Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,
With just a short week until the end of the term, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a well-earned break.
It has been a challenging start to the year, with Omicron affecting so many households in our community, and a seemingly endless amount of changes to the Covid Protection Framework. Our robust processes and the dedication of staff have meant we have come through the worst of the pandemic in very good shape. Our attendance numbers have continued to rise and we are seeing the value of face-to-face learning, and the impact of friendship on motivation and energy levels.
While we have had to curtail some activities, it has been a pleasure to see our students embrace the opportunities before them. Our 60+ clubs are thriving, our sports teams and Kapa Haka performed with distinction, and our music and drama groups are in full rehearsal mode preparing for exciting concerts and productions ahead.
Our Prefects have organised fundraisers, assisted at sports events, spoken at live-streamed assemblies and helped our Year 9s settle into high school. And currently we have six candidates who are running campaigns to become Student Rep on our WGHS Board.
Their tenacity and commitment despite the obstacles they had to navigate, has shown they are making great progress towards achieving our school vision: confident, robust, optimistic, proud citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand, equipped for global success.
The school holidays will be a chance to stop and take a breath. We’ll continue to assess our processes and policies as the Government makes further announcements, but it’s fair to say we are quietly optimistic that Term 2 and beyond will become easier.
For parents who have missed out on things like our Year 9 Parent, and Year 11 NCEA Information Evenings, we hope to be able to meet you in person very soon.
Have a lovely break and safe travels if you are going away. We look forward to seeing all of our students back on Monday 2 May.
Jane Stanley