Term 3 is always a busy time for the Senior School and this year is no exception. Since the last newsletter most of our internal assessment has been completed and Year 12 and 13 students have completed Derived Grade Examinations. This year we delayed Year 11 examinations as there is a slightly different timeline for Level 1 NCEA examinations – you can read more about this later.
At this time of year, our Prefect team is extremely busy juggling study and their prefect responsibilities. It has been wonderful to see some of our Year 11 leaders stepping in to help during the exam period and our Year 12 leaders, during school trips.
We have had Year 13 students away on an overnight Geography Trip and also on a Physical Education Camp for five nights. Our students had a wonderful time on both of these trips, building relationships and deepening their learning. These opportunities would not be available without the help of our wonderful staff.
As we shift into NCEA exams early next term, I would urge you to encourage good study habits and also be vigilant in ensuring that your child takes breaks from their study and is engaging in healthy behaviours to ensure they are caring for their mental health at this time.
Please read the information below carefully as it includes key dates and information about exams and prizegiving.
Upcoming Events for Seniors :
- 13-15 October: Year 11 Derived Grade Examinations
- 22 October: Senior Recognition Assembly (9am start)
- 29 October: Thanksgiving Mass
- 29 October: Senior Prizegiving (students at school by 6.30pm for a 7pm start) is compulsory for all senior students. Students leave school around noon in lieu of returning for prizegiving.
- 30 October: Study Leave begins for Year 12 and 13 students
- 6 November: Study Leave begins for Year 11 students
- 4 December: Clearance Day (all seniors check courses and return outstanding books)
- 4 December: Leavers’ Dinner
Course Selection
Senior students have recently completed course selection. Information and links to Option Booklets were sent home to all Year 10-12 students. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our Careers and Transition Team.
Preparation for NCEA Examinations
Congratulations to Year 12 and 13 students for their outstanding effort in the recent Derived Grade Examinations (DGE).
Students should be using the DGE as a springboard for their study, leading into the NCEA examinations in Term 4. In recent days, they should have spent time in class going through their papers with their teachers and know where they should focus their study time over the next six weeks.
A study timetable that balances all subjects and is used in conjunction with revision activities is essential for building effective study habits.
We are encouraging use of the Pomodoro Technique for organising study time, as recommended by the University of Auckland. This promotes the idea of 25 minute ‘bursts’ of study time followed by a brain break. Further information on this is in the SMC Study Skills Information booklet.
For further information on effective revision activities and study habits, consult the Sancta Maria College Study Skills booklet you were emailed before the Derived Grade Exams or download from the website.
Please remember to check in with your child as they study, especially during the holidays, to ensure that they are staying healthy both mentally and physically. Many students will be highly motivated to study hard after the Derived Grade Examinations – it is important for them to maintain balance. Maintaining regular sleep patterns can be especially helpful.
If you are concerned about your child, please contact their kaihautū, in the first instance, or one of the school counsellors. There are also many helpful contacts listed on our website under ‘Wellbeing’ (scroll to the end).
Year 11 Derived Grade Examination Information Week 2 Term 4
Please note that Year 11 students will be undertaking Derived Grade Examinations in Week 2 of Term 4. They should have a study programme in place for these exams over the holidays.
Mrs Leishman will provide all students with both a paper and electronic copy of the Derived Grade Examination schedule which also includes useful information about these exams. This information will be emailed to you by Mrs Leishman.
Term 4 Study Leave Changes for Year 11
Year 11 NZQA examinations do not start at the same time as Year 12 and 13 NZQA examinations in November. Please note that the first day of study leave for Year 11 is Thursday 6th November.
Senior Prizegiving – 29 October 2025
Senior Prizegiving is a major event on our school calendar and all students are expected to attend.
Please note that it is a compulsory event for all Year 11-13 students. Students will be released at noon on this date and are expected to be back at school by 6.30pm. Please use this advance notice to ensure that students do not have work, sporting, or personal commitments on this evening.
Holidays During Term Time and NCEA Study
A concerning number of students have gone on holiday during term time. This is considered an unjustifiable absence and as such is included in our reporting to the Ministry of Education. The New Zealand Government has taken a strong stance on holidays during term time, and the school will be upholding this.
During NCEA study, if a student on holiday misses an assessment there is no opportunity provided for students to be given an extension. This can be highly detrimental to achievement outcomes.
We cannot recommend strongly enough that overseas trips should be booked during the twelve weeks of holiday available each year to students.