By Nick McIvor | Posted: Thursday February 12, 2015
A warm welcome to you all and your sons as we restart learning and achievement at Timaru Boys’ High School for 2015. I hope your summer with family and friends was a special time, and that a great year awaits you.
To all students joining us for the first time, both day boys and boarders, we extend a further welcome. It is our intention to make your experience at Timaru Boys’ challenging, enriching, and enjoyable.
The school begins with seven new staff. We are delighted to receive the expertise and positive influence, in and out of the classroom, of six new teachers: Miss Alannah Ford (Accounting, Economics, Enterprise), Mr David Harding (ICT), Mr Cory Hare (Drama), Miss Jana McNaught (Graphics, Art and ICT), Mr Greg O’Neill (Science and Physics) and Mr Greg Quinn (Graphics and Hard Materials). Our new librarian, Mrs Stephanie Hutchinson, also joins us to develop our library service.
There are other changes of note. The next phase of Hogben Hall upgrading has been completed with new flooring. The entrances from Raymond and Hurdley Streets are being developed. IT upgrades for remote access are completed.
Our 2015 Peer Support leaders have already ably supported the transition and wellbeing of Year 9. These Year 13s and our Year 9 staff, attended a productive introductory evening with Year 9 parents on 4 February.
The provisional 2014 NCEA results are in. Boys, teachers and parents can be proud of the increases to Levels 1, 2 and 3 Certificate achievement. We have positioned above national norms in each of these three qualifications - including above the NCEA and UE achievement of boys nationally (and girls in NCEA Level 1 incidentally). The increased number of Excellence Endorsements at Levels 1 and 3 was especially pleasing and a wonderful outcome for those who excelled. Boys in the Levels 1, 2 and 3 Excellence Endorsed group (34) and others who earned Merit Endorsements (71) were recognised in a special Academic Assembly on 11 February. An increasing number of students are likely to experience NZQA Endorsement in the years to follow, as we develop our teaching and learning effectively.
The 2014 NZQA Scholarship examination results are also pleasing this year. Our best students have distinguished themselves further in this top New Zealand-based award. The 2014 Scholars are: Tom Adams (English), Cameron Keelty (Chemistry), Tim Colson (Biology and Physical Education) and Thomas Doonan (Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics). Congratulations to each of them and their tutors, for achieving these fantastic Scholarships.
Our co-curricular programme in the Arts and Sport is well underway, with our First XI cricketers recently returned from a successful tour to Melbourne. Co-curricular activity will again be instrumental for all-round education at Timaru Boys’ and a source of new leadership opportunities. The House competition that starts this term with Swimming and Athletics, will also excite good school spirit.
Finally, Open Day is on Sunday 22 March from 1.00pm-3.00pm. Join us to see Timaru Boys’ in action, with aspects of the Curriculum and broader life and ethos of the school on show. We are expecting a good community response and encourage anyone to visit who wishes to indulge their curiosity.
Scientia Potestas Est. Mā te Mātauranga te Mana. Knowledge is Power.
Nick McIvor
Rector
