By Dave Thorp, Rector | Posted: Wednesday April 13, 2022
Tēnā koutou. Term 1 is nearly over.
It has been an extremely challenging time in many ways, but we have still managed to lay the foundations for our year’s learning and achievement. We have also got through a summer sports season that, while affected by Covid-19, still provided lots of enjoyment and excitement. On top of all that, students have engaged in a myriad of activities ranging from kapa haka to dungeons and dragons and from theatre sports to chess club.
Covid-19 gave us a bit of a shake-up with many students and staff testing positive or isolating due to being a household contact. That has now settled down and attendance has almost recovered to normal levels. We found out that we are resourceful and flexible - we can move to meaningful online learning in a day and switch back to on-site learning without any trouble. No doubt, Covid-19 isn’t finished with us yet, but we feel resilient and ready for whatever happens.
Our rowers did extremely well at the National Champs, the Maadi Cup. Our small squad of 10 brought home 2 Bronze and a silver Medal. Well done lads! Winter is nearly here and the big team sports (and some little ones) are gearing up for the coming season. I feel that 2022 is going to be a very successful sporting year.
One fantastic development this Term has been the beginning of our Kapa Haka course. Matua Haami and Whaea Raumeria from Waka Taua come in once a week to teach a timetabled lesson. Our kapa haka boys are dramatically improving - it’s exciting to see their development.
I know that this period of Covid-19 has been tough on a number of families. The one good thing is so far, no student or staff member has become dangerously ill - I sincerely hope that was the case with you and your wider whānau.
See you next Term!
Scientia Potestas est - Mā te Mātauranga te Mana
