My compliments to all our students for the incredible effort they showed on Friday. The annual event was a show case of much that we promote at MHJC. While Mountains Whanau emerged as the overall winners, in a sense every student “conquered their mountain”. Our top athletes competed for top honours and as importantly, this year, every position counted. This meant we saw every student trying to get that crucial point which would assist their whanau to succeed. That sense of individual purpose contributing to something bigger is what we wish to promote at MHJC. We saw individual excellence and great effort by all. It was also pleasing to see and hear students cheering each other at the finish – first to 200th we all achieved something.

For the record Mr Morrison (aka Mr Plod) achieved a creditable 55th place in the Year 9 Event….He is aiming for a top 50 finish next year!

Now we look forward to our top Maths students competing in the much anticipated annual Mathex Competition this Thursday evening.

Growing greatness – kia mana ake

Reports were recently sent to parents regarding progress towards National Standards for Year 7 and 8 students. This has been our practice as it helps students to make plans and access the support they might need to reach their goals for the year.

It is important to note however that some students who have been reported as being below standard at this point are being measured against the standard that needs to be reached at the end of the year.
In a sense, it is expected that some students would be below standard at mid-year and my message to them would be that with consistent work they should be at standard or above by the end of the year.

The Senior Leadership Team has analysed the whole school National Standards and e-asTTle data which shows the progress of our students in Mathematics and English and we are extremely pleased with the results so far. While National Standards are aspirational goals we also consider each individual’s progress as of equal importance.

We will be having our Student Led Conferences in a few weeks where your child’s Learning Advisor will be able to give more information about e-asTTle and National Standards or you can contact your Whanau Leader.

Growing greatness – kia mana ake

The last two weeks have been very busy at the college and the focus has been on strengthening connections with our community.

Our information evening for year 8 parents to share information about our curriculum and opportunities for year 9 and 10 was well attended. The exciting transition programme from year 8 to senior college was discussed, the new subjects we offer and leadership opportunities in particular. There were a number of questions about the accelerate class (year 9 and 10) and the provision for gifted and talented students which is run through the DEEP programme as well as the NCEA achievement standards offered in year 10. In short we learnt a lot from the interaction and appreciate the parents’ perspectives offered at the meeting. The Senior Leaders who attended and I felt that those who were able to attend have a better understanding of how their children can benefit from a further two year transition in an environment which is specially designed for this age group. Our students succeed wherever they go after year 10 and I am convinced that this is due to the opportunities they receive in year 9 and 10 which enable them to build and grow on the foundations laid in year 7 and 8.

On Friday we trialled a breakfast for boys to attend with their significant adult. The event was well supported by Family and Friends and students and staff led by Mr Penfold. Our guest speaker Mr Richie Barnett, former National Rugby League star and commentator shared some personal perspectives on the importance of having someone who can support and guide our young men and his speech was well received. A similar event for our girls is being planned for later in the year.

Last but certainly not least was our inaugural Matariki Celebration Evening organised by Mr Tuhaka and the Maori and Pasifika Committee. Students, staff and parents came together to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment and insight into the meaning and significance of Matariki. The performances were extremely entertaining and we look forward to some of the singers and dancers appearing at Talent Show this Thursday!

It is gratifying that these efforts to connect with our whanau are appreciated and that so many parents have made an effort to strengthen our connections for the benefit of our students.

Growing greatness – kia mana ake

Last week, Mrs Hewlett and I had the privilege of attending the 23rd Student Leaders’ Convention at the Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore. We are the only school from New Zealand who has this opportunity and our students were able to share their thoughts, views and experiences with students from India, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Singapore. The theme of the conference was “Amity – Achieve As One” and delegates explored various sub-themes ranging from cyber wellness to elitism and racial discrimination. These themes were presented after two days of workshops to the judges and finalists announced at a festive finale.

I was incredibly impressed by Singapore and Hwa Chong Institution. The school and the government agree that much of their success has been achieved by finding solutions to problems that are unique and perhaps may not work in other societies – context must be considered. However the ideas of “win-win” or both parties being prepared to compromise if there is disagreement and a strong sense of community where consideration is shown to the environment and those less fortunate than others resonated powerfully with our own values.

I believe we and our students emerged better from the experience and I express my appreciation to Mrs Hewlett for her time and effort and to our students for their impeccable behaviour – they were true ambassadors of our school and our country.

By virtue of our strong association with Hwa Chong Institution three teachers have been invited to an international conference as members of SWIFT (Schools with an interest in future technologies). This provides us with an opportunity to share our experiences with schools from other countries which maintains our innovative approaches to learning.

Growing greatness – kia mana ake