By Rector Dave Thorp | Posted: Tuesday September 13, 2022
Tēnā koutou.
Winter is over!!! Well . . . on the calendar it is. Temperatures are starting to lift and we are getting glimpses of sunshine. I hope there hasn’t been too much sickness in your whānau. During Term 3 we have had much lower rates of illness and absence compared with the first half of the year. Covid-19 case numbers are right down (only 1 at the moment) and general absences have returned to normal levels. The Government and the Ministry of Education have changed the rules on household contacts (see the article on this newsletter on new Covid-19 rules) so that should also lift our attendance levels.
Tournament Week has come and gone with some wonderful performances. The Hockey 1st XI were incredibly unlucky not to have gone further but still showed themselves to be one of the best sides in the country, finishing 6th in the Rankin Cup. The 2nd XI finished 2nd in the Galletley Shield, losing to Westlake Boys’ in a penalty shoot out in the final. The 1st XI Footballers ended up 20th at the top flight National Tournament - an excellent effort. The Junior Football team won the inaugural South Island Invitation tournament they attended. The Colts Rugby side finished 7th after a play-off win over Waitaki at their tournament. All in all, our tournament teams performed admirably and behaved impeccably - well done guys!
We have spoken to many of our senior students about their NCEA achievement. If you have a student who is sitting NCEA this year, please ask him about his NCEA credits. There is still lots of time to make meaningful changes that will lead to success. Also, if you have a student who is returning next year, please discuss his subject choices with him.
We are having a few problems with students leaving the school grounds at lunchtimes. We are acutely aware of our responsibility while the students are in our care. Have a look at the article on this newsletter on the rules and regulations to and from school. As in all other things to do with our students, it’s a team effort!
Bring on the sun, the thwack of willow on leather and the warmer weather.
Scientia Potestas est - Mā te Mātauranga te Mana
Ngā mihi nui
Dave Thorp Rector TBHS
