By Rector Dave Thorp | Posted: Tuesday February 28, 2023
Kia ora Parents and Whānau
I hope 2023 has started well for you. Boys’ High is in good heart and looking forward to the year. Our school roll is up and we should be over 700 by the time we get a few more internationals. Most importantly in this current work environment, we are fully staffed.
New Teachers:
Mrs Van Heerden is teaching Maths
Ms Vaughan is teaching Science and Agricultural Science
Mr Narayan is teaching Technology Metal and Engineering
Mr Lowe is teaching Technology Wood
Mrs O’Connor is teaching Science and Agricultural Science
Mrs Cowan is teaching English
Mrs McKenzie-Gibbons is our Counsellor for this term.
Mrs Candy is starting a permanent position teaching Social Sciences and English.
We have had two wonderful school sports days with Athletics and Swimming. Participation for all events was well up and the days were really enjoyable. Also, we love having our Rectory Field back. All the work and money put into this special place has paid off. Our Cricket Club has hosted Christ’s College, Christchurch Boys’, Ashburton College, Waitaki Boys’ and Otago Boys (whom we beat outright for the first time in living memory). All of the travelling players and spectators have commented admiringly on the Rectory - it is not only a great wicket, it is a thoroughly lovely place to sit and watch cricket (especially the new bank) and it is also great for boys to kick a ball round at lunch times.
Year 9 Camps up at John Scott Lodge have started. Last week’s group found it a bit chilly but still enjoyed the experience. Situated at the top of Lake Tekapo alongside the Godley river, JSL is such a magical place to be. The Peer Support students love returning there to help the Year 9 boys get the most out of their week.
Attendance
In 2023, we are attempting to get rid of a bad habit that is a hangover from our Covid-19 years. Like most other schools around NZ, our attendance rates have dropped. The Ministry of Education sees it a major problem and they are adamant that schools question all absences. Attendance is obviously closely related to achievement. Many boys who could easily pass their qualification often give up if they miss too many lessons. Can I ask you to please think twice about scheduling events or holidays during school time? Also, students cannot undertake paid work during the school day. Obviously, there are lots of valid excuses for time off - many of them will be family related. Please keep us in the loop and we can all try to minimise the learning that is missed.
Open Day is approaching (Sunday March 12: 1-3pm). It’s always fun. Love to see you there.
