Kia ora and warm greetings,

Learning Progress and Reports
It’s been another fantastic term of learning in the junior school. Learners have had the opportunity to engage in a range of activities including listening to guest author Graci Kim, and trips to the Stardome and the zoo.  Last week we proudly honoured Matariki, a time for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. As part of our school’s commitment to acknowledging this significant national celebration, we all took part in learning and performing our college’s first ever haka. What an inspiring performance by all our young people.

To help inform discussions about learning and progress, interim reports will be available on the student portal from today. Teachers have used a range of tools to make overall teacher judgement for reading, writing and mathematics.  This information is critical for planning next steps alongside our ākonga.

Literacy and Numeracy
Many of you will now be aware of the new NCEA Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite. To be awarded any level of NCEA, all learners must achieve this 20-credit Co-Requisite in literacy and numeracy. This is a one-off requirement, and most students will be ready to sit these assessments in Year 10.

Earlier this term, a small group of students—already working at or above the expected standard—sat the first assessment opportunity for 2025. The majority of the cohort will sit the assessment in September this year. Students who do not meet the standard this year will have further opportunities in 2026.

As a school, we closely monitor and track student progress and achievement in literacy and numeracy from Years 7 to 10. Parents have access to the resources that have been shared by Ministry of Education. This link has excellent resources.

As parents you can:

• Encouraging regular reading. This could be in the morning before they get up, at night before bed, or by reading aloud to younger siblings. Reading widely and often helps build vocabulary and comprehension skills. Maybe even plan a trip to the local library
• Engaging in word-based games and puzzles. Try doing crosswords together or playing word games like Scrabble, Quiddler, or Boggle—these are enjoyable ways to strengthen spelling, vocabulary, and critical thinking.
• Practicing persuasive writing with “Convince Me!” letters. Choose a topic you and your child don’t agree on—such as chores, screen time, or bedtime—and have them write a letter trying to change your mind. The twist? They need to use facts, quotes, and logical arguments to make their case.
• Involving them in cooking and baking. Measuring ingredients, reading recipes, and calculating cooking times are excellent ways to develop numeracy skills and show how maths is relevant in everyday life.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Ngā mihi nui
Reshmika Lal
Deputy Principal