of Te Tihi o Pukewhakataratara.
This week is a busy one – our Year 11 Prize Giving kicks off proceedings on Tuesday afternoon (Tuesday is also the last day of classes for all senior students).
Our Senior Prize Giving on Wednesday Night is the highlight of the awards calendar. The evening will see the naming of our Gold Badge Prefects for 2027, the revelation of the House Cup Winner for 2026, recognition of financial scholarship recipients, and the award of our highest academic honour Dux Litterarum. We will also be honouring two long serving staff members as they each head into their retirements.
Thursday is our annual Year 13 Leavers Lunch – the opportunity for all Year 13s to celebrate their time with us, and for our teachers to do the same. Thanks to our community supporters, the Year 13s are treated to a full roast meal (prepared by staff). A reminder to our Year 13s – if they are getting their uniform signed by classmates, they must ensure they have a spare unsigned one, as signed uniform is not permitted in the upcoming NCEA exams.
On Friday we move offsite for Graduation for the first time. With the growth of our Year 13 cohort, and the desire to see them all celebrate together this ceremony has (for the time being) outgrown our Performing Arts Centre. We have ensured that there is no cost to family and whānau. The holding of the event at Trusts Stadium also means that more family and whānau can attend. We have a plan to bring the ceremony back onsite for 2027 (subject to building works being completed).
In the lead up to the exams there are still some senior students who will be in for scheduled catch-ups. If your child is among this group, please ensure they are in uniform and are engaged in their workshops whilst on-site. Senior students who are not engaged from next week will be sent home so as to not disturb junior classes which continue through into December.
For junior students - a reminder of the importance of arriving at school (and to each class) on time, following attendance procedures, and ensuring that uniform is correct.
