Kia ora e te whānau,
Just a short message from me to share an update on the start of the year.
This year, we’ve welcomed 257 new students to our kura! We would like to thank all whānau who were able to attend the mihi whakatau (welcome ceremony) on Friday. It was a great way to begin the year together.
As we reach the end of our first week back, classes are now in full swing. Start-of-year administration, course changes, and introductions are largely complete. For students and whānau who are new to Kaiapoi High School, class tutors will contact you shortly to introduce themselves and share their contact details. Tutors are your first point of contact for any questions and will remain a key support for your child throughout their time at our kura.
Tutors will also be promoting our Wine and Cheese – Meet the Teacher evening, beginning at 6.00 pm on Tuesday, 17 February. Whānau of all new students are warmly encouraged to attend.
I would also like to acknowledge a staffing update. We are pleased to welcome Mr Wade Cook as the new House Dean for Tōtara (the yellow house). Our deans play a valued and complex role, overseeing the well-being and progress of all students within their house. In simple terms, when questions or concerns sit beyond the tutor level, deans provide that additional guidance and support.
On Monday, we held a whole-school assembly to reinforce our start-of-year expectations. Thank you for the support shown at home for the messages shared in our start-of-year communications. It has been an extremely positive beginning, with strong adherence to expectations around uniform, mobile phones, attendance, and road safety.
Kaiapoi High School has a long-standing strength in sports and the performing arts, and we continue to actively promote these opportunities. We encourage parents and caregivers to talk with students about getting involved in sport, music lessons, productions, clubs, community groups, and leadership roles. We will keep promoting these opportunities at school, and a gentle nudge from home makes a real difference.
Please keep an eye on this newsfeed, as there are many exciting events and opportunities coming up early in the year. I will share a principal’s update near the end of each month, alongside regular weekly articles and notices.
Enjoy the long weekend, and we may see some of you at the Waitangi Day celebrations in Kaiapoi at Trousselot Park tomorrow from 11.00 am.
Ngā mihi mahana
Jason Reid
Principal
