The Principal's word

Kia ora koutou

Congratulations to the seven students in Year 9 and 10 who have gone right through the year to date, without getting one cross in their classbook. I do know that Mrs Foster has congratulated each of these students. Their school reports are also a credit to them. It goes to show that there is a strong link between being well organised, working hard, and achieving well academically.

Thank you to the many parents who approached me in such a positive manner with regard to the school's stand on student behaviour, especially with regard to the way students speak to staff. I am delighted to report that there have been no stand downs this week, for treating staff in this way. The message is definitely out amongst the students, we have already noticed an improved tone around school.

I have been in most classrooms this week and am delighted at how quickly students have settled into our normal routine. I can assure you that I have witnessed plenty of quality teaching and learning. The feedback from the students who want to achieve is that they have little tolerance for students who interrupt learning. We will continue to work hard to ensure that a positive learning environment is created in our classrooms, our students deserve the best.

Every day I look at our lovely school grounds and well maintained buildings. Mr Hamilton and his team work exceptionally hard to keep the presentation of our property immaculate. A group of forward thinking students saw fit last week to take responsibility for the environment. Mr Caird and CCD, last week, followed by Ms Simpson and CSP, this week, have worked to tidy our grounds. We will be extending the roster to other Group classes as the term progresses so that each Group gets the opportunity to enhance our clean green image.

Thank you to all those parents who took the time to talk to our teachers at the Year 7 and 9 Report evening, last week and at the Year 8 and 10 evening this week. All the research shows that a child does best at school when the relationship between the caregivers and the school is positive. Your ongoing support is valued by all of our staff.

The Takudai-Ichiko group head to Queenstown this weekend. Our host families will receive a well earned break. Congratulations to our 1 st XV Rugby team who laid down the challenge to our visitors, in the form of a haka, at assembly this week. Tarn as leader was a particularly impressive sight.

I finish with a selected quote from Monday's assembly.

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the Prime Minister. You realise that you control your own destiny” Albert Ellis

Have a great weekend

Russell Crossan

Acting Principal

Mathematics News

3 August: Aoraki Maths Competition for Year 7 and 8

4 August: Aoraki Maths Competition for Year 9 and 10

5 August: Australian Maths Competition

Basketball

Good Luck this weekend to Malcolm Elderton, Elliot Wilson and Jarrad Richards who are representing South Canterbury Under 15 Boys Basketball at the South Island Premiership Basketball Tournament in Invercargill.

Cromwell Winter Sports Exchange – Senior Teams

Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 August 2010 at Waimate High School

Billets: We are required to host approx 60 Cromwell students. Billets will arrive at lunchtime on Tuesday 11 August.

If your child is not involved in the exchange but you would still be interested in hosting a billet please phone the school office with your name and phone number with the number of billets you are able to host. Billets may need a lunch on Wednesday.

Proposed Draw

TUESDAY 3.00pm Girls Basketball

(Stadium)

4.15pm Boys Basketball

(Stadium)

WEDNESDAY

9.30am Soccer

10.30am Netball

11.00am Rugby

1.00 pm Luncheon

1.30pm Cromwell depart 

Cromwell Winter Sports Exchange Junior Teams to travel to Cromwell on Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 August 2010 .

Proposed Draw To be advised

Calendar

Sun-Tues 1-3 Aug Yr 13 Bio Portobello

Mon 2 Aug Careers Expo Timaru

Mon 9 Aug Takudai-Ichiko School depart

Tues-Wed 10-11 Aug Cromwell Exchange

Wed 18 Aug Senior Exams begin

Wed 25 Aug Sports & Cultural photos

Fri 27 Aug Yr 9 Dobson Ski Trip

Fri –Tues 27-31 Aug Junior Boys Basketball

to Nelson